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What are the common outer sheaths of optical cables

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 21 May 2025

Prepared for preliminary research by the METRA knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

Optical cable outer sheaths come in various materials such as PVC, PE, LSZH, plenum, armored, and specialized sheaths, each designed for specific environmental and safety requirements. Common Outer Sheath Materials1. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) PVC is widely used for both indoor and general-purpose fiber optic cables.

It offers good mechanical protection, chemical resistance, and weathering resistance at a low cost. However, PVC produces dense smoke and toxic gases when burned, making it less suitable for high fire-risk areas. 2.

Polyethylene (PE) PE sheaths are odorless, non-toxic, and highly resistant to low temperatures, UV radiation, and chemical corrosion. Variants include MDPE (medium density) and HDPE (high density).

P

E is commonly used for outdoor cables due to its toughness, low water absorption, and excellent insulation properties. 3. Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) LSZH sheaths are flame-retardant and produce minimal smoke and no toxic halogen gases during combustion.

They are ideal for indoor environments with strict fire safety requirements, such as data centers, hospitals, and public buildings.

LSZ

H provides good tensile strength, oil resistance, and flexibility, though it is more prone to cracking than PE. 4. Plenum (FEP/PTFE) Plenum-rated sheaths are designed for air-handling spaces like ducts and plenums.

Made from fluoropolymers such as FEP or PTFE, they offer excellent flame retardancy and mechanical protection. Plenum cables must meet strict building codes and fire standards, including UL-910 and NFPA-262. 5.

Armored Sheaths Armored cables include an additional metallic or non-metallic layer beneath the outer sheath for enhanced mechanical protection. They are used in harsh indoor or industrial environments where cables are exposed to physical damage. Armored cables can have PVC, LSZH, or plenum outer sheaths depending on the application.

6. Specialized SheathsAnti-Tracking (AT) Sheaths: Modified PE with additives to resist electrical tracking, suitable for high-voltage environments.

Rodent-

Proof Sheaths: Designed for underground or tunnel installations, using chemical or physical barriers to prevent rodent damage. Polyurethane (PU): Used for underwater or submarine cables due to excellent water, abrasion, and impact resistance.

Selection Considerations

When choosing an outer sheath, consider: Environmental exposure: UV, moisture, temperature extremes, and chemicals. Fire safety: Flame retardancy, smoke emission, and halogen content. Mechanical protection: Armored vs. non-armored, flexibility, and tensile strength.

Application type: Indoor, outdoor, industrial, submarine, or plenum spaces. By selecting the appropriate sheath material, optical cables can achieve optimal durability, safety, and performance for their intended environment.

What are the common outer sheaths of optical cables - METRA FIBER MARKET [PDF]

What are the common outer sheaths of optical cables

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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