CABLE DESIGNS• Indoor– Short distances - breakout cable– Longer lengths -distribution cable– All dielectric– Plenum PVC if available

• Performance Specifications– Tensile load: 200-500 lbs max.– Temperature range: -10 to +60 C– Strength members: Kevlar®– Jacket: UL Rated

• Do not install cable indoors without UL Fire Rating!

CABLE DESIGNS• Breakout cable is larger and more expensive,

but for short distances it offers more ruggedness and the ability to be terminated without the need for patch panels or termination boxes, saving that cost.

• For most backbone cables, distribution cables have a smaller size for the number of fibers, easing pulling of the cable, and are terminated in patch panels or boxes to protect the fibers.

• Remember that indoor cables must meet UL ratings!

Cable Ratings and Markings• All cables must carry identification and ratings per

the NEC (National Electrical Code) Article 770. Cables without markings should never be installed as they will not pass inspections!

• These ratings are:– OFN optical fiber non-conductive– OFC optical fiber conductive– OFNG or OFCG general purpose– OFNR or OFCR riser rated cable for vertical runs– OFNP or OFCP plenum rated cables for air-handling areas– OFN-LS low smoke density

Inspectors are not inspecting fiber for electrical safety (unless the cable is conductive), but are inspecting for conformance with fire codes.

CABLE DESIGNS (OUTSIDE)

All outdoor cables are loose tube to allow inclusion of water-blocking compounds. Most are gels but some dry water-blocking cables are available (using materials developed for disposable diapers!)

Outdoor direct buried installations will either be armored or installed in conduit to prevent rodent (or other critter) damage.

Cables pulled through conduit must be chosen for the proper pulling tension, properly lubricated and pulled with some form of limiter (breakaway swivel or tension-controlled puller).

CABLE DESIGNS (OUTSIDE)• Outdoor

– Loose tube– Water-blocked gel-filled (dry

water-blocked cable is now also available)

– Consider ribbon for high fiber count

– All dielectric• Performance Specifications

– Tensile load: 600 lbs max.– Strength members:

fiberglass & Kevlar®– Temperature range -40 to

+60 C– Rodent resistance: armor or

innerduct– Jacket: black polyethylene

CABLE DESIGNS• Hybrid Cable– Includes two fiber types, typically

multimode and singlemode– Common in backbones - allows upgrades

• Conductive Cable - has non-current carrying conductors

• Composite Cable– Includes fiber and copper conductors– Power or signal on copper