GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable

GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable showing flat GRP elements and Corrugated Steel Tape armour constructions.

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GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable

GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable is not simply a comparison between plastic and steel. Instead, each armour system addresses a different combination of mechanical, biological, electrical and environmental risks.

The RapidConnect® G-Series GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable uses flat Glass Reinforced Plastic armour elements to provide non-metallic rodent protection. In contrast, the RapidConnect C-Series CST Armoured Fibre Optic Cable uses Corrugated Steel Tape to provide heavy-duty protection against rodents, crushing forces and localised impact.

Therefore, neither cable provides the best answer for every project.

For example, the G-Series may suit a conduit-based route where rodent and termite protection must remain all-dielectric. Conversely, the C-Series may provide the stronger solution for direct burial or an underground route where crush resistance and impact protection represent the leading concerns.

Consequently, consultants should select the armour according to the complete installation risk rather than choosing the strongest or lightest material by default.

What Is GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable?

GRP stands for Glass Reinforced Plastic.

Manufacturers create GRP by combining glass reinforcement with a polymer resin matrix. As a result, the finished composite provides mechanical strength and stiffness while remaining electrically non-conductive.

Within the RapidConnect® G-Series, flat GRP armour elements surround the Blue Nylon-jacketed inner cable. A Black PE jacket then covers and protects the armour.

From outside to inside, the principal G-Series layers are:

  1. Black PE outer jacket.
  2. Flat GRP armour elements.
  3. Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket.
  4. Dry water-blocked loose tube fibre core.

Each layer performs a specific role. First, the Black PE forms the external environmental and mechanical sheath. Next, the flat GRP elements create a rodent-resistant physical barrier.

Meanwhile, the Blue Nylon provides separate termite protection. Finally, the loose tube core protects and organises the optical fibres.

Because the armour contains no conductive steel, the G-Series retains an all-dielectric construction. Consequently, it can provide advantages near electrical infrastructure or where the project seeks to avoid metallic cable components.

Furthermore, GRP does not rust like steel. Therefore, the armour removes one potential corrosion mechanism from the cable construction.

What Is CST Armoured Fibre Optic Cable?

CST stands for Corrugated Steel Tape.

During manufacture, the cable producer forms steel tape around the protected cable core. In addition, the producer corrugates the tape so that it combines mechanical strength with practical cable flexibility.

A typical RapidConnect C-Series construction includes:

  1. Optical fibres.
  2. Colour-coded loose tubes.
  3. Central strength member.
  4. Tube fillers where required.
  5. Dry water-blocking materials.
  6. Inner protective sheath.
  7. Corrugated Steel Tape armour.
  8. External environmental jacket.
  9. Optional sacrificial Black PE sheath.

The precise jacket arrangement can vary with the selected configuration. For example, the C-Series can incorporate a Blue Nylon jacket for termite resistance.

In addition, projects can specify an optional Black PE sacrificial sheath where the pathway requires greater abrasion protection. Consequently, the final construction can address several underground risks within one coordinated cable.

Corrugated Steel Tape provides a hard, continuous barrier around the cable core. As a result, the C-Series offers heavy-duty protection against rodent attack, crushing forces and impact.

However, the steel armour also conducts electricity. Therefore, designers must consider bonding, earthing, electrical separation, induced voltage and lightning exposure where applicable.

GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable at a Glance

Consideration GRP Armoured G-Series CST Armoured C-Series
Armour material Flat Glass Reinforced Plastic elements Corrugated Steel Tape
Metallic armour No Yes
Electrical characteristic All-dielectric armour Conductive armour
Primary selection driver Non-metallic rodent and termite protection Heavy-duty mechanical and underground protection
Rodent resistance Physical GRP barrier Physical steel barrier
Termite protection Blue Nylon jacket beneath GRP Available with Blue Nylon jacket
Corrosion GRP does not rust like steel Jacket integrity protects steel against corrosive exposure
Crush performance Confirm for the selected configuration 6.0 kN/100 mm short term and 3.0 kN/100 mm long term
Impact protection Project-specific mechanical protection Heavy-duty steel protection
Direct burial Requires specific written confirmation Designed for suitable direct-burial applications
Typical installation Ducts, conduits, pits and protected underground pathways Direct burial, heavy-duty underground routes and industrial pathways
Weight and stiffness Generally lighter and more flexible Generally heavier and stiffer
Water blocking Dry water-blocking technology Dry water-blocking technology
Loose tube construction Yes Yes
Electrical assessment No steel armour to bond or earth Metallic armour requires assessment where applicable

This comparison provides a practical starting point. Nevertheless, the final cable must match the complete project specification.

