Design of Fire Resistant Self-supporting Single Mode Optical Fiber Cable

Abstract

This article presents the design and produce of fire-resistant optical fiber cables for using in fire-prone areas, especially for the OFC (Optical Fiber Cable) being used in the main network connecting cities or provinces. From the problem of OFC cable networks installed on electric poles along roads laid through grasslands, dense forests, and tall bushes, when there was a problem of a fire under the electric pole line, the OFC cables were damaged due to the flames. The design was developed from the original OFC cable structure. The wrapping cable material and tensile strength material were developed by selecting suitable high temperature protection materials. The prototypes of fiber cable were produced and put to optical and mechanical testing including the incinerating. After testing 4 prototype versions, the final fireproof fiber cable was obtained. It has the property to support the continuous services of the optical fiber in communication for at least 70 days even though the fiber has been in the severe fires for no more than 90 minutes. The designed optical fiber cable can be used for real operation in the field.