GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable
GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable compares two fibre cable platforms designed for fundamentally different pathway conditions. Although both products carry optical fibres, the RapidConnect® G-Series and W-Series should not be treated as interchangeable alternatives.
The G-Series uses a loose tube construction protected by flat GRP armour, a Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket and a Black PE outer sheath. Therefore, it suits appropriately designed underground ducts, conduits, pits and infrastructure pathways where rodents, termites, moisture or electrical conditions influence cable selection.
By comparison, the W-Series uses a tight-buffered distribution construction, water-blocking yarn and a Black UV-resistant LSZH jacket. Consequently, it suits indoor and protected external commercial pathways where contractors want one cable to transition between buildings without introducing an unnecessary splice.
The RapidConnect® G-Series GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable provides the protected loose tube option. Meanwhile, the RapidConnect® W-Series Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable provides the tight-buffered building and protected external option.
Therefore, the correct decision begins with the route rather than the fibre count.
GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable at a Glance
The following comparison provides a practical starting point. However, project teams should still confirm the selected cable against the complete route and current technical data.
| Consideration | RapidConnect® G-Series | RapidConnect® W-Series |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Protected outdoor and underground fibre infrastructure | Indoor and protected external commercial pathways |
| Cable construction | Loose tube | Tight-buffered distribution |
| Outer jacket | Black PE | Black UV-resistant LSZH |
| Rodent protection | Flat GRP armour | No dedicated rodent armour |
| Termite protection | Blue Nylon jacket beneath the GRP armour | No dedicated termite-proof layer |
| Water management | Dry water-blocking construction | Super-absorbent water-blocking yarn |
| Telecommunications pits | Suitable where the selected construction and project design permit | Not suitable |
| Wet underground pathways | Designed for more demanding external pathway conditions | Not intended for wet pits or persistently wet pathways |
| Armour | Non-metallic flat GRP | No dedicated armour |
| Electrical characteristic | All-dielectric armour construction | Non-armoured cable construction |
| Fibre access | Loose tube preparation | Direct access to 900 µm tight-buffered fibres |
| Termination | Commonly prepared for fusion splicing | Easier direct fibre handling and termination |
| Indoor building use | Requires assessment of jacket and building-entry requirements | LSZH jacket supports appropriate internal pathways |
| Direct burial | Requires specific written confirmation | Not suitable |
| Typical selection driver | Biological and environmental protection | Installation simplicity across protected building routes |
Therefore, neither cable is universally better. Instead, each platform solves a different infrastructure problem.
What Is G-Series GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable?
The RapidConnect® G-Series is a non-metallic armoured loose tube fibre optic cable.
From outside to inside, its principal protective layers include:
- Black PE outer jacket
- Flat GRP armour elements
- Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket
- Loose tube optical cable core
- Dry water-blocking materials
Each layer performs a separate function.
First, the Black PE jacket forms the external environmental and mechanical sheath.
Next, the flat GRP elements create a physical rodent barrier around the protected inner cable.
Then, the Blue Nylon jacket provides the dedicated termite-proof layer.
Finally, the loose tube core protects and organises the optical fibres. Meanwhile, dry water-blocking materials help restrict longitudinal moisture migration.
Consequently, the G-Series provides more than general jacket durability. Instead, it combines rodent resistance, termite protection, moisture management and all-dielectric armour within one coordinated cable construction.
For a broader introduction, read What Is GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable?.
What Is W-Series Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable?
The RapidConnect® W-Series is a tight-buffered distribution cable designed for routes that transition between internal spaces and suitable protected external environments.
Its principal construction features include:
- 900 µm tight-buffered optical fibres
- Super-absorbent water-blocking yarn
- Black UV-resistant LSZH outer jacket
- Compact distribution-style construction
- OS2 Singlemode and OM4 Multimode options
- Multiple fibre-count configurations
The LSZH jacket provides an important advantage for appropriate internal building pathways. Specifically, it produces lower smoke and halogen emissions than a conventional PE outside-plant jacket when exposed to fire.
Meanwhile, the Black UV-resistant jacket supports qualifying protected external routing.
Furthermore, the tight-buffered fibres simplify cable preparation. Therefore, technicians can access and manage the individual fibres without opening loose buffer tubes.
However, the phrase “indoor outdoor” does not mean that the W-Series suits every outdoor route.
In particular, the W-Series must not pass through telecommunications pits. Likewise, it should not be installed in persistently wet underground pathways or treated as a substitute for purpose-built loose tube cable.
Therefore, the RapidConnect® W-Series Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable suits protected building-to-building routes rather than general underground infrastructure.
GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable Construction
The most important difference between these products lies beneath the jacket.
The G-Series uses loose tubes. By contrast, the W-Series places an individual 900 µm tight buffer around each optical fibre.