In particular, project teams should confirm the applicable mechanical ratings, dimensions and installation method for the exact configuration under consideration.

GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable – Which Armour Provides Greater Mechanical Protection?

CST armour generally provides the heavier-duty mechanical solution.

Corrugated Steel Tape creates a hard barrier around the cable core. Therefore, it can provide strong resistance to crushing, localised impact, sharp objects and demanding underground conditions.

The current C-Series specification provides:

  • 6.0 kN/100 mm short-term crush resistance.
  • 3.0 kN/100 mm long-term crush resistance.

The short-term figure relates to temporary loading. In contrast, the long-term figure accounts for sustained pressure.

This distinction matters in direct-burial installations. For example, a cable may experience ongoing pressure from soil, rocks, ground movement or vehicle loading.

Furthermore, construction activity can create localised pressure or impact at pits, trenches and building entries. Consequently, heavy-duty steel armour may provide greater protection where the pathway cannot isolate the cable from those forces.

GRP armour also provides meaningful mechanical protection. However, its primary role within the G-Series is to create a strong, non-metallic barrier against rodent attack.

In addition, the flat GRP elements add stiffness and help separate external forces from the protected cable core. Nevertheless, engineers should not assume that GRP and CST constructions have identical crush or impact ratings.

Instead, the project team must compare the current datasheets for the exact cable configurations.

GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable – Which Cable Provides Better Rodent Resistance?

Both GRP and Corrugated Steel Tape can provide strong rodent resistance when the manufacturer designs the complete cable correctly.

The G-Series uses flat GRP elements to create a hard composite barrier beneath the Black PE jacket. Consequently, a rodent that penetrates the external sheath encounters the GRP before reaching the Blue Nylon jacket and loose tube core.

The C-Series uses Corrugated Steel Tape. Therefore, a rodent that penetrates the external jacket encounters a metallic armour layer before reaching the optical core.

Steel provides an exceptionally hard physical obstacle. As a result, the C-Series can offer heavy-duty rodent resistance alongside its crush and impact performance.

However, cable selection should not focus on the rodent barrier alone.

For example, the G-Series may provide the required rodent resistance while also meeting a specification for non-metallic construction. Conversely, the C-Series may suit a route where the cable faces rodents, rocks, crushing forces and direct contact with the underground environment.

Neither product should be described as completely invulnerable. After all, actual performance can depend on:

  • Rodent species.
  • Intensity of attack.
  • Duration of exposure.
  • Jacket condition.
  • Armour coverage.
  • Installation pathway.
  • Entry sealing.
  • Cable maintenance.
  • Other mechanical damage.

Therefore, designers should combine armoured cable with appropriate pit maintenance, pathway sealing and pest-management practices.

GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable – Which Cable Provides Better Termite Protection?

Rodents and termites attack cable differently. Consequently, rodent armour does not automatically provide termite protection.

The G-Series includes a Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket beneath its GRP armour. Therefore, the cable provides two separate biological protection systems:

  • Flat GRP armour for rodent resistance.
  • Blue Nylon for termite protection.

This layer arrangement gives the G-Series a clear role where both threats exist and the cable must remain all-dielectric.

The C-Series can also incorporate a Blue Nylon jacket for termite resistance. Depending on the required construction, the cable may then include an optional Black PE sacrificial outer sheath.

However, project teams must confirm the selected C-Series jacket arrangement during quotation. In other words, they should not assume that every steel-armoured cable automatically includes a termite-resistant Nylon layer.

Accordingly, the specification should identify rodent and termite risks separately. The final construction can then address each threat with the appropriate material.

Electrical Conductivity Creates a Major Difference

Electrical conductivity creates one of the clearest differences between GRP and CST armour.

GRP contains no conductive steel. Therefore, the G-Series retains the electrical characteristics of an all-dielectric fibre optic cable.

This construction can provide advantages near:

  • Electrical substations.
  • Power distribution infrastructure.
  • High-voltage equipment.
  • Industrial electrical systems.
  • Electrified rail networks.
  • Lightning-exposed assets.
  • Locations with different earth potentials.
  • Sites that prohibit metallic cable components.

