An Important Guide to Interlocking
The demand for increased data bandwidth grows in tandem with technological advancements. As a result, copper wires are gradually being replaced as the network’s backbone by fiber optics. These cables are buried underground or installed in overhead ducts, conduits, or pipes. As a result, they are susceptible to damage from rodent and pest gnawing or bending under excessive physical strain. Manufacturers of cables also developed a distinct line of armored fiber optic cable to guarantee that the cable intended for extreme environments is shielded from these threats. In order to shield the cable from crushing force, an aluminum armor that covers the fiber or kevlar strands acts as a shield for the fiber core. The term “interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cable” refers to an aluminum armored fiber optic cable that is typically installed in the building’s plenum. The Structure The glass core of standard fiber optic cables is surrounded by a denser cladding and protected by a PVC jacket. A fire-resistant Aramid yarn is sandwiched between the cladding and the outer PVC covering in armored fiber optic cables, which go one step further. The PVC jacket is covered with a helically woven aluminum covering. The aluminum covering has ridges, as shown in the image below, that protect the cable from crushing without limiting its flexibility. These cables are referred to as “interlocking armored fiber optic cable” because of the way the ridges “interlock” with the ridge that came before them. How to Connect the Cable Traditional termination techniques cannot be used directly because of the construction of the cable. To gain access to the inner fiber, a specialized tool known as the BX & Armored Cable Cutter is used to slice the outer aluminum armor. The tool is clamped in place after the outer jacket has been removed, revealing the aluminum armor. A small circular cutting blade then creates a small slit in the armor by rotating the spindle. The armor separates when the cable is flexed gently, revealing the inner PVC jacket, which can be terminated to attach connectors. Applications and Benefits of Armored Fiber Cables Using armored fiber optic cable has the following advantages: Exceptional attenuation properties insulated from moisture and water penetration