Fibre Optic Cable

[KLG]

I am looking for a temperature range specification for fibre optic cable. I wish to use fibre optics in a -50C environment. I am concerned that this low temperature will effect signal propagation in the core. Will the fibre become brittle and cracks form? As for the rest of the equipment, it will be in temperature regulated cabinets.

Does anyone have any expertise in this area? Your advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[djs]

Corning LST cable is rated down to -40C. Web site is

http://www.corningcablesystems.com/web/city.nsf/ehtml/lhome

 

[bridog]

Corning has a great application engineering group. You can call them at 800-743-2671. Be careful with the temperature specs. There is sometimes a different, higher, temperature spec for installation than for long term operation. For instance Corning ALTOS lite has a -30C installation spec and a -40C long term operating spec......

 

[KLG]

Thanks for the information guys. I have talked to the local Anixter rep and he has given me the following information.

ALTOS Low Temperature Cable with an Operational temperature range of -55C to 70C (-67 to 158F).

There is no mention of an installation temperature, but I will make the client aware of the concerns "bridog" brought up about a higher (negatively speaking)installation temperature.

One issue with this type of cable, it is a speciality order, so the order will need to meet a minimal quantity (length) requirements. This will not be a concern in this case, but is still something to think about.

Thanks again,

 

[bridog]

I checked the specs for the ALTOS low temp cable at the Corning site and there is no mention of a separate installation temperature spec for THAT cable type so you are probably okay. Even so the warning to the client is probably still prudent..... Good luck KLG.

 

[KLG]

My preference for installation will be in the summer months. In all likelyhood, the cable will be both aerial from a pole line to cable tray or messenger cable. The temperature varies from 25C to -50C for this installation (with very long terms of -50C), a very harsh environment. The idea of leaving expansion loops will deffinitly be incorporated into the installation. Thanks again.

 

[saadliaqat]

Hi...
WEll, the fibre can be used at that low temperature..
but you will have to use that fibre which have a very strong cladding and and strong outer core...
you can use W profile dispersion shifted fibre..
and the refractive index of the clad should be much lower than that of the core...
and offcourse use the glass fibre, not the plastic glass fibre..

Saad...

 

[matloobulhassan]

i agree with the points mentioned by SAAD
Matloob