Fibre-Optic Cable durability enchancements

Fibre-Optic Cable Durability, how do we enhance it?

Fibre Optic Cable provides a significantly faster transmission of data than traditional cables.

However, when upgrading to Optic Cable from traditional copper cables, you may worry about the durability of these cables.

Optic cables are made of glass, and this can be a major concern for some.

You may wonder how cables made of glass will hold up over time.

The fact is that if these cables are handled with proper care they can be much more durable than you would expect.

These optic fibre cables or OFCs are designed to last, and once these cables are installed, they can hold up for many years.

However, a few aspects can enhance the longevity of the fibre cable.

Here are a few common aspects that you can consider:

Fibre-Optic Cable Strength

The first thing that affects the longevity and durability of any optic fibre cable is its initial strength.

Some cables may have small cracks or damage on the surface.

Therefore, for installers of Optic Fibre Cable, it becomes very important to check the cables before handling them.

Testing with an OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) before installation makes perfect sense.

This will ensure that only those cables which are in excellent condition and that have great initial strength are installed.

indoor-outdoor cable

Fibre-Optic Cable Installation

The process followed when installing optic cables can be another aspect that can have an impact on the durability of the cables.

Installers need to be very careful whilst setting up their optic cables.

During the roll-out, if the installer stretches the cable beyond its limit, the cable can get damaged.

Once damaged its durability will be hampered.

Installers need to be careful and should always follow the handling, use, and disposal of optical fibre materials standards at all times.

Cable Figure 8

Environmental Factors

No matter how strong the optic fibre cable or its protective jacket is, the environmental conditions surrounding the cable can affect longevity as well.

Extreme weather conditions, like very high or very low temperatures, can affect the cable and can cause cracks in the cable.

If moisture can reach areas where the cables are installed, it can cause serious damage to the cable and can break it down over time.

Extreme heat or bushfires can also cause severe damage to the cable.

Cable on fire

Ensure proper bending radius

Because of its very small diameter, the cables are very flexible and still have high strength.

But, any tight knots or bending can cause damage to the fibre.

For best results, it is advised that the minimum bending radius of the cable should be 20 times the diameter of the cable while the cable is under pulling tension.

If these criteria are not fulfilled, the cable can get damaged.

Bend Radius 4

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Reduce Degradation

When optic fibre cable is installed, the cable needs to be protected from any unnecessary degradation.

Coating the fibre with protective and durable material that meets the conditions can enhance longevity.

This coating can protect the cable against the formation of any cracks and flaws.

loose tube

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Conclusion

To ensure that the fibre cable has a long life and durability, the points mentioned above need to be contemplated.

All these considerations can help you extend the life of the cables and can reduce any maintenance and repair costs.