Distribution armored cable, a fiber optic cable, is built for indoor and limited outdoor environments. It wraps several tight-buffered fibers of an average diameter of 600-900 mm into a single jacket. The armored factor implies that a metal layer encloses these fibers, which is typically a spiral wound steel or aluminum tube and a supporting aramid yarn, wrapped in a long-lasting outer coat.
This is a high-density cable with easy installation and termination. Distribution Armored Cable in simple terms is a tight-buffer distribution cable which is covered by a protective metal jacket that is more resilient and durable than the normal fiber cables.
In this article, we will learn how this cable is constructed, its advantages and how to choose a right distribution armored cable.
How Is Distribution Armored Cable Constructed?
- Core Optical Fibers
A distribution armored cable has a number of protective layers. At its center, optical fibers with tight buffers are provided which facilitates easy handling and termination. Such fibers are highly packed to enable efficient distribution of fibers in one cable.
- Strength Members
Strong members that are used to reinforce the fiber bundle include aramid yarn. These materials are used to enable the cable to withstand the pulling force of the cord during the installation and the probability of the fibers to be destroyed.
- Metal Armor Layer
The fiber bundle is surrounded by a metal armor layer that is usually an interlocked aluminum or steel. High resistance to crushing, bending and rodent destruction is also provided by this layer, which means that the cable will be protected over an extended period.
- Outer Protective Jacket
The last layer is a flame-resistant jacket, which is normally constructed to suit interiors like riser or plenum chamber. This outer layer makes the cable safer whilst still being flexible and suitable in the case of complex and space-constrained installations.
What Are the Benefits of Distribution Armored Cable?
Here are some benefits of distribution armored cable.
1. Enhanced Protection
The metal armor has provided security to the fibers by protecting them in case of physical damage, accidental collision and rodents, this gives them high protection against network breakdowns.
2. Improved Installation Efficiency
The cable already has protective armor and can sometimes be installed without extra conduit as well, which will help in minimizing the work and material expense.
3. High Fiber Density
The fiber cable enables high fiber counts on a small cable diameter which enables the cable pathways to effectively utilize space in crowded cable pathways.
4. Fire Safety Compliance
Distribution Armored Cable comes with fire-rated jackets, which enhance the safety in commercial buildings and institutional buildings.
5. Long-term Reliability
Its long service life and reliability ensure that it can be used as an effective and cost-efficient solution to the fiber network in the present day.
Where Is Distribution Armored Cable Commonly Used?
- Building backbone networks
- Data centers
- Campus networks
- Between floors and network rooms
- Equipment and telecom closets
- Industrial facilities
- Utility and service areas
- Short outdoor runs
- Transition points between buildings
How Is Distribution Armored Cable Different from Non-Armored Cable?
| Feature | Distribution Armored Cable | Non Armored Cable |
| Protection | Includes a metal armor layer for built-in protection | No metal armor, minimal protection |
| Resistance to damage | High resistance to physical damage and impact | Low resistance, easily damaged |
| Rodent protection | Provides protection against rodents | No rodent protection |
| Weight and flexibility | Slightly heavier and less flexible | Lighter and more flexible |
| Installation | Often does not require conduit | Usually requires conduit for safety |
| Cost | Higher initial cost | Lower initial cost |
| Reliability | High reliability and durability | Lower reliability in harsh environments |
| Best use case | Areas where cable damage could cause downtime | Controlled, low-risk environment |
How Do You Choose the Right Distribution Armored Cable?
- Take into account the installation site, in particular, the indoor use of the cable.
- Identify the number of fibers required depending on the network requirements.
- Select the right type of jacket to be used in fire safety.
- Choose the right type of fiber to use.
- Make sure that the armor design is up to the necessary protection standard.
- Concentrate on the long-term performance and reliability.
Conclusion
Distribution Armored Cable secures your network and has it ready to do anything, either indoors or outdoors. OMC Cable is not only strong but is flexible and long-lasting and is all designed to face the challenge of the real world. They have certified quality and considerate design cables that ensure that your connections remain unproblematic. So check their website out to get your desired cables. Check out their website to find the cables you need.