Corrugated Steel Tape conducts electricity. Consequently, the C-Series does not qualify as an all-dielectric cable even though the optical fibres themselves do not conduct current.

Therefore, designers may need to consider:

  • Bonding.
  • Earthing.
  • Electrical continuity.
  • Induced voltage.
  • Lightning exposure.
  • Earth potential rise.
  • Separation from power services.
  • Building-entry requirements.

These considerations do not make CST armour unsuitable. Instead, they form part of the engineering assessment whenever the cable includes metal.

Where the project specifically requires an all-dielectric construction, the G-Series usually provides the more appropriate starting point. However, the project engineer must still assess the complete route and surrounding infrastructure.

How Do the Armour Materials Respond to Corrosion?

GRP does not rust like steel.

Therefore, the G-Series removes conventional steel corrosion from the armour layer. This characteristic can provide an advantage in wet, humid, coastal or chemically challenging environments.

Potential applications include:

  • Flood-prone pits.
  • Coastal infrastructure.
  • Water and wastewater facilities.
  • Industrial plants.
  • Agricultural locations.
  • Mining sites.
  • Regional telecommunications routes.

However, the Black PE jacket still performs an essential protective role. For example, damage to that jacket can expose the armour and compromise other parts of the cable system.

Corrugated Steel Tape depends more heavily on jacket integrity to isolate the metal from moisture and aggressive contaminants.

If water, salts or chemicals reach the armour, corrosion may develop over time. Consequently, installers should inspect the external jacket carefully after hauling and before commissioning.

Nevertheless, a correctly manufactured and installed CST cable can provide long-term underground service. The key difference is that steel introduces a corrosion mechanism that GRP does not possess.

Therefore, environmental exposure should form part of the armour-selection process.

Weight, Diameter and Cable Handling

Steel armour generally increases cable weight and stiffness.

Consequently, CST cable may require:

  • Larger cable drums.
  • More controlled lifting.
  • Larger rollers and guides.
  • Greater pulling-equipment capacity.
  • Larger conduit capacity.
  • More space within pits.
  • Larger glands and enclosure entries.
  • Careful bend-radius management.

GRP can create a lighter and more flexible armoured construction. Therefore, the G-Series may prove easier to transport and install where heavy steel protection is unnecessary.

However, project teams should not compare the armour materials in isolation.

Cable diameter and weight also depend on:

  • Fibre count.
  • Number of loose tubes.
  • Strength-member design.
  • Jacket thickness.
  • Water-blocking construction.
  • Armour dimensions.
  • Optional sacrificial sheaths.

Accordingly, contractors should use the actual dimensional data for the selected product codes. Otherwise, drums, conduits, glands or enclosures may not suit the delivered cable.

Flexibility and Minimum Bend Radius

Both GRP and CST armour influence how a cable bends.

The G-Series uses multiple flat GRP elements around the inner cable. As a result, the armour provides protection while allowing the completed cable to retain practical flexibility.

The C-Series corrugates its steel tape. Consequently, the armour can bend more readily than a rigid steel tube.

Nevertheless, CST cable generally remains heavier and stiffer than a comparable non-metallic design.

Neither cable should bend more tightly than its specified minimum bend radius. Otherwise, excessive bending can:

  • Deform the outer jacket.
  • Displace armour.
  • Stress the inner sheath.
  • Crush loose tubes.
  • Create optical fibre losses.
  • Cause delayed cable failure.

Therefore, route designers must account for bends, pit dimensions, building entries and enclosure positions before selecting the cable.

Furthermore, installers must use suitable rollers, guides and hauling equipment throughout the route.

Direct-Burial Applications

Direct burial creates an important distinction between the two platforms.

The RapidConnect C-Series suits suitable direct-burial applications. Specifically, its Corrugated Steel Tape provides heavy-duty mechanical protection against rocks, crushing forces, impact and underground hazards.

However, direct-burial capability does not eliminate the need for correct civil construction.

Contractors must still consider:

  • Soil composition.
  • Trench depth.
  • Bedding.
  • Backfill.
  • Sharp rocks.
  • Ground movement.
  • Vehicle loading.
  • Warning tape.
  • Route marking.
  • Future excavation.
  • Water management.
  • Repair access.

