Application of Armored Fiber Cable

Armored fiber cable is used in direct buried outside plant applications where a rugged cable is needed and/or for rodent resistance. Armored fiber optic cable withstands crush loads well, for example in rocky soil, often necessary for direct burial applications. Cable installed by direct burial in areas where rodents are a problem usually have metal armoring between two jackets to prevent rodent penetration. Another application for armored fiber cable is in data centers, where cables are installed under the floor and one worries about the fiber cable being crushed. Indoor armored fiber optic cables may have nonmetallic armor. Metallic armored fiber cable is conductive, so it must be grounded properly. As with other fiber optic components, there are different names or meanings used. “Armor” in some companies’ jargon denotes a twisted heavy wire rope type cable surrounding the entire poly cable sheath/jacket. Single or double armor (two opposite ply layers of the steel wire) is typically used underwater near shore and shoals. Inner metallic sheath members of aluminum and/or copper are used for strength and for buried cable locating with a tone set.