Consequently, this construction difference affects environmental performance, preparation, termination and application.
G-Series Loose Tube Construction
Loose tube cable places optical fibres within protective buffer tubes.
As a result, the fibres remain mechanically separated from many forces acting on the complete cable. Additionally, the loose tube structure can accommodate controlled movement without transferring every external force directly to the glass.
Therefore, loose tube construction suits demanding outdoor and underground infrastructure.
However, technicians must prepare the cable correctly. First, they remove the outer jacket and flat GRP armour. Next, they prepare the Blue Nylon-jacketed inner cable. Finally, they open the required loose tubes and access the fibres.
Consequently, G-Series preparation requires more specialised work than accessing a tight-buffered distribution cable.
W-Series Tight-Buffered Construction
The W-Series applies a 900 µm protective buffer directly around each fibre.
Therefore, technicians can handle, identify and terminate the fibres more easily.
This construction supports:
- Straightforward cable preparation
- Easier individual fibre handling
- Direct termination where appropriate
- Compact enclosure management
- Reduced preparation complexity
- Faster installation across many commercial pathways
However, the tight-buffered design does not provide the same environmental separation as a purpose-built loose tube system.
Consequently, the W-Series should remain within the dry and protected pathway conditions for which Anderson Corporation positions it.
External Jacket Comparison
Both cables use a Black outer jacket. However, the jacket materials and intended environments differ.
G-Series Black PE Jacket
The G-Series uses Black Polyethylene as its external jacket.
PE provides a practical combination of:
- Outdoor durability
- Moisture resistance
- Mechanical toughness
- Flexibility
- Protection for the underlying GRP armour
- Suitability for appropriate external pathways
However, the Black PE jacket does not provide the dedicated rodent or termite protection.
Instead, the flat GRP elements beneath it provide rodent protection. Meanwhile, the Blue Nylon jacket beneath the armour provides termite protection.
Additionally, a PE outside-plant jacket may not meet the requirements for every internal building pathway. Therefore, designers must assess the building entry, internal cable length and required transition method.
W-Series Black UV-Resistant LSZH Jacket
The W-Series uses a Black UV-resistant LSZH outer jacket.
LSZH means Low Smoke Zero Halogen. Consequently, the jacket better suits appropriate building interiors than a conventional PE outside-plant sheath.
Additionally, its Black UV-resistant construction supports protected external routing. Therefore, the W-Series can provide one continuous cable across suitable indoor and outdoor sections without automatically requiring a building-entry splice.
However, its LSZH jacket should not be interpreted as underground armour.
Specifically, the W-Series jacket does not provide the dedicated rodent barrier or termite-proof layer found within the G-Series.
Rodent Protection Comparison
GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable becomes a clear decision when the route includes credible rodent exposure.
The G-Series uses flat GRP elements to create a hard physical barrier around the Blue Nylon-jacketed inner cable.
If a rodent breaches the Black PE outer sheath, it encounters the GRP armour before reaching the optical core. Therefore, the protection does not depend on the outer jacket alone.
By comparison, the W-Series does not include dedicated rodent armour.
Its outer jacket provides normal environmental and mechanical protection. However, rodents may penetrate polymeric cable jackets through repeated gnawing.
Consequently, the W-Series should not replace G-Series cable where rodents may access the route and cable-level protection forms part of the project requirement.
This distinction can matter in:
- Underground conduits
- Communications pits
- Service tunnels
- Industrial facilities
- Warehouses
- Agricultural environments
- Waste-handling locations
- Transport infrastructure
- Older cable pathways
- Routes with documented pest activity
For a detailed technical explanation, read Understanding Rodent Resistance in Fibre Cable Design.
Termite Protection Comparison
Rodents and termites create different cable risks. Therefore, effective protection may require different materials.
The G-Series uses a Blue Nylon jacket beneath the flat GRP armour as its dedicated termite-proof layer.
Consequently, the G-Series provides:
- Flat GRP rodent protection
- Blue Nylon termite protection
- Black PE external protection
By comparison, the W-Series does not incorporate the same dedicated Blue Nylon termite-proof construction.
Therefore, routes with an identified termite risk may require another cable platform.
The correct selection principle is:
- Choose G-Series where the route requires rodent and termite protection
- Choose TR-Series where the route requires termite protection without GRP rodent armour
- Choose W-Series where the route remains dry, protected and free from identified biological risk
As a result, the phrase “indoor outdoor” does not create false confidence in environments that require purpose-built biological protection.
Moisture Management Comparison
Both cables include water-management components. However, their appropriate environments differ significantly.
G-Series Dry Water Blocking
The G-Series uses dry water-blocking technology within its loose tube construction.
