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Armored vs. Non-Armored Fiber Cable Technical Analysis

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-05-14      Origin: Site


  •  Key Differentiators



Characteristics

Armored Fiber Cable

Non Armored Fiber Cable

Construction

Corrugated steel tape/aramid wrapping

Basic buffer coating (PVC/LSZH)

Crush Resistance

Compressive strength≥3000N/cm²

Compressive strength≤800N/cm²

Temperature Range

-40°C to +85°C (metal armor)

-20°C to +40°C

Bending resistance

bending radius≥20 times the wire diameter

bending radius≥10 times the wire diameter

Rodent Protection

Passes IEC 60794-4-41rodent test

No special protection

Weight

+40%-60% compared to standard

Baseline weight

Cost Premium

+30%-50%

Standard pricing



        


  • Selection Methodology

1. Environmental assessment

- Industrial zone/mining area: Mandatory armor (resistant to mechanical impact)

- Data center computer room: Non-armored is preferred (to save bridge frame space)

- Coastal areas: 316L stainless steel armored (resistant to salt spray corrosion)

2. Installation method

- Direct burial installation: Double-layer armoring (metal tape +PE sheath

- Overhead wiring: Central tube type armor (resistant to wind sway)

- Air-blowing construction: Micro-cable structure without armor (friction coefficient <0.15)

3. Life cycle cost

- Petrochemical plant: Armored optical cable (reducing the frequency of fault maintenance)

- Office buildings: Unarmored (TCO reduced by 27% within 5 years)

4. Standard compliance

- National defense project: It is necessary to meet the armor requirements of GJB 1428B-2019

- Civil buildings: Comply with the GB/T 7424.2 standard


Technical Notes:

1.The typical value of the armor layer thickness is 0.15mm stainless steel tape (conforming to Telcordia GR-20)

2. The maximum traction force of unarmored OM4  optical cables in a 40G network should be ≤600N (according to EIA/TIA-568-D2)

3. The latest IEC 60794-1-2:2021 adds the anti-rolling test (cyclic loading of 500N/cm²)



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