Product Name: Armored Single-mode Optical Fiber Cable
Cable Type: Loose-tube, steel tape armored, outdoor/indoor rated
Fiber Count: 2–144 cores (customizable)
Armor Type: Corrugated steel tape + aramid yarn strength members
Outer Sheath: LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) or PE (Polyethylene)
Operating Temperature: –40°C to +70°C
Bending Radius: Dynamic 20× cable OD; Static 10× cable OD
Standards: IEC 60794, Telcordia GR-20, RoHS, REACH
Construction Overview
The Armored Single-mode Optical Fiber Cable is engineered for mission‑critical networks where mechanical protection and signal integrity are non‑negotiable. Its core consists of OS2 single‑mode fibers (compliant with ITU‑T G.657.A1/A2), which deliver ultra‑low attenuation (≤0.36 dB/km @ 1310 nm, ≤0.22 dB/km @ 1550 nm) and support transmission distances up to 40 km (10G Ethernet) or 120 km (DWDM systems).
The fibers are housed in a loose‑tube design filled with water‑blocking gel, isolating them from tensile and environmental stresses. Surrounding the tubes is a corrugated steel tape armor – a continuous, helically wound steel layer that provides rodent‑proof, crush‑resistant, and impact‑resistant shielding. Between the armor and the outer sheath, aramid yarn offers additional tensile strength (up to 3000 N). The final LSZH or PE jacket resists UV, oil, and chemical corrosion, making the cable suitable for both indoor riser/plenum spaces and harsh outdoor aerial/duct environments.
Key Advantages
Superior Mechanical Protection – The steel armor withstands crushing forces up to 3000 N/10 cm and impacts up to 20 Joules, eliminating cable failure due to accidental digging, vehicle pressure, or wildlife gnawing.
Extended Transmission Reach – OS2 single‑mode fiber has intrinsic low dispersion and attenuation, enabling high‑speed protocols (100G, 400G) over long spans without repeaters – ideal for backbone, metropolitan, and FTTx trunk lines.
Flexible Installation – Despite the armor, the cable maintains a tight bend radius (20× OD dynamic) and lightweight construction (approx. 120 kg/km for 24 fibers), allowing installation in congested ducts, tight building risers, or direct‑burial trenches with minimal pulling tension.
Environmental Resilience – Rated for –40°C to +70°C and 100% condensing humidity, the cable resists water ingress (water‑blocking tape + gel) and UV degradation, ensuring 25+ years of service life in outdoor or industrial settings.
Hybrid Use – Indoor/Outdoor Transition – The LSZH sheath option permits installation inside buildings without toxic smoke emission, eliminating the need for transitional splice points and reducing total project cost.
Primary Applications
| Application | Why This Cable |
|---|---|
| Inter‑building campus connections | Armor prevents accidental backhoe or vehicle damage; single‑mode supports gigabit‑to‑terabit links across 5–20 km campuses. |
| Industrial plants & mines | Steel tape protects against vibration, oil spills, and heavy machinery; wide temp range suits unheated warehouses. |
| Data center backbone risers | LSZH jacket + low‑bend‑loss fiber allow vertical routing through fire‑rated shafts without violating safety codes. |
| Railway & highway communication ducts | Crush resistance ensures signal integrity under train/road vibrations and concrete encasement. |
| Remote FTTx distribution points | Long‑span capability reduces repeater huts in rural or mountainous terrain; armor deters rodent attacks in manholes. |
Packaging & Shipping
FAQ
Q1: Can this armored cable be directly buried without a conduit?
Yes – the steel tape armor and water‑blocking gel meet IEC 60794‑1‑2 for direct burial. However, we recommend backfilling with sand or fine soil to avoid sharp rocks scratching the jacket. For extra protection, use a PE outer sheath variant.
Q2: Does the armor affect the fiber's signal attenuation or bend performance?
No. The armor is isolated from the fibers by the loose tubes and strength members. Our tests show ≤0.02 dB added loss per 1 km after armor processing. The G.657.A2 grade fibers also maintain ≤0.15 dB loss at a 7.5 mm bending radius.
Q3: What is the maximum pulling tension and recommended installation speed?
Maximum pulling tension is 3000 N (for 24‑core version). Recommended speed is ≤20 m/min for duct pulls and ≤10 m/min for aerial lashed installations – higher speeds may induce micro‑bending.
Q4: Is this cable compatible with standard optical connectors (SC, LC, MPO)?
Yes. The OS2 fibers can be terminated with any industry‑standard single‑mode connectors. Fusion splicing or mechanical splicing is recommended. Pre‑terminated pigtail assemblies are available upon request.
Q5: How do I ground the steel armor?
The steel tape armor is electrically continuous. For safety and to avoid induced currents (especially in outdoor spans), ground the armor at one end only using a proper grounding kit. Do not ground both ends to prevent ground loop circulation.
Ordering & Customization
Standard stock versions include 24, 48, and 96 fibers with PE outdoor sheath. Custom options: hybrid cable (fiber + copper conductors), dry‑water‑blocking (gel‑free), ultra‑low‑loss G.652.D fibers, or flame‑retardant PVC jacket. Each reel is supplied with a factory test report (OTDR trace, attenuation, and tensile test).
Typical Part Number: SM-ARM-24-OS2-PE-1000 (24-core, OS2, PE sheath, 1000 m reel)
For technical datasheets, CAD drawings, or sample requests, please contact our engineering support team. This cable is stocked in regional warehouses for 48‑hour dispatch. End‑of‑life recycling – steel armor and polyethylene sheath are 95% recyclable per EU WEEE guidelines.