As one of the most common components in fiber optic networks, fiber optic patch cords are a transmission medium used to transmit data through light. There are many types of fiber optic patch cords. For example, according to the type of optical cable, there are single-mode patch cords and multi-mode patch cords; according to optical connectors, there are ST-ST fiber patch cords, LC-SC fiber patch cords, etc.; by the cable sheath, there are PVC and LSZH fiber patch cords. You can even order custom fiber patch cables with custom lengths and colors. But in this article, we will introduce you to another kind of fiber optic jumper, that is, the armored fiber optic patch cord.
What is an Armored Fiber Optic Patch Cord?
Armored fiber optic patch cord is a relatively new type of fiber optic patch cord. It is more powerful than standard fiber optic patch cords. Use a strong housing with aluminum armor and Kevlar fiber inside the housing, which is 10 times stronger than ordinary fiber optic patch cords. This will help make the patch cord resistant to high tension and stress. There is no need for a case, and people use it in extreme environments. It is rated for a 40% higher operating temperature range, thus providing stable performance over a wider temperature range.
This type of patch cord is ideal for light to medium-duty indoor/outdoor applications. We supply armored fiber optic patch cords, including 10G OM4/ OM3, 9/125, 50/125, and 62.5/125 fiber types. This fiber optic patch cord can be terminated with SC, ST, FC, LC, MU, SC/APC, ST/APC, FC/APC, LC/APC, E2000/APC, and other types, the daily maintenance becomes easier, and convenient. The structure of the armored optical fiber jumper is a metal hose, 0.6 tight fiber, DuPont Kevlar, a braided metal wire (enhance the torsion resistance of the optical cable to avoid damage to the external optical cable), and the strength of the environmentally friendly flame-retardant PVC cable is higher than that of ordinary indoor cables. sturdy. The cables are strong.
Structure of Armored Fiber Cable
Armored fiber optic cables have additional reinforcement in the cable jacket to prevent damage.
In a basic armored cable design, the outer sleeve provides protection against wind, solvents, and abrasion. The outer sleeve is usually made of plastic, such as polyethylene.
The next layer between the sleeve and the inner jacket is an armor layer of material that is difficult to cut, chew or burn, such as steel tape and aluminum foil. This armor material also prevents the fiber from being stretched during cable installation. Stripping cables are usually placed directly under the armor and inner sleeve to aid in stripping the layers used to splice the cable to a connector or terminator.
The inner jacket is a protective and flame-retardant material used to support the inner cable bundle. Internal bundles include strength members, fillers, and other structures to support the fibers inside.
There is usually a central strength member to support the entire cable. This can be solid or stranded metallic or non-metallic material. The following share some structural diagrams of armored simplex and duplex armored cables.
Types of Armored Fiber Optic Patch Cord
There are two main types of armored fiber optic patch cord, indoor armored fiber optic patch cord, and outdoor armored fiber optic patch cord.
Indoor armored fiber optic patch cords are used for indoor applications. It consists of a tightly buffered or loosely buffered optical fiber, a strength member, and an inner jacket. The inner sheath is usually surrounded by helically wound interlocking metal tap armor. With the rapid development of optical fiber communication technology and the trend of FTTX, the demand for installing indoor optical cables between buildings and inside buildings is growing rapidly. Indoor fiber optic patch cords are less subject to temperature and mechanical stress. Plus, it’s effective at retarding fires, meaning it emits only low concentrations of smoke in the presence of a fire.
Outdoor armored fiber optic patch cords are specially designed to ensure the safe operation of optical fibers in complex outdoor environments. Most outdoor armored fiber optic patch cords are loose-tube design, the strength member is in the middle of the entire cable, and the loose tube surrounds the central strength member. The inside of the loose tube is filled with waterproofing gel, the gel between the entire cable material and the different components inside the cable (not only inside the loose tube) helps to make the entire cable waterproof. The combination of outer sheath and armor protects the fibers from animal bites and damage that can occur during direct burial installations.
Application
Armored fiber optic patch cords are often used in direct burial outdoor plant applications where a rugged cable is required to keep rodents out. It has metal armor between the two jackets to keep rodents out. Can withstand crushing loads well. Another application for armored fiber optic patch cords is in data centers where the cables are installed under the floor and can be easily crushed. Single-armored or double-armored fiber optic patch cords are usually used for underwater nearshore and shallow water. And the armored fiber optic patch cord is also used in the client, central office. MDF communication, FTTH cabling system, FTTT, defense communication, and indoor harsh environment. They provide flexible interconnects for active equipment, passive optical equipment, and cross-connects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting cables is essential for safe and reliable operation when transmitting data or power in harsh environments. This is where armored fiber optic patch cords come into play. Armored fiber optic patch cords are used in applications where the cables are subject to mechanical or environmental damage under normal operating conditions. Please feel free to contact HOLIGHT for price or more detailed information for them!