Fibre Optic Cables
Fibre optic cables carry network data as light, over distances and through electrical noise that copper cannot handle. This collection holds fibre such as Connectix Starlight loose tube, steel tape armoured and SWA bulk cable, Connectix tight buffered cable, Belden and Hikvision loose tube cable, Connectix LC, SC and ST patch leads and pigtails, Ruijie 10G SFP+ active optical cables and an Optex fibre sensor cable for perimeter security.
Choosing Fibre Optic Cables
Choose fibre by mode first, multimode or singlemode, then by the construction the route needs and the connectors the link needs.
Multimode or singlemode
Connectix patch leads such as the 005-634-020-01B LC to LC come in multimode OM1 (62.5/125), OM2, OM3 and OM4 (50/125) specifications, while the 005-924-030-01B is an OS2 9/125 singlemode duplex lead. The Belden GUSL812.T32100 singlemode OS2 cable is designed for long-distance data transmission. Match the grade to the fibre already installed and to the optics it connects.
Cable construction
Connectix Starlight uni-loose tube cable such as the 002-005-004-24 has a flame retardant, UV stabilised LSZH jacket for internal and external runs. The tight buffered 002-005-004-28 carries CPR Euroclass Cca-s1a-d0-a1 and suits shorter outdoor runs. For harsh routes, steel tape armoured cable such as the 002-005-014-04LS is rodent proof, and SWA cable such as the 002-005-025-04 is made for direct burial.
Patch leads, pigtails and AOC
Connectix patch leads are terminated LC to LC, LC to SC and ST to ST, among others, and run from 1m to 30m. Pigtails such as the 005-710-010-01B are fusion spliced onto bulk cable. For switch links, the Ruijie XG-SFP-AOC1M, XG-SFP-AOC3M and XG-SFP-AOC5M are 10G SFP+ active optical cables.
| Type | Example | Construction | Typical route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uni-loose tube | Connectix 002-005-004-24 | LSZH jacket | Internal and external backbones |
| Tight buffered | Connectix 002-005-004-28 | OM3, rodent resistant | LAN and WAN backbones, ducts |
| Steel tape armoured | Connectix 002-005-014-04LS | Corrugated steel tape | Harsh external routes |
| SWA | Connectix 002-005-025-04 | 0.9mm galvanised wire | Direct burial, tunnels |
| Loose tube | Belden GUSL812.T32100 | 12-fibre OS2, LSZH | Indoor and outdoor |
| Active optical cable | Ruijie XG-SFP-AOC5M | 10G SFP+, DDM | Between racks |
Brands we stock in Fibre Optic Cables
Belden, Connectix Cabling Systems, Hikvision, Optex, Ruijie and Vanco.
Connectix Cabling Systems supplies most of this range, including its Starlight bulk cables and patch leads.
Related categories
Uplink into network switches and PoE, convert to copper with fibre media converters, use Ethernet cables for shorter copper runs, terminate at patch panels, or read our Help & Support guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between multimode and singlemode fibre?
They differ in core size and the distance they suit. Connectix multimode LC leads such as the 005-662-050-08B come in OM1 (62.5/125) or OM2, OM3 and OM4 (50/125), while the 005-924-030-01B singlemode lead is OS2 9/125. The Belden GUSL812.T32100 singlemode OS2 loose tube cable is designed for long-distance data transmission. The fibre, the leads and the optics on a link must be the same type.
Which OM grade of patch lead do I need?
Use the same OM grade as the installed fibre and the optics it connects. Connectix LC to LC leads such as the 005-634-050-01B and LC to SC leads such as the 005-629-050-01B are offered in OM1 (62.5/125), OM2, OM3 and OM4 (50/125). The tight buffered 002-005-004-28 is OM3 multimode, so OM3 leads match it.
Which fibre connector do I need: LC, SC or ST?
The one that matches the ports on the equipment you are connecting. Connectix makes LC to LC leads such as the 005-634-030-01B, LC to SC leads such as the 005-629-100-01B, ST to ST singlemode leads such as the 005-902-010-01B and an SC to ST lead, the 005-908-010-01B. Check the patch panel, switch or media converter ports before you order.
When do I need armoured fibre cable?
Use armoured fibre for routes where the cable could be crushed, gnawed or buried. Connectix steel tape armoured cable such as the 002-005-014-04LS has high tensile strength, crush resistance and rodent protection for harsh external environments. For direct burial, tunnels and heavy-duty ducts, Connectix SWA cable such as the 002-005-025-04 adds a layer of 0.9mm galvanised steel wire.
What does LSZH mean on a fibre cable?
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen, a sheath that limits smoke and halogen fumes if the cable burns. Connectix uses a flame retardant LSZH jacket on Starlight loose tube cable such as the 002-005-004-12, and the Belden GUSL812.014100 and Hikvision DS-QFV-CKS4L/3000M loose tube cables also have LSZH outer sheaths.
What is an active optical cable?
An active optical cable (AOC) is a fibre lead with the optical transceivers built into its ends. The Ruijie XG-SFP-AOC1M, XG-SFP-AOC3M and XG-SFP-AOC5M plug into 10G SFP+ ports on switches, routers and servers for short links within and across racks. They are lighter than copper cables and improve system airflow.
How is bulk fibre cable terminated?
Bulk fibre is usually terminated by fusion splicing pigtails onto the fibres. Connectix designed its Starlight uni-loose tube cable, such as the 002-005-004-08, for on-site fusion splicing of pigtails, and pigtails such as the 005-710-010-01B carry a connector on one end to link the cable to fibre equipment. Splicing the glass together keeps insertion loss to a minimum.
How many fibres does a fibre cable need?
Enough for the links you need now plus spares. Connectix offers its Starlight loose tube, armoured and SWA cables with fibre counts of four to twenty four in the standard range, such as the 002-005-004-24 and 002-005-025-24, and the Belden GUSL812.014100 carries 12 fibres.
What is the Optex fibre cable for?
The Optex SC3-C-800 is not a data cable: it is an 800m spool of multimode fibre optic thread sensor for perimeter security. It sits in a UV-resistant 12.7mm polyethylene conduit and is designed for perimeter security applications and military installations, with a 3mm thread diameter. Choose it for intrusion detection, and fibre from the other brands here for data.
Why buy from West Midlands Electrics
- Established 1975
- Birmingham trade counter
- UK-only supply
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