Why must outdoor fiber cables use black PE jackets?
Outdoor fiber optic cables typically use black PE (Polyethylene) jackets primarily for UV resistance.
Here’s why:
- UV Protection: Polyethylene itself is susceptible to degradation from ultraviolet (UV) radiation when exposed to sunlight over extended periods. This degradation can lead to embrittlement, cracking, and eventual failure of the cable jacket. By adding carbon black during the manufacturing process, the PE jacket becomes highly opaque to UV light. Carbon black effectively absorbs UV radiation, preventing it from reaching and damaging the underlying polymer structure.
- Weather Resistance: The black PE jacket also provides excellent resistance to other environmental factors such as moisture, extreme temperatures, and chemical exposure, contributing to the overall longevity and reliability of the cable in harsh outdoor conditions.
- Durability: PE is a robust material that offers good abrasion resistance and mechanical protection, which is crucial for cables installed outdoors where they might be subjected to physical stress.
For outdoor applications requiring durable protection, OFSCN offers various robust patch cords. For example, the OFSCN® 3.0mm Steel Wire Rope Fiber Optic Patch Cord uses a PE jacket and is designed for environments with a temperature range of -40℃ to 75℃, offering strong tensile and compressive strength.
Here are some standard product images:
You can find more details on our website:
Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors (International Site)
Specialty Optical Fibers and Cables (International Site)