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Outdoor & Indoor-Outdoor Fiber Cable
Outdoor LSZH and Armored Loose Tube Fiber Cable
Armored Loose Tube Cable is a compact central loose tube fiber optic cable built for outdoor and indoor-outdoor routes where mechanical protection, low smoke halogen-free performance and stable long-term operation are required.
This structure combines a gel-filled central tube, water-blocking glass yarn and corrugated steel tape armor to improve crush resistance, rodent protection and installation reliability in ducts, conduits, campus links and secondary distribution lines.
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What is an Armored Loose Tube Cable?
This armored loose tube cable uses a central loose tube construction for lower fiber counts and adds metallic protection around the core for harsher routing conditions. The design is suitable for installations where standard indoor cables are too light and fully heavy multi-tube outdoor designs would be unnecessary.
Compared with lighter indoor cables, the structure gives better resistance against impact, compression and accidental mechanical stress. Compared with larger backbone designs, it stays compact and easier to handle in access, campus and inter-building routes.
For broader category navigation, see all fiber optic cable types and the general fiber optic cable overview.
Armored Loose Tube Cable Applications
Inter-building links
A practical choice for campus and industrial plant connections where the cable route needs more protection than a standard indoor fiber cable.
Duct and conduit installations
The compact central tube design supports installation in ducts and conduits while keeping the cable outer diameter manageable.
Secondary distribution
Useful for LAN, WAN, FTTC, FTTB and customer-side distribution points where both flame behavior and mechanical strength matter.
Harsh premises environments
Suitable for routes exposed to moisture, frost, crush risk or rodent exposure, especially when LSZH behavior is preferred.
Armored Loose Tube Cable Construction Details
Central loose tube core
Fibers are placed in a gel-filled central buffer tube to support stable optical performance and help protect the fibers from moisture and movement.
Water-blocking glass yarn
Glass yarn is applied around the tube to improve tensile support and contribute to moisture control and rodent resistance.
Corrugated steel tape armor
Metallic armor improves crush and impact resistance and makes the cable more suitable for demanding field conditions.
LSZH outer sheath
The LSZH outer jacket supports low smoke and halogen-free requirements while maintaining resistance to UV and environmental stress.
Custom project options: sheath color, fiber color and additional pulling strength reinforcement can be configured on request.
Armored Loose Tube Cable Technical Specifications
| Item | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Fiber count | 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 fibers |
| Loose tube diameter | 2.8 mm |
| Loose tube material | PBT |
| Strength members | Water-blocking glass yarn |
| Armor | Corrugated steel tape armored |
| Outer jacket | LSZH / HFFR |
| Outer diameter | 7.5 mm |
| Weight | 90 kg/km |
| Tensile load perm./inst. | 800 / 1200 N |
| Crush resistance | 1000 N |
| Temperature range | -30°C to +70°C |
| Minimum bending radius | 20 x outer diameter |
| Fiber options | G.652.D, OM2, OM3, OM4 |
Compliance references
IEC 60754-1, IEC 61034-1&2, IEC 60332-1 and IEC 60794-1&2 are the main compliance references stated for this cable family.
External reference pages: IEC 60754-1, IEC 61034-1, EU Construction Products Regulation.
How to Choose the Right Armored Loose Tube Cable
Step 1
Check the route type
Choose this structure when the route includes ducts, conduits, campus sections or exposed indoor-outdoor transitions with mechanical risk.
Step 2
Confirm fire behavior needs
LSZH is usually preferred when low smoke and halogen-free behavior is required in buildings, campuses or mixed indoor-outdoor sections.
Step 3
Match fiber count and fiber type
This family is a practical fit for lower fiber counts. Select singlemode or multimode according to link distance, network design and active equipment.
Step 4
Review installation stress
Check pulling load, crush conditions, bend restrictions and the risk of rodents or accidental impacts before finalizing the structure.
Related Armored Fiber Cable Types
Non-metallic armored alternatives
For projects that prefer non-metallic protection, compare with Non-Metallic Armored Fiber Optic Cable and CLT Non-Metallic Armored SJ Cable.
Higher fiber count LSZH option
When the project moves beyond central tube logic, review Multi Loose Tube Metallic Armored Single LSZH Jacket.
PE jacket outdoor alternative
If the route is more outdoor-focused and LSZH is not required, compare with Multi Loose Tube Metallic Armored Single PE Jacket.
If your project includes CPR-related selection criteria, also review CPR compliant cable guidance and our broader fiber optic cable category page.
Armored Loose Tube Cable FAQ
What is the main advantage of an armored loose tube cable?
Its main advantage is the balance between compact size and stronger mechanical protection. It is better suited than light indoor cables where crush, impact or rodent risk exists.
Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. The structure is intended for outdoor and indoor-outdoor use, especially in ducts, conduits, campus routes and inter-building connections.
Why choose LSZH instead of PE on some projects?
LSZH is generally preferred when low smoke and halogen-free behavior is required in or around buildings. PE versions are often considered when the priority is an outdoor-focused jacket rather than indoor fire behavior.
What fiber types are available?
Typical options include singlemode G.652.D and multimode OM2, OM3 and OM4, depending on network design and transmission requirements.
Can the cable be customized?
Yes. Fiber color, sheath color and increased pulling strength reinforcement can be discussed according to project requirements.
Need the right armored fiber cable for your route?
Share the route type, required fiber count, fiber standard and installation conditions. We can recommend the most suitable cable structure for the project.