For example, poor bedding can place the cable against sharp rocks or debris. Consequently, localised pressure may damage even an armoured construction.

Likewise, future excavation can cut or crush the cable. Therefore, contractors should install route markers and maintain accurate as-built records.

The G-Series should not be assumed suitable for direct burial merely because it includes GRP armour and a Black PE jacket.

Instead, the project team must define the intended installation method and obtain written confirmation for the selected G-Series construction.

Therefore:

  • Consider C-Series when direct burial and heavy-duty mechanical protection drive the specification.
  • Consider G-Series when the cable will run through suitable ducts, conduits and pits, and the project requires non-metallic biological protection.

Underground Conduit Installations

Both cables can suit underground conduit routes. However, the required protection level should determine the choice.

The G-Series can provide an efficient solution where the conduit offers primary pathway protection but rodents or termites may still enter through pits, damaged sections or open entries.

Furthermore, its all-dielectric construction can provide an advantage near electrical infrastructure.

The C-Series may suit conduit routes where the cable also faces:

  • Damaged or collapsing ducts.
  • Sharp internal debris.
  • High crush loads.
  • Industrial activity.
  • Heavy impact risk.
  • Critical service requirements.
  • Uncertain future pathway conditions.

However, not every conduit installation requires heavy steel armour.

For example, selecting CST cable without a clear mechanical requirement may introduce additional weight, stiffness, diameter and electrical considerations. Conversely, selecting GRP armour where the route demands direct-burial-level protection may leave important mechanical risks insufficiently addressed.

Therefore, the pathway assessment should determine the armour material.

For detailed information on the non-metallic construction, review the RapidConnect® G-Series GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable. Alternatively, review the RapidConnect C-Series CST Armoured Fibre Optic Cable when the project requires heavy-duty steel protection.

Crush and Impact Risk

Crush and impact often become the deciding factors between GRP and CST armour.

Potential sources include:

  • Rocks and construction debris.
  • Poor bedding.
  • Ground movement.
  • Collapsed conduits.
  • Vehicle loading.
  • Pit congestion.
  • Industrial machinery.
  • Drum mishandling.
  • Later excavation.
  • Overtightened supports or glands.

Where these risks remain high, Corrugated Steel Tape can provide a stronger mechanical barrier.

For example, a direct-burial industrial backbone may justify C-Series protection because the cable must tolerate demanding underground conditions throughout its service life.

By comparison, a controlled conduit route may not require the same heavy armour. If rodents, termites and electrical isolation represent the primary concerns, the G-Series may provide a better-balanced construction.

Nevertheless, armour does not compensate for poor installation.

Therefore, contractors must still control pulling tension, bend radius, pathway preparation, cable support and enclosure entry.

Water Blocking and Moisture Management

Both the G-Series and C-Series use dry water-blocking technology.

Underground pits and conduits can fill with water because of groundwater, condensation, flooding, damaged seals or drainage problems.

If water enters through a damaged jacket, it may travel along spaces within the cable. Consequently, moisture can affect a much longer section than the original breach.

Dry water-blocking materials react after contact with moisture. Therefore, they help restrict longitudinal migration through the cable core.

Furthermore, this construction simplifies cable preparation because technicians do not need to remove large quantities of filling gel.

However, dry water blocking does not make either installation waterproof.

Installers must still:

  • Keep cable ends sealed.
  • Protect drums during storage.
  • Use suitable glands.
  • Seal enclosure entries.
  • Manage water inside pits.
  • Inspect jackets after hauling.
  • Use correctly rated joint closures.

Thus, water blocking provides a secondary defence rather than a substitute for correct sealing.

Fibre Types and Fibre Counts

Armour selection should follow the environmental and mechanical risk assessment. Meanwhile, fibre selection should follow the network’s transmission requirements.

The C-Series supports:

  • OS2 Singlemode.
  • OM3 Multimode.
  • OM4 Multimode.
  • Configurations from 2 to 96 fibres.

The G-Series can support suitable Singlemode and multimode configurations according to project requirements.

However, the project team should confirm current availability, fibre counts, cable dimensions and production requirements during quotation.

Regardless of armour type, designers should consider:

  • Transmission distance.
  • Network speed.
  • Wavelength.
  • Active equipment.
  • Link budget.
  • Splice loss.
  • Connector loss.
  • Redundancy.
  • Future expansion.
  • Spare fibre capacity.

