Armoured Fibre Optic Cable Buyer’s Checklist: Specifications, Testing and Delivery

Buying outdoor fibre cable is easier when you know which details to check. A good quotation lists more than a price per metre. It should state the construction, fibre type, strength rating, environmental limits and testing method. This checklist explains each item, using the details published by OMC Cable on its page for armoured fibre optic cable.

Construction

Look first at how the cable is built. OMC says its armoured outdoor range includes stranded loose tube and unitube designs. In a loose tube design, the fibres sit loosely inside gel filled tubes, which protects them from stress and moisture. In a unitube design, all the fibres sit in one central tube. The page lists models such as GYTS, GYTA, GYTZS, GYXTP, GYXTS and GYFHTS, as well as figure 8 aerial designs and double sheath types.

Ask the supplier to explain what each model code means, because naming systems can differ between manufacturers.

Armour type and strength

The page states that the armour is steel or aluminium tape, with tensile strength of up to 1500 N as a general claim, and up to 1200 N for the GYXTP type. Some models use corrugated steel tape. Tensile strength should be compared with the forces you expect during installation. Ask for both short term and long term tensile ratings, plus crush resistance values.

Fibre type and count

The company lists single mode fibres of the G.652D and G.657A2 types and multimode OM2, OM3 and OM4. Fibre counts range from 2 to 288 across the models shown on the page. Select a fibre type that suits your equipment and distance, and choose a count with room for expansion. Adding fibres later is far more expensive than adding them at the start.

Attenuation

Attenuation tells you how much signal is lost along the cable. The company gives a value below 0.36 dB per km for the GYFHTY53. The page does not give the wavelength used for that figure or values for other models, so ask for a table showing attenuation at the wavelengths you will use. This is especially important for long routes, where small differences add up.

Environmental limits

The company lists an operating temperature range of minus 40 to plus 70 degrees Celsius and says the cables resist UV light and rodents. It names an HDPE outer jacket. Check these against your site conditions. For example, if the cable will lie in direct sunlight, confirm the UV resistance and the expected lifetime in those conditions. The company states a service life of more than 25 years under normal conditions. Ask how that figure was determined and which conditions are called normal.

Water protection

Moisture is a leading cause of fibre damage. The company lists gel filled PBT tubes, water blocking tape and glass yarn. Ask whether the cable has passed a water penetration test, and which test method was used. The company says water resistance is checked before shipping.

Standards and certificates

OMC says its products are ISO and IEC compliant. Ask which specific standards apply to each model and request copies of test reports or certificates. Your project may also require compliance with local or utility standards, so list those in your specification.

Testing before shipping

The company says it conducts OTDR and tension tests, plus checks of attenuation, tensile strength and water resistance, before shipment. Ask for the test report that goes with your order and make sure the cable drum numbers match the report. If your project is large, consider arranging a third party inspection or sample test.

Quantity, length and customization

OMC states that batch orders can be up to 10,000 metres and that length, jacket material and fibre type can be customized. When planning, think about drum lengths. Ordering cable in lengths close to your route reduces splices, which in turn reduces loss and potential failure points.

Delivery time

The company gives a standard delivery time of 7 to 15 working days, depending on quantity and customization. Large or customized orders may take longer, so confirm the schedule in writing and include shipping time in your project plan.

Support and company information

Ask how technical questions will be answered and who will help if a problem arises after installation. OMC states that it has over 15 years of experience in fibre optic production and works with telecom carriers, internet service providers and data centres worldwide. Its company name is Guangdong OMC Cable Communication Co., Limited, located in Huizhou, Guangdong, China, with an office in Shenzhen.

Applications

The company lists enterprise campuses and industrial parks, telecom backbone and access networks, data centre interconnections and FTTH last mile connections. Keep your own application in mind and ask the supplier whether it has supplied similar projects.

Final checks before ordering

Confirm the model code, fibre type, fibre count and length. Request the datasheet and test report. Agree on packaging, delivery terms and payment terms. Check warranty conditions and who is responsible for damage in transit. Keep every agreement in writing.

A little attention to detail before the order can prevent expensive problems after the cable is installed. Use this checklist, ask clear questions and choose a supplier who is open with data.