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Fibre Optic Cable Selection Guide: Duct, Armoured, Aerial & FTTH

Which construction fits which route — with fibre counts, operating limits and the fire-rated options.

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Fibre optic cable is chosen by route, not by fibre. The glass is the same; the construction around it changes with where it runs.

RouteConstructionFibre countsNotes
Duct / blownUnitube or loose tube, single jacket1F – 1152FPulling or blowing; smallest and lightest
Underground / direct burialSteel tape or wire armoured1F – 864FCrush and rodent resistant; ECCS, stainless or aluminium armour
Aerial, self-supportingADSS (all-dielectric)1F – 432FNo messenger; safe alongside power lines
Aerial, long spanFig 8 (metallic messenger)1F – 288FIntegrated support wire for harsh spans
Last mile / FTTHFlat drop, breakout1F – 24FBend-insensitive fibre; riser and plenum options
Fire-critical routesFire resistant / flame retardant1F – 96FSurvival up to 180 min at 850°C

All constructions are available in single-mode and multi-mode, operate from −40°C to +70°C, and are manufactured to IEC 60793, IEC 60794, EIA/TIA, ITU-T and Telcordia GR-20. The fire-rated range additionally meets IEC 60331-25, IEC 61034 (smoke) and IEC 60754 (halogen).

Product pages: unitube, multi-tube / armoured, ADSS & Fig 8, FTTH, fire resistant, ribbon.