Therefore, if moisture enters through a localised point, the water-blocking materials help restrict longitudinal migration along the cable.
Additionally, this protection supports appropriately designed external and underground pathways where moisture represents a credible risk.
However, water blocking does not make the cable waterproof under every condition. Consequently, installers must still seal cable ends, glands, entries and enclosures correctly.
W-Series Water-Blocking Yarn
The W-Series uses super-absorbent water-blocking yarn.
This yarn provides additional protection against limited moisture exposure. Nevertheless, it does not convert the W-Series into a wet-pit or general underground loose tube cable.
Therefore, the W-Series must remain within protected pathways that avoid telecommunications pits and excessive water exposure.
Most importantly, the presence of water-blocking yarn does not automatically make a cable suitable for:
- Flooded pits
- Permanently wet conduits
- Groundwater exposure
- Uncontrolled underground pathways
- Direct burial
- Routes exposed to repeated submersion
Consequently, designers must assess the actual pathway rather than selecting cable from the phrase “water blocked”.
Telecommunications Pits Create a Clear Selection Boundary
Telecommunications pits create one of the clearest distinctions in GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable.
The W-Series must not pass through pits.
Pits may contain:
- Standing water
- Groundwater
- Condensation
- Mud and silt
- Damaged seals
- Rodents
- Termites
- Sharp edges
- Congested cables
- Uncontrolled service loops
Therefore, a route involving pits no longer represents the protected external environment intended for the W-Series.
By comparison, the G-Series uses loose tube construction, dry water blocking, flat GRP rodent armour and Blue Nylon termite protection.
Consequently, the G-Series provides a substantially more appropriate platform for qualifying pit and conduit networks.
However, Anderson Corporation should still review the complete route and confirm the selected G-Series configuration.
Indoor Building Pathways Create a Different Boundary
The W-Series offers an advantage when the route enters and travels through a building.
Its LSZH jacket supports appropriate internal commercial pathways. Additionally, its tight-buffered fibres simplify access and termination.
Therefore, the W-Series can suit routes such as:
- Communications room to communications room
- Internal cable tray
- Protected risers
- Internal conduit
- Enclosed external wall conduit
- Covered building-to-building pathways
- Building-entry routes without telecommunications pits
- Protected pathways that remain dry
By comparison, the G-Series uses a Black PE outside-plant jacket.
Consequently, designers should not assume that the G-Series can continue for an unlimited distance through internal building pathways.
Instead, the project team must assess:
- Building-entry requirements
- Fire and smoke performance
- Internal pathway rules
- Cable-transition location
- Splice enclosure requirements
- Applicable installation standards
- Project-specific specifications
Therefore, the W-Series may provide the cleaner solution when the route primarily serves a structured commercial building environment.
Biological Protection Versus Installation Convenience
The G-Series prioritises environmental and biological protection.
By comparison, the W-Series prioritises pathway versatility and termination convenience across suitable building routes.
Therefore, GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable involves a trade-off between two different design objectives.
Choose G-Series Protection When the Route Requires:
- Dedicated rodent resistance
- Dedicated termite protection
- Loose tube fibre protection
- Dry water blocking
- Underground conduit installation
- Communications pit exposure
- All-dielectric armour
- Corrosion-resistant armour
- Demanding outside-plant performance
Choose W-Series Convenience When the Route Requires:
- Tight-buffered fibre access
- Easier preparation
- Direct individual-fibre handling
- Black UV-resistant LSZH jacket
- Indoor building compatibility
- Protected external routing
- One continuous cable across suitable indoor and outdoor sections
- OS2 or OM4 fibre options
- No telecommunications pits
Neither objective is universally more important. Instead, the route determines which construction provides the correct balance.
Inter-Building Route Example One: Protected Above-Ground Conduit
Consider two commercial buildings separated by 40 metres.
The cable leaves one communications room, passes through enclosed conduit mounted above ground and enters the second building.
Importantly, the route contains no pits. Furthermore, the conduit remains protected from flooding and biological activity.
In this case, the W-Series may provide the better solution.
Its tight-buffered construction simplifies termination. Additionally, its Black UV-resistant LSZH jacket supports the transition between appropriate indoor and protected external pathways.
Therefore, contractors may install one continuous cable without introducing an unnecessary intermediate splice.
However, the project team must still confirm the pathway, cable support, bend radius and building requirements.
Inter-Building Route Example Two: Underground Conduit With Pits
Now consider the same two buildings connected through underground conduit.
The cable leaves one building, enters a communications pit, passes through underground duct and then enters another pit before reaching the second building.
Consequently, the route introduces water, rodents, termites and uncontrolled pit conditions.
In this case, the G-Series provides the more appropriate construction.
