Model without armored fiber optic cable

Non-armored fiber optic cables are lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective solutions designed for indoor or low-risk environments without metallic protective layers.Overview of Non-Armored Fiber Optic Cables

Non-armored, or unarmored, fiber optic cables consist of optical fibers, a protective buffer coating, strength members such as aramid yarn or FRP rods, and an outer jacket made from materials like PVC, LSZH, or PE, but without any metallic armor layer . This construction makes them lighter, more flexible, and easier to install compared to armored cables, which include steel tape or wire for added protection .

Advantages

• Lightweight and Flexible: Easier to handle, pull through conduits, and bend around corners, ideal for indoor routing .
• Cost-Effective: Typically 20–30% cheaper upfront than armored cables due to the absence of steel layers .
• Compact Footprint: Smaller diameter allows denser packing in ducts and cable trays, useful in data centers and office buildings .
• Code Compliance: Available in OFNR/OFNP/LSZH jackets for fire safety and building standards .

Limitations

• No Rodent Protection: Vulnerable to chewing or bites in exposed outdoor environments .
• Lower Crush Resistance: Susceptible to damage under heavy loads or direct burial .
• Limited Environmental Resistance: Less suitable for harsh outdoor conditions or areas with high mechanical stress .

Typical Applications

Non-armored cables are best suited for indoor or controlled environments where mechanical protection is not critical:

• Commercial and residential buildings
• Enterprise LANs and data centers
• FTTH drop cables
• Institutional interior wiring
• Low-risk indoor installations

Example Models

• AFL LE-Series Gel-Free Single Jacket: Features dry water-absorption technology for easy handling and routing within splice enclosures, suitable for outside plant applications in controlled environments .
• Fujikura Wrapping Tube Cable™ (WTC™) with Spider Web Ribbon™ (SWR™): Available in non-armored versions, offering ultra-high density, gel-free water-blocked cores, and flame-retardant jackets for indoor and covered outdoor pathways .

Installation Considerations

• Ideal for conduit or tray installations where the cable is protected from physical abuse.
• Easier to terminate and splice due to the absence of metallic armor.
• Not recommended for direct burial or areas with high rodent activity unless additional protective measures are used. Non-armored fiber optic cables provide a flexible, cost-efficient solution for indoor and low-risk deployments, while armored cables remain necessary for harsh outdoor or high-risk environments .