
Fiber Optic Cable & Accessories

Fiber optic cable is a network cable that consists of one or more strands of glass enclosed in an insulated casing. They are designed for high-performance data networking over long distances at the speed of light. There are two main types of fiber optic cables: single-mode and multi-mode. Single-mode cables have a very thin core that the signal travels straight down. They send information over 60 miles and are used for internet, telephone and tv signals. Multi-mode cables are 10 times bigger than single-mode with a variety of paths that light can travel through. They send information over shorter distances and are commonly used to link computer networks together.
Fiber optic cables have three main advantages over copper cables. They have a more reliable, quality signal because there is no electromagnetic interference between optical fibers. The signal travels 10 times further before it needs amplifying, making the network less expensive to maintain and operate. The network bandwidth far exceeds copper cables with similar thickness. Fiber optic cables are rated 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps.
Fiber optic cable has many advantages over traditional wiring in industrial automation applications. It is electrically non-conductive, which allows reliable communication in electromagnetic environments. It protects connected equipment from surges and electrical faults because it doesn’t carry shocks, sparks or ground loops. It is compact and lightweight saving space in control panels, ducts and wireways.
Products
Twisted pair wire is most commonly seen in scenarios where data is being transfer to and from certain locations. It uses two separate conductors, twisted together, for a single circuit. The two conductors are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference or “cross talk” between the two wires. It is common to use twisted pairs in place of a coax cable for data transfer. Coax can be fairly expensive and can be more difficult to run whereas twisted wire is not as thick or rigid and can easily be maneuvered in tough to reach locations. Twisted wire will always come in pairs, but there are no limits to how many pairs can be included in a single cable. For instance, CAT5 or CAT6 cable, which is commonly used in home and office networks, uses twisted pair wire. This type of cable has four different pairs of communication lines.
Shielded wire is different from regular wire insulation in that it is made of a conductive material. This conductive material includes, braided strands of copper (or other types of metal), non-braided aluminum and copper tape. The purpose of this shielding is to protect the signal passing through the wire from any outside interference. Unlike twisted cable, which is trying to eliminate interference among wire being used in the same circuit, shielded wire needs protection from outside interference and from other electrical circuits in the area.
Tray Cable is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors, with or without associated bare or covered grounding conductors under a nonmetallic sheath, for installation in cable trays, in raceways, or where supported by a messenger wire. It is common to see tray cable that has many different conductors that can be used for control wiring, instrumentation and signal wiring as well as many other applications. Tray cable is often rated for use in direct sunlight applications, as well as direct burial applications. Because of the potential weight of tray cable when suspended, it will need to be supported properly to avoid hazardous environments.