Special applications
Rodent protection
Cable systems and especially fiber optic cables are regularly damaged by the pronounced biting behaviour of rodents. In addition to the direct cable damage, this usually results in very high costs due to the failure of the cable. Depending on the region and environment, mice, rats, hamsters and ground squirrels pose a correspondingly pronounced threat to the cable. In particular, unprotected underground cables (direct buried), cables located in open troughs, ducts, on cable trays, pipe runs with a large internal diameter are at risk. Cables in inner-city sewerage systems, basements and tunnels are at extreme risk. We therefore recommend taking rodent protection into account and adapting it accordingly, when planning endangered cable systems. In the field of rodent protection, numerous studies and tests with non-metallic and metallic armoring have been carried out at international level. As a result, Kabelwerk Rhenania GmbH offers the following types of armoring for fiber optic cables:
A thick layer of glass yarns under the PE outer sheath, which is perceived as unpleasant by rodents, when bitten in the cable they will stop further chewing. Another option is to use a polyamide outer sheath, which has a very hard and smooth surface. These variants only have a bite-inhibiting effect, or limit the depth what rodents are going to bite into the cable jacket.
Corrugated steel sheath: During cable production, the 0.15 mm thick steel strip is corrugated and applied longitudinally to the cable core.
Steel tape: 2 layers of 0.1 mm thick galvanized steel tape are applied to the inner sheath in a helix shape with an overlap.
Steel armoring offers a complete rodent protection. We will be happy to advise you on the selection of rodent protection suitable for your region or application.
Materials for special applications
Several internationally recognized standards commissions (IEC, BS, VDE,…) have defined the requirements for these materials and the cables manufactured with them. Kabelwerk Rhenania GmbH has developed its own halogen-free, flame-retardant compounds to meet the various international fire test requirements. These compounds have low water absorption and they are therefore useable for outdoor use.
Protection against termites can be provided by a PA outer sheath. This is usually realized through the standard outer jacket.
Various types of reinforcements can be used to protect the fibre optic cable from mechanical impact.
– 2 overlapping layers of fully galvanized steel strips
– Galvanized round wire reinforcement
If fiber optic cables are laid in the petrochemical industry, in oil-contaminated soils or in pipes which are containing oil, they need to be protected against the chemical effects. Our production program will allow us, to offer both, an aluminium sheath and a lead sheath.
– Polyethylene (PE)
– Aluminum sheath
– Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
– Nylon: Polyamide (PA)
– Halogen-free, flame-retardant polymer blend (H)
Temperature resistance down to -40 °C on request.