What are the main aspects of the armor optical cable?

Armored optical cables are used in applications where the fiber optic cable may be exposed to harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, humidity, moisture, and mechanical stress. The armor provides protection against damage from external factors, making it suitable for use in outdoor and industrial settings. In this article, we will discuss the main aspects of armored optical cables.

Construction

Armored optical cables are constructed with a core of optical fibers, surrounded by layers of protective materials. The core consists of one or more optical fibers made of glass or plastic, which carry the data signal. The protective layers include a buffer coating, strength member, and outer jacket.

Buffer Coating

The buffer coating is the first layer of protection for the optical fiber. It is a thin layer of plastic material that surrounds each fiber in the cable, protecting it from damage during installation and handling. The buffer coating also provides a smooth surface for the strength member to bond to.

Strength Member

The strength member is the second layer of protection for the optical fiber. It is a high-strength material that provides mechanical support to the cable. The strength member can be made of various materials such as aramid fibers, fiberglass, or steel wire. The strength member also helps to distribute stress evenly along the length of the cable.

Armor

The armor is the third layer of protection for the optical fiber. It is a metal or plastic layer that surrounds the cable, providing additional protection against external factors such as crushing, abrasion, and impact. The armor can be made of various materials such as aluminum, steel, or polyethylene.

Outer Jacket

The outer jacket is the final layer of protection for the optical fiber. It is a thick layer of plastic material that surrounds the entire cable, providing protection against moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation. The outer jacket is usually made of materials such as polyethylene or PVC.

Types of Armor

Armored optical cables can have different types of armor depending on the specific application requirements. Some of the common types of armor include:

Interlocking Armor: This type of armor consists of a continuous strip of metal that is wound around the cable in a helical pattern. The metal strip is designed to interlock with itself, providing a high level of protection against crushing, impact, and abrasion.

Corrugated Steel Armor: This type of armor consists of a layer of corrugated steel that is wrapped around the cable. The corrugated design provides flexibility, allowing the cable to bend without damage. Corrugated steel armor is commonly used in outdoor applications such as telecommunications and power transmission.

Central Loose Tube Armor: This type of armor consists of a central loose tube surrounded by layers of protective material. The loose tube is filled with gel, which protects the fibers from moisture and provides additional strength. Central loose tube armor is commonly used in underground and buried applications.

Applications

Armored optical cables are used in a wide range of applications, including:

Industrial settings: Armored optical cables are commonly used in industrial settings where the cable may be exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, and mechanical stress. They are used in factories, oil refineries, and power plants.

Telecommunications: Armored optical cables are used in telecommunications networks to provide high-speed data transmission over long distances. They are used in outdoor applications such as aerial and buried installations.

Military and Defense: Armored optical cables are used in military and defense applications to provide secure and reliable communication in harsh environments. They are used in battlefield communication systems, surveillance systems, and missile defense systems.

In conclusion, armored optical cables provide a high level of protection against external factors such as crushing, abrasion, and impact, making them suitable for use in harsh environments.