Fiber optic cable secured with wire

Steel wire armored (SWA) fiber optic cables use wire reinforcement to protect delicate fibers from mechanical stress, crushing, and environmental hazards.

What is Wire Armoring in Fiber Optic Cables

Wire armoring involves wrapping steel wires around the fiber optic cable, typically between the inner sheath and outer jacket, to provide mechanical protection without compromising signal transmission . This is especially important for direct burial, outdoor, or industrial installations, where cables are exposed to soil pressure, rodent attacks, or heavy equipment .

Types of Wire Armored Fiber Cables

1. Steel Wire Armor (SWA): Multiple galvanized steel wires are helically wound around the cable, offering high crush resistance, tensile strength, and impact protection. SWA is ideal for underground or high-stress environments .
2. High Strength Steel Wire (HSSW): Enhanced galvanized steel armor provides ten-fold tensile performance, double crush resistance, and triple impact resistance, suitable for harsh industrial or pipeline environments .
3. Interlock and Spiral Steel Armor: Interlocking metal strips or spiral steel wires provide flexibility and bending resistance, while still protecting against mechanical stress and impacts .

Benefits of Wire Armoring

• Crush and Impact Protection: Prevents micro-bends or fractures in the fiber caused by heavy loads or accidental impacts .
• Rodent and Environmental Resistance: Steel armor deters chewing and protects against moisture, UV radiation, and chemical exposure .
• Tensile Strength: Allows safe pulling during installation without damaging the fiber core .
• Longevity and Reliability: Reduces downtime and signal loss by maintaining fiber integrity in harsh conditions .

Installation Considerations

• Proper Securement: Use cable trays, conduits, or ducting to support armored cables and prevent unnecessary bending or tension .
• Avoid Over-tightening: Cable ties or clamps should be snug but not compress the cable, as excessive pressure can damage the fiber .
• Strain Relief: At termination points, ensure strain relief mechanisms are in place to prevent pulling stress on the fiber itself . Wire-armored fiber optic cables are a robust solution for environments where mechanical protection is critical, combining durability with high-speed data transmission capabilities for both single-mode and multimode fibers .