Armored vs Unarmored Fiber Cables: Key Differences Explained Leave a comment

Fiber optic cables play a crucial role in modern communication networks. They provide high-speed data transmission, low signal loss, and reliable connectivity over long distances. When selecting fiber optic cables for a network installation, one of the key decisions is whether to use armored or non-armored fiber optic cables. Each type offers different levels of protection, flexibility, and installation suitability.

Understanding the differences between these two cable types helps businesses and network installers choose the most appropriate option for their environment.

What is an Armored Fiber Optic Cable?

Armored fiber optic cables incorporate additional protective layers to safeguard the delicate optical fibers from various physical threats. This protective layer typically consists of steel, aluminum, or other robust materials. The armored layer surrounds the inner core, which contains the optical fibers, providing an extra barrier against crushing, rodents, and other physical threats.

The ideal applications include: outdoor installations, including direct burial in the ground or installation in conduits; industrial environments with heavy machinery and potential for physical damage; and areas with high rodent activity.

Key Features and Benefits

• Enhanced Durability: The primary advantage of armored cable is its superior protection against mechanical stress. It can resist crushing, impact, and tension far better than its unarmored counterpart.
• Rodent Resistance: In outdoor or underground installations, rodents chewing through cables can cause significant damage and network outages. The steel armor acts as an effective barrier, preventing animals from reaching the delicate optical fibers inside.
• Direct Burial Capability: Due to their robust construction, many armored cables can be buried directly in the ground without the need for a protective conduit. This can simplify installation and reduce overall project costs.
• Moisture and Chemical Protection: The metal layer provides an additional barrier against moisture and certain chemicals, making it suitable for industrial environments or areas with high humidity.

Disadvantages

• Weight and Flexibility: The added protective layer makes armored cables heavier and less flexible, which can complicate installation and require more robust support structures.

• Cost: Armored cables are generally more expensive than unarmored cables due to the additional materials and manufacturing processes involved.

What is an Unarmored Fiber Optic Cable?

Unarmored, or non-armored, fiber optic cables are characterized by their sleek and lightweight design. These cables are constructed with a protective outer jacket that covers the delicate optical fibers, but they lack the additional protective layers found in armored variants, making them more suitable for indoor environments, controlled spaces, and areas with minimal risk of physical damage. Data centers, office buildings, and residential installations typically use unarmored fiber optic cables. Technicians route them through conduits, raceways, or other protected pathways.

Key Features and Benefits

• Flexibility and Lighter Weight: Without the rigid steel armor, unarmored cables are significantly more flexible and lighter. This makes them easier to handle, route through tight spaces, and install, especially in complex indoor layouts.
• Lower Cost: The manufacturing process for unarmored cables is less complex, and they use fewer materials. As a result, they are generally more cost-effective than armored cables, both in terms of the cable itself and the associated installation labor.
• Immunity to EMI: Since unarmored cables are all-dielectric (containing no metal components), they are completely immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This makes them a great choice for installation near power lines or other sources of electrical noise.
• Easier Termination: The absence of a metal layer simplifies the termination process. Technicians can prepare and connect the cables more quickly without needing to cut and ground the armor.

Disadvantages

• Vulnerability: Unarmored cables are more susceptible to physical damage, including cuts, crushing, and rodent attacks, which can lead to network failures.

• Limited Use in Harsh Environments: These cables are not ideal for environments with significant physical hazards or exposure to chemicals and moisture.

Choosing between Armored and Unarmored Fiber Optic Cables

When deciding between unarmored and armored fiber optic cables, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements and conditions of your installation environment. Here is a breakdown of the key factors to help you make an informed choice:

Environment and Protection Needs

Armored Fiber Optic Cables: Ideal for harsher environments where mechanical protection is critical. This includes industrial settings, underground installations, and outdoor areas exposed to potential physical damage, moisture, or chemical exposure.

Unarmored Fiber Optic Cables: Best suited for indoor environments, such as data centers, office buildings, and residential installations. These environments typically have controlled conditions with minimal risk of physical damage.

Flexibility and Ease of Installation

Armored Fiber Optic Cables: While providing excellent protection, they are heavier and less flexible due to the added layers of armor. Installation can be more challenging and may require additional tools and labor.

Unarmored Fiber Optic Cables: Lightweight and highly flexible, making them easier to maneuver through tight spaces, around corners, and through conduits. This flexibility simplifies the installation process, especially in complex indoor routing.

Cost Considerations

Armored Fiber Optic Cables: Are generally more expensive due to the additional materials and manufacturing processes involved.

Unarmored Fiber Optic Cables: Generally more cost-effective, making them a practical choice for projects with budget constraints. The absence of additional protective layers reduces material and installation costs.

Making the Right Choice for Your Network

Your decision should be guided by a careful assessment of your project’s specific requirements.

• Think About Future Needs: Plan for potential future changes. If there’s a possibility of increased physical risk in the area, choosing an armored cable now could save you from having to upgrade later.
• Evaluate the Environment: Is the cable being installed indoors in a protected space, or outdoors where it will be exposed to weather, animals, and potential physical impact? For harsh environments, armored cable is the safer bet.
• Consider Installation Methods: Will the cable be buried directly, run through a conduit, or routed through walls and ceilings? Unarmored cables are perfect for conduits, while armored cables excel in direct-burial scenarios.
• Assess the Budget: While upfront cost is a factor, it’s crucial to think about the total cost of ownership. The higher price of armored cable might be a worthwhile investment if it prevents costly downtime and repairs in the future.

Installation Best Practices for Unarmored and Armored Fiber Optic Cables

Proper installation ensures long-term performance. It also keeps your fiber optic network reliable. This applies whether you choose unarmored or armored cables. Here are some best practices to consider:

• Cable Handling and Preparation: Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cable handling, including recommended bend radiuses, pulling tensions, and installation temperatures. Proper cable preparation, such as stripping or termination, is also essential to prevent damage during the installation process.
• Pathway Preparation: Thoroughly inspect and prepare the cable pathways before installation. Remove any debris or obstacles that could potentially harm the cables, and ensure that the pathways are adequately sized to accommodate the cable dimensions.
• Cable Routing and Support: Proper cable routing and support are crucial to prevent excessive stress or strain on the cables. Follow recommended cable routing practices, including maintaining appropriate bend radiuses and providing adequate support at regular intervals.
• Termination and Testing: Once the cables are installed, proper termination and testing are essential to ensure optimal performance and identify any potential issues. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cable termination. Then test the cable thoroughly. Use optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) and a power meter during the testing process.
• Documentation and Labeling: Accurate documentation and labeling are crucial for future maintenance and troubleshooting. Maintain detailed records of cable routes, termination points, and any relevant installation details, and clearly label cables and termination points to facilitate identification.

Conclusion

Both armored and non-armored fiber optic cables serve important roles in modern networking. Armored cables offer strong protection and high durability in harsh environments. Non-armored cables provide greater flexibility and cost less. They also allow easier installation, especially in indoor applications.

Choosing the right type depends largely on the installation environment and the level of protection required. By carefully evaluating these factors, network designers and installers can ensure reliable performance and long-term durability for their fiber optic infrastructure.

Eunice

See Full Bio