What fiber Patch Cables should we use in a harsh environment?

---

With the rapid development of optical
communication, more and more fiber optic cables are increasingly used in
different environments. Under harsh conditions, the ruggedness and durability
of common fiber optic cables cannot meet operators’ requirements, especially
for exceptional demanding applications. This post mainly introduces IP67
waterproof fiber optic cable & armored Fiber Patch Cablesuitable in harsh
environment. All the types of waterproof fiber optic cables are available in
Fiber-Mart.

 

The two fiber patch cables are armored
fiber patch cable and IP67 fiber patch cable. As most fiber cable
failures are usually caused by fiber breaks and contaminants, the fiber cable
and the termination points of the fiber links should all be well protected. And
the two types of fiber cable can perfectly meet most requirements of harsh
cabling environment.

 

IP67 Fiber Patch Cable

IP67 waterproof fiber optic patch cable
can be used in harsh environment, providing more convenience and extra
protection for network systems. Even if there are various patch cables
available on the market, which can be used in different applications, in most
cases, they can only be installed in relatively protected environment where
stay away from liquid, chemicals and animal biting. What if I want to use it in
military network or extremely harsh environment? The following text will
introduce a saviour in hostile surroundings—IP67 waterproof fiber optic patch
cable.

 

Overview of IP67 Waterproof Fiber Optic
Patch Cable

 

Waterproof fiber optic patch cable is
mainly used in outdoor connection. It is designed with a stainless steel
strengthened waterproof unit and armored outdoor PU jacketed cables. It can
resist high temperature, and is suitable for use in harsh environments. Similar
to standard fiber optic patch cables, waterproof fiber cables also have various
types, including simplex, duplex, 12 fibers, 24 fibers, and various kinds of
connect interfaces are optional, such as LC, SC, FC, ST, MPO, etc.

 

IP67 waterproof fiber cable meets ODVA
(Open DeviceNet Vendors Association) standards and the IP66/67 environmental
sealing ratings. IP67 waterproof fiber jumper connectors are designed according
to the IEC60603-7 interface standard, which allows mating to other similar
mechanical locking systems. In all, IP67 waterproof fiber optic patch cable is
a low-cost and ideal alternative for industry, FTTA, or other harsh
environmental conditions.

 

Why & Where to Use IP67 Waterproof
Fiber Optic Patch Cable?

 

Compared to common fiber optic cables,
IP67 waterproof fiber cables are endowed with the following features:

 

Corrosion-resistant, waterproof,
dust-proof

High temperature stability, low
insertion loss

Easy operation, reliable and
cost-effective installation

Thread locking mechanism to ensure
long-term reliable connection

Long-lasting and durable

Rugged design for extreme environments

High sealing performances for vacuum
& under water applications

All of the above features make
waterproof fiber cables suitable for outdoor application, such as:

 

Emergency repair quick connection system

Radio and television industry

Military exercise communication devices

Power industry emergency communication
system

Oilfield, mining communication
connection

Remote wireless base station

Railway signal control application

Intelligent substation communication

Video monitoring system

 

 

2.Armored Fiber Patch Cable

 

Unlike traditional fiber patch cables
which are fragile and usually need careful operation, armored fiber patch
cables are usually much more durable and flexible. Armored fiber patch cable
usually has two jackets, one inner jacket and one outer jacket, between which
there is a build-in steel tube. Some vendors also provide armored fiber cables
with aluminum tube. This robust metal tube can provide optical fibers inside
armored fiber cable from the impact and bite from animals. The most commonly
used designs of armor used in armored fiber cables are interlock and
corrugated. For most outside plant applications, the corrugated armored fiber
cables are suggested. Now a lot of armored fiber patch cable uses interlock
armor. During operation in data center, armored fiber patch cable can provide a
more flexible cabling environment, because it has bend restrictor which can
provide optical fibers from over bending. The following picture shows the
structure of an armored fiber patch cable.

 

With its durability and flexibility,
armored fiber patch cables and armored fiber cable are widely deployed in
today’s network. For data center applications, there is a wide selection of
armored fiber patch cables, which are available from different connector type,
fiber type, jacket type, fiber count, etc.

 

Conclusion

 

It is usually inevitable to deploy
fiber cables in harsh environments for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Rodents, like squirrels in outdoor and rats in data centers, are cable
destroyers which like to bite or chew fiber optic cables. Except that, there
are also many other challenges which can harm fiber optic cables and cause
fiber failures, like dusts, water or other liquid, accidental impact, etc. Thus,
enough protection should be provided for fiber optic network. Two types of
fiber patch cables, which are specially designed for harsh cabling
environments, can easily find in Fiber-Mart. Welcome to contact with us: product@fiber-mart.com.