An armored fiber patch cable is a special kind of fiber jumper, which is constructed with a helical stainless steel tape over a buffered fiber surrounded by a layer of aramid and stainless steel mesh with an outer jacket of plastics like polyethylene to protect it against solvents and abrasions. Armored fiber patch cable, just as the name indicates, is made of materials that are quite difficult to cut, chew and burn. This kind of material is able to prevent the fiber patch cable from being stretched during cable installation. These patch cables are designed to withstand twisting, crushing, and to prevent rodent damage in applications where normal fiber-optic patch cables may fail during installation and operation.
Design:
An armored fiber optic patch cables are designed with three layers of protection. The outer sleeve of the armored patch cable is usually made of plastics like polyethylene, the layer between the sleeve and inner jacket is made of helical stainless steel tape and stainless steel mesh and an inner jacket with flame retardant materials to protect inner fibers.
Construction:
Core
This is the inner layer that transmits optical data signals from an attached optical source (light source) to a receiving device. The core is a single continuous strand of glass or plastic that’s measured in microns (µ) by the size of its outer diameter. The larger the core diameter, the more light the cable can carry. All fiber optic cable is sized according to its core’s outer diameter. Usually, single mode OS1 and OS2 fiber will have a core diameter of 9 microns. The three multimode sizes most commonly available are 50, 62.5, and 100 microns. All fiber optic cables are sized according to its core’s outer diameter. The three multimode sizes most commonly available are 50, 62.5, and 100 microns. Single-mode cores are generally less than 9 microns.
Cladding
This is the thin layer that surrounds the fiber core and works as a boundary that contains the light waves and causes the refraction, enabling data which is in the form of light to travel throughout the length of the fiber segment.
Coating
This is a layer of plastic that surrounds the core and cladding to reinforce and protect the fiber core. Coatings are measured in microns and can range from 250 to 900 microns.
Cable jacket
This is the outer layer of any patch cable. Usually, single mode patch cables have a yellow outer jacket and Multimode OM1, OM2 and OM3 patch cables have orange, aqua or gray outer jacket.
Advantages:
An armored patch cable is generally accommodated in direct buried outside plant applications where a rugged cable is needed and for rodent resistance. Armored cable withstands crush loads well.
Application:
Armored patch cables are used in harsh environmental applications. These cables can be used in industrial process automation, Railway signaling, SCADA networks, Environmental monitoring systems, Oil and Gas industries, Military and Avionics and CCTV surveillance applications.
Conclusion:
With more and more patch cables for different applications available on the market, it is essential for us to choose the right patch cables according to the installation locations. In some harsh environment, like high humidity or threats from animal biting, armored patch cable, and water-proof patch cable are the ideal solutions. As a professional optical communication products manufacturer and supplier, Unisol provides plenty of armored patch cables and water-proof patch cables in different specifications according to your requirement. we also offer a wide variety of traditional patch cables, such as LC fiber optic cable, SC to LC fiber patch cable and ST fiber cable, etc. All products are through a professional inspection to ensure high quality. If you have any need, please kindly visit UNISOL COMMUNICATIONS
