A rodent and lightning protective sheath for fiber optic cables

A new protective sheath design for fiber optic cables has been developed. It features corrugated and longitudinally applied metal members with a plastic jacket in an adhesively bonded construction. The use of conventional corrugation tools and longitudinal application in a single pass results in low cost and high line speeds. Tests have shown this sheath to be rodent proof, to have exceptionally high lightning-withstand capability, and in general, to be very rugged mechanically, without compromising cable handling qualities or optical performance. This design is used as a protective oversheath for stranded core cables. It is recommended for buried and aerial applications, particularly where rodent and lightning resistance is essential. It is also recommended as a general mechanical protection and in buried submarine application.