Fiber Optic cables can be utilized for many different applications and industries. When it comes to essential data being transferred, such as internet service to an entire office building or communications between soldiers in a battlefield, it’s crucial that your fiber optic cable can withstand the environment.

That is why you need to ensure that you choose the best kind of fiber optic cable for your environment. That’s why at Remee Wire and Cable we offer premium types of fiber optic cable like the interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cable.

In today’s article we are taking a closer look at interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cable to find out what it’s all about, and how it can benefit your installation.

What Are Fiber Optic Cables?

Before we start discussing the benefits of this specific type of fiber optic cable lets cover what fiber optic cables are.

Fiber optic cables are a revolutionary telecommunications cable technology that has transformed the way we transmit data and information. Unlike traditional copper cables, fiber optic cables use strands of glass or plastic to transmit data in the form of light pulses. These thin, flexible cables are designed to carry vast amounts of information at the speed of light, making them incredibly efficient for data transmission.

Key Benefits of Fiber Optic Cables

The key benefits of fiber optic cables lie in their speed, bandwidth, and reliability. Fiber optics offer significantly faster data transmission speeds compared to copper cables, making them ideal for high-bandwidth applications such as internet connections, video streaming, and telecommunications.

Additionally, fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference, ensuring data integrity even in electrically noisy environments. Their lightweight and durable construction, combined with low maintenance requirements, make them a cost-effective and long-lasting choice for modern communication systems. In an time where fast and reliable data transmission is paramount, fiber optic cables have become the backbone of our digital world, enabling seamless connectivity and data transfer across vast distances.

fiber optic cableWhat is Interlocking Plenum Armored Fiber Optic Cable?

Have you heard of this kind of fiber optic cable before? If not then we need to first establish what this cable is to understand why it is so beneficial. Here’s what an interlocking planum fiber optic cable is:

Defining Interlocking Plenum Armored Fiber Optic Cable

To put it simply, interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cable is a type of fiber optic cable which uses a special kind of interlocking design that is armored to withstand harsh environments. This unique cable design eliminates the need to install a rigid conduit around the cable to meet building codes. Basically this cable comes pre packaged for harsh environment applications.

Installing the Armored Fiber Optic Cable

Now we know what makes this kind of fiber optic cable so special. The armored design allows it to be used in harsh environments without needing additional rigid conduit. Next we will cover installation of this fiber optic cable.

The Different Needs During the Fiber Optic Cable Installation Process

Installing interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cable is different from installing typical fiber optic cabling. Regular fiber optic cable is typically installed in an inner-duct (a special type of corrugated tube designed to protect the cable) so that it can pass certain building codes. That means that installing a regular fiber optic cable requires an extra step during installation which often translates to higher labor costs.  The cable needs to be specifically inserted into the inner-duct; which adds an extra step.

Fortunately with interlocking plenum armored cables you don’t need an inner-duct.  The specialized fiber optic cable design allows for the same if not better crush protection as the inner-duct and also offers increased flexibility. This gives it additional benefits over basic fiber optic cabling.

Is Interlocking Plenum Armored Fiber Optic Cable Better?

By now you are probably asking yourself, is interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cable better? While each installation comes with specific cable requirements, when compared to regular fiber optic cable the interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cable does have several unique benefits.

Key Benefits of Interlocking Plenum Armored Fiber Optic Cable

Here is a quick overview of the plenum fiber optic cable benefits:

  • It is flame retardant
  • It offers crush protection 7xs that of normal fiber optic cable
  • Able to withstand harsh environments
  • No need for rigid conduit during install process
  • Flexible, providing a higher bend radius

Each of these benefits can make for an easier and less costly installation of fiber optics.

interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cableHow Do I Decide Which Fiber Optic Cable?

By now you should have a much better understanding of the interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cable and what sets it apart from other fiber optic cabling. However, for your next cable installation project which type of fiber optic cabling should you choose? Here is some advice choosing the right cable type.

Choosing Interlocking Plenum Armored Fiber Optic Cable or a Standard Fiber Optic Cable

First off, ask yourself if your application is one where additional cables will need to be added in the future? If you answer yes, consider a Standard Fiber Optic Cable.  An installation with an inner-duct may be a better option for this kind of install.  This will give you the ability to add more cables to the inner-duct at a later date if needed.

If that doesn’t apply, then consider your environment for the cables. If crush resistance and bend radius are concerns, then an interlocking plenum armored fiber optic cable is probably the smarter option.

Also be sure to look at the big picture if price is a condition of your choice.  At first glance, interlocking armored fiber optic cables are more expensive, but once you factor in the cost of the inner-duct needed and the additional labor time required, installing a standard fiber optic cable may end up costing more overall.

Choose the Fiber Optic Cable Experts, Remee Wire and Cable

Still confused about what is the best type of fiber optic cable for your installation?  Don’t worry, you can contact the fiber optic cable experts at Remee Wire and Cable.

We have years of working within the cable manufacturing industry to provide the best cable solutions for our partners. Our knowledgeable customer service representatives will work with you to get the cable that is best for your project when and where you need it.

Give us a call at 800-431-3864 and we’ll be happy to help!