As is usually the case in many networks, specific architectural characteristics,installed environment and particular applications may dictate the deployment of onetype of cable over the other. The topic "How to choose the right fiber optic cable" hasbecome more valued than ever. To satisfy the installation requirements in a poorenvironment or prevent the fiber from outside damages, such as water, fire or animalbiting etc., nowadays many fiber optic cables with different functions have beendesigned and launched in the market which includes tight buffered cable, loose tubecable, distribution cable, ribbon cable and so on. Today, we will introduce one of themost common used fiber cables in the outdoor environment—the Loose Tube Cables.

Structure of Loose Tube Cables

Due to the unique design of strength and water-blocking gel or tapes, loose tubefiber optic cables can offer the best protection for the fibers under high pullingtensions or wet place. In general, a loose tube cable consists of 12 strands offiber, but can range anywhere as low as 6, all the way up to 244 strands. Thereare seven elements in a loose tube cable. Each element plays a important role inthe cable according to its own feature.

Multiple 250 Micron bare fibers (in loose tube) One or more loosetubes holding 250um bare fibers. Loose tubes strand around thecentral strength member Moisture blocking gel in each loose tube forwater blocking and protection of 250um fibers Central strength member(in the center of the cable and is stranded around by loose tubes)Aramid Yarn as the primary tensile strength member Ripcord (for easyremoval of outer jacket) Outer jacket (the common material is thepolyethylene)

Loose tube cables can be either dielectric or optionally armored. The loose-tubedesign helps in the identification and administration of fibers in the system.

Types of Loose Tube Cables

According to the different materials or the processing technology for differentapplications, there are many types of loose tube fiber optic cables.

1. GYXTW

GYXTW is an outdoor use loose tube cable suitable for duct and aerial applications. Itis single-armored and fully waterproof. The fibers are in a loose tube made of a highmodular plastic. The tube is filled with a water-blocking filling compound andwrapped with a layer of PSP longitudinally. Between the PSP and the loose tubewater-blocking material is applied to keep the cable compact and watertight. Twoparallel steel wires are placed at the two sides of the steel tape.

Applications: Laying Modes: Aerial & Duc Rural Communication ComputerNetworks System CATV Local Trunk Line Long Distance and Local Area NetworkCommunication

2. GYXTY

GYXTY is a type of fiber optic cable in central loose tube and filled with jelly,strength steel wire, outer polyethylene sheath which are usually used for aerial outerdoor telecommunication. The unique fiber excess length control method provides thecable with excellent tension and environmental properties. The loose tube materialitself has good water-blocking properties and higher intensity. In addition, the specialjelly filled in the loose tube provides the fibers with critical protection.

Applications: Laying Modes: Aerial Computer Networks System CATV LocalTrunk Line Rural communication

3. GYFXTY

GYFXTY is a fiber optic cable in non-metal central loose tube and filled with jelly,suitable for aerial applications. GYFXTY has two parallel FRP ensure tensile strengthand fully Lightning-Proof.

Applications: Laying Modes: Aerial Trunk Power Transmission System AccessNetwork and Local Network Electromagnetic Interfering Places

4. GYFTY

GYFTY loose tube cable is a non-metallic cable used for power transmission system,excessive thunder areas and high electromagnetic interface. It's mainly used in aerialor duct. The cable tubes, filled with filling compound, are stranded around thestrength member. Additionally, aramid yarn is applied over water proof materialwhile the cable is completed with a PE sheath.

Applications: Laying Modes: Aerial & Duct Outdoor distribution AccessNetwork and Local Network Electromagnetic Interfering Places

5. GYTA

GYTA loose tube cable is used for duct or aerial applications. These aluminum tapearmored cables are suitable for installing on long haul communication and LANs,especially the situation of high requirements of moisture resistance. It is the strandedloose tube fiber optic cable with compact structure and the cable jacket is made ofstrong Polyethylene which is hydrolysis resistant.

Applications: Laying Modes: Aerial & Conduit/Duct Computer NetworksSystem CATV Local Trunk Line Rural communication

6. GYFTY53

GYFTY53 is an outdoor loose tube cable suitable for installation in high voltage area,the frequent lightning area and anti electric field. It can also be used for duct anddirect buried application. GYFTY53 use fiber reinforced plastic as its central strengthmember which provides anti-electromagnetic interference property. Double-jacketstructure makes the cable have nice properties of moisture resistance and crushresistance.

Applications: Duct and Direct Buried Application Harsh EnvironmentFrequent Lightning Area and Anti-electric Field : The Subway, TunnelLong-distance Communication: Local Trunk Network & User Network

7. GYTA53

GYTA53 is a very good cable for harsh environment. It is the steel tape armoredoutdoor fiber optic cable used for direct buried and also suitable for ducts. The maxcore of this cable is 144 cores. In addition, double-jacket structure makes it own nice

properties of moisture resistance and crush resistance. Double armor structure providecable good property of rodent- resistance and moisture resistance. Metal strengthmember provides excellent strain performance. High strength loose tube that ishydrolysis resistant.

Applications: Duct and Direct Buried Application Harsh Environment LocalTrunk Line Long-distance Communication CATV & Computer Networks System

8. GYXTC8Y

GYXTC8Y is a light self-supporting cable suitable for aerial environment for longhaul communications, duct and buried method. High tensile strength of stranded wiresmeets the requirement of self-supporting. The mental strength member is made up ofstranded wires as the supporting part and completed with a polyethylene sheath. Steelwires and loose tubes are filled with water proof compound in order to ensurecompact and longitudinally water blocking. Moreover, metal strength memberprovides excellent strain performance and the high strength loose tube is hydrolysisresistant.

Applications: Suitable for Aerial Application Long-distance and LANCommunication CATV & Computer Networks System

9. GYTC8S

GYTC8S is a typical self-supporting outdoor fiber optic cable suitable for aerialapplications. In addition, the cable have nice moisture resistance performance andcrush resistance performance suitable for duct and buried method. Its structure lookslike the figure 8. The mental strength member is made up of stranded wires as thesupporting part are completed with a polyethylene sheath. Corrugated steel tapearmored and PE outer sheath providing crush resistance and gun shot resistancefeatures. The steel-wire strength member as the central strength improves the tensilestrength and it is surrounded by the loose tube and water blocking system. The impactstructure ensures excellent mechanical and environmental performance.

Applications: Suitable for Aerial Application Long-distance and LANCommunication CATV & Computer Networks System

Fiberstore's Loose Tube Cables Solution

As a professional optical communication products manufacturer and supplier,Fiberstore can offer a wide variety of fiber optic cable choices for your cabledeployment item. We can offer the full-line of loose tube cables in differentspecifications according to your requirements. In addition, we can also support thecable custom service for your unique requirement. All products are through aprofessional inspection to ensure highly quality. Moreover, the low cost option weoffered maybe a good solution for your tension budget. We welcome any technical orproducts consultation of you over E-mail sales@fiberstore.com or our website.