Special applications
Rodent protection
Cable systems and especially fibre 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 laid in open troughs, ducts, on cable trays and in 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 armouring have been carried out at international level. As a result, Kabelwerk Rhenania GmbH offers the following types of armouring for fibre optic cables:
A thick layer of glass yarns under the PE outer sheath, which is perceived as unpleasant by rodents when bitten and stops further gnawing. 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 bite depth.
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 galvanised steel tape are applied to the inner sheath in a helix shape with an overlap.
Steel reinforcements offer 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 recognised 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 are therefore also suitable for outdoor use.
Protection against termites can be provided by a PA outer sheath. This is usually applied over the standard outer jacket.
Various reinforcements can be applied to protect the fibre optic cable from mechanical impact.
– 2 overlapping layers of fully galvanised steel strip
– Galvanised round wire reinforcement
If fibre optic cables are laid in the petrochemical industry, in oil-contaminated soils or in pipes containing oil, they must be protected against the chemical effects. Our production programme allows us to offer both an aluminium sheath and a lead sheath.
– Polyethylene (PE)
– Aluminium sheath
– Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
– Nylon: Polyamide (PA)
– Halogen-free, flame-retardant polymer blend (H)
Cold resistance down to -40 °C on request.