The armour protects the transmission system. Nevertheless, it does not determine the correct optical fibre category.

Therefore, consultants should specify the optical and mechanical requirements separately.

Installation and Termination

GRP and CST cables require different preparation techniques.

Preparing GRP Armour

Technicians must remove the Black PE outer jacket and the required length of flat GRP armour without damaging the Blue Nylon layer beneath it.

Cut GRP can produce sharp edges or exposed fibres. Therefore, technicians should use suitable tools, gloves and eye protection.

Furthermore, they should control the exposed armour ends so that they cannot damage the inner jacket or other enclosure components.

Finally, technicians must maintain the required bend radius throughout preparation and termination.

Preparing CST Armour

Technicians must cut and remove the external jacket and Corrugated Steel Tape using the approved method.

Sharp steel edges can damage gloves, cable jackets and internal components. Consequently, controlled cutting and edge management remain essential.

Furthermore, the project may require bonding or earthing of the metallic armour. Therefore, the installer must follow the documented electrical design.

Enclosure Requirements

For either cable, the enclosure must accommodate:

  • Cable diameter.
  • Gland size.
  • Bend radius.
  • Strain control.
  • Armour transition.
  • Loose tube management.
  • Splice cassettes.
  • Water sealing.

Therefore, enclosure selection must form part of the cable specification rather than an afterthought.

In addition, contractors should confirm cable entry and gland compatibility before the cable reaches site.

When Should You Choose the G-Series?

Consider the RapidConnect® G-Series when the project requires:

  • Rodent-resistant fibre cable.
  • Dedicated termite protection.
  • Non-metallic armour.
  • All-dielectric construction.
  • Corrosion-resistant armour.
  • Installation through suitable ducts and conduits.
  • Protection near electrical infrastructure.
  • A lighter alternative to steel armour.
  • Dry water-blocked loose tube construction.

The G-Series provides particular value when biological protection and electrical isolation matter more than maximum heavy-duty mechanical protection.

However, the final installation method must receive confirmation. In particular, do not assume direct-burial suitability without written approval.

When Should You Choose the C-Series?

Consider the RapidConnect C-Series when the project requires:

  • Corrugated Steel Tape armour.
  • Heavy-duty mechanical protection.
  • High crush resistance.
  • Greater impact protection.
  • Direct-burial capability.
  • Rodent-resistant underground infrastructure.
  • Industrial-grade cable protection.
  • Dry water-blocked loose tube construction.
  • Optional sacrificial sheath protection.
  • Protection against uncertain underground conditions.

The C-Series provides particular value where the cable will face rocks, soil pressure, ground movement, industrial activity or direct exposure to the underground environment.

However, the steel armour introduces electrical and corrosion considerations. Therefore, the project team must assess the complete installation.

A Practical Selection Process

Before choosing between G-Series and C-Series, answer the following questions:

  1. Will the cable run through conduit, or will it be directly buried?
  2. Does the route have a known rodent risk?
  3. Does the route have a known termite risk?
  4. What crush loads could affect the cable?
  5. Could rocks or debris create localised impact?
  6. Does the project require an all-dielectric cable?
  7. Will the route pass near high-voltage infrastructure?
  8. Could metallic armour create earthing or bonding requirements?
  9. Is corrosion a concern?
  10. What cable diameter can the pathway accommodate?
  11. What minimum bend radius can the route support?
  12. How difficult would future cable replacement become?
  13. What network services depend on the link?
  14. What fibre category and count does the network require?
  15. Has the termination method been planned?
  16. What documentation and test evidence does the project require?

The answers should identify the leading project risk.

If electrical isolation and biological protection dominate, the G-Series may provide the better fit. Conversely, if direct burial, crush resistance and impact protection dominate, the C-Series may provide the stronger solution.

Ultimately, the project team should document why the selected armour matches the route.

Compare Whole-of-Life Risk, Not Only Cable Price

Armour increases the initial cost of a fibre cable. However, cable price represents only one part of an underground network.

A cable failure may require:

  • Fault location.
  • Excavation.
  • Traffic management.
  • Service isolation.
  • Emergency cable supply.
  • Replacement hauling.
  • Fibre jointing.
  • Optical testing.
  • Site restoration.
  • Operational downtime.

Consequently, the wrong armour decision can cost far more than the original difference in cable price.

