Reinforced Fiber Optic Patch Cords - The First Choice for Harsh Environments - NADDOD Blog

Reinforced Fiber Optic Patch Cords - The First Choice for Harsh Environments

NADDOD Adam Connectivity Solutions Consultant Jan 13, 2023

With the rapid development of networks for optical communications, the application of fiber optic patch cords is becoming more and more widespread. Ruggedized fiber optic patch cords are specially designed for cabling systems in extremely harsh environments, they can resist the erosion of oil or chemicals, have a wide temperature operating range or are rodent and water resistant, etc. So what are the common types of ruggedized fiber optic patch cords? In this article, we will introduce you three common types of ruggedized fiber optic patch cords: armored fiber optic patch cords, IP67 waterproof fiber optic patch cords and military grade field fiber optic patch cords.

Armored Fiber Optic Patch Cords

Armored fiber optic patch cord is more robust than the general fiber optic patch cord. In some harsh conditions, ordinary fiber optic patch cords are susceptible to wind, rain, rodent bites and low temperatures, and the surface is prone to wear and tear after a long time of use, affecting the transmission of signals. The armored patch cords are specially designed with a small flexible stainless steel sleeve to protect the optical fiber, and then add flame retardant PVC cover outside the sleeve to achieve moisture-proof, fireproof and other functions. Armored fiber optic patch cords can be divided into single mode and multimode, with various connector types, including LC, SC, FC, ST, LC/APC, SC/APC, FC/APC, etc.

Armored fiber optic patch cords are all characterized by strength tensile and compressive resistance, anti-rodent bite, not easily damaged by stepping, etc. They can also be used in harsh outdoor environments where there is more dust or prone to damage by rodents. The following figure shows three application scenarios of armored fiber optic cable in indoor applications.

IP67 Waterproof Fiber Optic Patchcord

IP67 waterproof fiber optic patch cable meets the Open Device Vendors Association (ODVA) standard and meets the IP66/67 environmental sealing rating, it has a rugged design PU jacket and armored architecture, can be used in high temperature or harsh environment. The IP (Ingress Protection Rating) refers to the protection of optical fiber against solid and liquid particles, the first digit after IP refers to the solid state protection rating, ranging from 0-6, which means protection against large foreign particles to dust, respectively; the second digit is the liquid state protection rating, which means protection against vertical water droplets to underwater pressure, respectively, the larger the number means The higher the number, the higher the level of liquid protection. According to the type of connector, IP67 waterproof fiber optic patch cable can be divided into IP67 MTP/MPO waterproof fiber optic cable, IP67 LC waterproof fiber optic cable, etc. IP67 waterproof fiber optic patch cable with anti-rodent function, suitable for use in communication towers and CATV (public antenna television), industrial, FTTA or other harsh environments to provide protection for the network.

Military Grade Field Fiber Optic Patch Cords

Military grade field fiber optic patch cords are made of SUS spring tube, Kevlar, braided layer and TPU jacket, which are impact resistant, pressure resistant, flexible and meet military requirements. Its resistance to bending, abrasion, flame retardant and oil resistance also makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor applications, such as field and complex environments that require rapid wiring or repeated rewiring.

Deploying military-grade field fiber optic patch cords is considered a fast and effective solution for the military because it is ideal for military emergency communications, broadcast television, emergency response via fiber optic communications, mining and other outdoor applications where moisture, chemicals and corrosive gases are avoided.

FTTA Long-distance Jumper

FTTA pulling jumper is generally terminated by LC connectors and has a low smoke and halogen-free resistance sheath, which can prevent ultraviolet radiation and chemical corrosion, and is suitable for applications in harsh outdoor environments. FTTA pulling jumper’s rigid armored tube makes it more stable and has higher tensile strength, which can meet the installation needs of both indoor and outdoor environments.

With excellent compressive strength and good flexibility, these FTTA pull-away patch cords are designed for extremely harsh outdoor applications with high reliability and reduced long-term operation and maintenance costs. They can be used in current 4G/LTE and 5G networks for fiber-to-antenna (FTTA) connections and base station structures connecting AAUs and RUs, as well as for horizontal and vertical cabling structures in indoor and outdoor environments

Summary

Ruggedized fiber optic patch cords play an important role in cabling in harsh environments such as mining, wet, long-term chemical attack, etc. They can be deployed not only in indoor data centers, but also in outdoor military defense areas. The armored fiber patch cords, IP67 fiber patch cords and FTTA fiber patch cords mentioned in this article can all be used in these environments, and you can choose the right fiber patch cord for your specific needs.