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What does optical cable sheathing material include

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 07 Jun 2021

Prepared for preliminary research by the ENSAA knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

Optical cable sheathing materials protect fiber optics from mechanical, chemical, and environmental damage, with common options including PVC, PE, LSZH, and armored sheaths. Common Sheathing MaterialsPVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Widely used for indoor fiber optic cables, PVC offers good chemical resistance, weathering resistance, low cost, and low flammability. However, it produces dense smoke when burned and is less environmentally friendly, making it less suitable for high-safety or outdoor applications.

P

E (Polyethylene): Ideal for outdoor use, PE is odorless, non-toxic, and highly resistant to low temperatures (-100 to -70°C), UV radiation, and most chemicals. Its low density and excellent electrical insulation make it suitable for overhead or pipeline installations.

LSZ

H (Low Smoke Zero Halogen): Designed for fire safety, LSZH sheaths emit minimal smoke and no halogens when burned. They are commonly used in indoor riser and plenum applications, as well as multipurpose indoor/outdoor cables.

LSZ

H materials are often made from polyolefin copolymers with flame-retardant fillers like aluminum or magnesium hydroxide. Armored Sheaths: For environments with high mechanical stress, rodent risk, or underwater installation, armored sheaths provide physical protection. Options include aramid yarn, steel wire armor, double steel belt, or corrugated steel armor.

These sheaths prevent rodent damage and enhance durability in tunnels, direct burial, or seabed applications.

Flame-

Retardant Sheaths: Flame-retardant PE or LSZH materials are used where fire safety is critical, such as mines or industrial facilities. These sheaths combine mechanical protection with fire resistance. Specialized MaterialsMDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene): Offers better stress-crack resistance, higher strength, and abrasion resistance compared to LDPE and HDPE, suitable for outdoor and direct-burial applications.

PA12 (Polyamide 12): Resistant to water, alkalis, oils, and hydrocarbons, making it suitable for harsh chemical environments.

Rodent-

Proof Materials: Physical protection using aramid yarn or metal armor prevents rodent damage in underground or tunnel installations.

Selection Considerations

When choosing a sheath material, consider: Environment: Indoor vs. outdoor, UV exposure, temperature extremes, and chemical exposure. Fire Safety: LSZH or flame-retardant materials for high-risk areas. Mechanical Protection: Armored sheaths for direct burial, tunnels, or areas with rodent activity.

Installation Method: PE for overhead or duct installations, steel-armored for underwater or direct-burial applications. By selecting the appropriate sheathing material, optical cables can achieve optimal durability, safety, and performance in their intended deployment environment.

What does optical cable sheathing material include - ENSAA OPTICAL NETWORKS [PDF]

What does optical cable sheathing material include

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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