At the same time, specifying unnecessarily heavy armour can also increase project costs. For example, larger drums, heavier cable, greater pulling forces and additional earthing requirements may complicate the installation.

Therefore, the most cost-effective cable is not always the cheapest or strongest option.

Instead, it is the construction that matches the actual route risks without introducing unnecessary complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions About GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable

What is the main difference between GRP and CST fibre cable armour?

GRP armour uses non-metallic Glass Reinforced Plastic elements, while CST armour uses Corrugated Steel Tape. Therefore, GRP provides an all-dielectric protective barrier, whereas CST provides a metallic armour layer around the cable core.

Which cable provides better rodent protection?

Both GRP and CST armour can provide effective rodent resistance when the protective layer surrounds the cable core correctly. However, the best choice depends on the route, mechanical risks, electrical environment and project specification.

Does GRP armoured fibre cable require earthing?

No. GRP armour is non-metallic and does not create a conductive cable path. Consequently, the armour itself does not require bonding or earthing.

Does CST armoured fibre cable require earthing?

CST armour contains steel and creates a conductive metallic component within the cable. Therefore, the project designer must assess bonding and earthing requirements under the applicable electrical and installation standards.

Which cable is more suitable near electrical infrastructure?

GRP armoured fibre cable is often preferred near substations, power equipment and locations with different earth potentials because it has an all-dielectric construction. Nevertheless, engineers must assess the complete installation environment and applicable project requirements.

Can metallic CST armour corrode?

Yes. The outer jacket normally protects the steel armour from the surrounding environment. However, moisture can reach the metallic layer if the jacket becomes damaged. As a result, corrosion may develop over time in wet, coastal or chemically aggressive conditions.

Does GRP armoured fibre cable provide termite protection?

GRP armour provides the dedicated rodent-resistant barrier. In the RapidConnect® G-Series, a Blue Nylon jacket beneath the GRP armour provides separate termite protection. Therefore, the G-Series addresses rodents and termites through two different protective layers.

Can GRP and CST armoured fibre cables be directly buried?

Direct-burial suitability depends on the complete cable specification, installation method, soil conditions and required mechanical ratings. CST armoured cable commonly suits heavy-duty underground and direct-burial applications. However, project teams should confirm the approved installation method before directly burying any cable, including a GRP armoured design.

Is GRP armour weaker because it does not contain steel?

Not necessarily. GRP elements can provide substantial mechanical and rodent protection without introducing conductive metal. However, GRP and CST respond differently to crushing, impact, bending and tensile forces. Therefore, designers should compare the actual cable ratings rather than judging performance from the armour material alone.

Is GRP armoured fibre cable lighter than CST armoured cable?

GRP constructions can offer a lower cable weight than comparable steel-armoured designs. Consequently, they may simplify transportation and cable handling. However, the final weight depends on fibre count, cable diameter and the complete construction.

How should I choose between GRP and CST armoured fibre cable?

Choose the cable by assessing the actual route risks. Consider rodent and termite exposure, moisture, corrosion, electrical infrastructure, pulling tension, crush loading, cable weight and installation method. GRP is particularly valuable where all-dielectric construction, corrosion resistance and combined rodent and termite protection matter. In contrast, CST suits projects that specify a heavy-duty metallic armour system.

Choose the Armour That Matches the Route – GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable

GRP and CST armour provide two different engineering responses to underground cable risk.

The RapidConnect® G-Series uses flat Glass Reinforced Plastic elements to create a non-metallic rodent-resistant barrier. Furthermore, its Blue Nylon jacket provides dedicated termite protection beneath the armour.

In contrast, the RapidConnect C-Series uses Corrugated Steel Tape to provide heavy-duty protection against rodents, crushing forces and impact. Moreover, it supports suitable direct-burial applications where the route demands stronger mechanical protection.

Therefore, the choice depends on the installation:

  • Choose G-Series when the project prioritises all-dielectric construction, corrosion-resistant armour and combined rodent and termite protection.
  • Choose C-Series when the project prioritises direct burial, crush resistance, impact protection and heavy-duty underground survivability.

For additional fibre optic product information and technical videos, visit the Anderson Corporation YouTube channel.

Finally, for technical assistance, review the RapidConnect® G-Series GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable, request a Rapid Quote or contact Anderson Corporation on (03) 9761 7600.