Its loose tube core protects the optical fibres. Meanwhile, flat GRP elements provide rodent resistance, Blue Nylon provides termite protection and dry water blocking helps restrict moisture migration.
Therefore, the distance between the buildings does not determine cable selection. Instead, the pathway between those buildings provides the decisive information.
GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable for Industrial Facilities
Industrial facilities may contain both protected building routes and demanding external infrastructure.
For example, one cable may remain inside a production building. Meanwhile, another may cross an external plant area through underground conduits and pits.
The W-Series can suit appropriate internal and protected external building pathways. By comparison, the G-Series can suit routes exposed to rodents, termites, moisture and electrical infrastructure.
Consequently, a large industrial site may correctly use both cables.
For example, the network design might use:
- G-Series between remote buildings through protected underground infrastructure
- W-Series within buildings and across dry protected external sections
- Appropriate splice or transition enclosures at defined boundaries
- Cable constructions selected according to each route segment
For more information about demanding industrial applications, read GRP Armoured Fibre for Industrial Facilities.
Electrical Environments and All-Dielectric Protection
The G-Series uses non-metallic GRP armour.
Therefore, it provides mechanical and biological protection without creating a conductive steel-armour path.
This feature can provide an advantage near:
- Electrical distribution infrastructure
- Substations
- Industrial machinery
- Renewable energy assets
- Buildings with different earth potentials
- Utility networks
- Electrically sensitive equipment
The W-Series also avoids metallic armour. However, it does not provide the physical protection of flat GRP.
Consequently, the two cables address different aspects of the route.
The W-Series may suit a dry protected pathway near normal commercial electrical services. By comparison, the G-Series may provide greater value where the route requires both electrical isolation and rodent armour.
However, an all-dielectric cable does not remove every electrical requirement from the installation. Therefore, designers must still assess surrounding equipment, enclosures, trays and services.
For a detailed explanation, read Why Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour Matters.
Corrosion Considerations
The G-Series GRP armour does not rust like steel.
Therefore, it can provide an advantage where underground moisture, salt or industrial conditions could affect metallic armour.
The W-Series contains no dedicated armour layer. Consequently, armour corrosion does not arise as a design question for that cable.
However, this does not make the W-Series a substitute for GRP protection in a corrosive underground environment.
Instead, the correct interpretation is:
- W-Series avoids armour because its intended pathways do not require dedicated armour
- G-Series uses corrosion-resistant GRP because its intended pathways may require physical rodent protection without steel
- C-Series uses steel where the route requires heavy-duty metallic armour
Therefore, corrosion should be assessed together with mechanical and biological risk.
Cable Preparation and Termination
The W-Series generally provides easier preparation.
First, technicians remove the external jacket. Then, they access the colour-coded 900 µm tight-buffered fibres.
Consequently, the cable can support straightforward routing and termination within suitable enclosures.
By comparison, the G-Series requires a more structured preparation process.
First, technicians remove the Black PE outer jacket.
Next, they cut and remove the flat GRP armour elements.
Then, they prepare the Blue Nylon-jacketed loose tube cable.
Finally, they access and splice the required optical fibres.
Therefore, G-Series termination normally requires more time, tools and technical care.
However, that additional preparation supports a more protective cable construction. Consequently, installation convenience should not override the environmental requirements of the route.
Enclosures and Cable Entries
Cable construction affects enclosure and gland selection.
For the G-Series, designers should consider:
- External cable diameter
- Cable-entry size
- Gland compatibility
- Strain control
- GRP armour preparation
- Blue Nylon jacket protection
- Loose tube management
- Splice cassette capacity
- Service-loop storage
- Entry sealing
Meanwhile, for the W-Series, designers should consider:
- Distribution cable diameter
- LSZH-compatible pathway requirements
- Individual tight-buffered fibre routing
- Strain relief
- Breakout management
- Direct termination or splicing method
- Enclosure capacity
- Bend-radius control
Therefore, the project team should confirm the complete termination method before ordering either cable.
Fibre Category Selection
The W-Series is available with OS2 Singlemode and OM4 Multimode optical fibre.
Therefore, it can support a wide range of commercial building and campus networks.
The G-Series uses OS2 Singlemode as its standard optical platform. However, Anderson Corporation should confirm any project-specific fibre requirements before supply.
Importantly, fibre category does not determine environmental suitability.
For example, an OM4 cable with an unsuitable jacket remains the wrong cable for a wet pit. Likewise, an OS2 cable does not automatically suit direct burial or rodent exposure.
Therefore, designers should separate two decisions:
- Which optical fibre supports the required transmission distance and bandwidth?
- Which cable construction protects that fibre along the route?
Only the combination creates an appropriate cable specification.
Direct-Burial Comparison
The W-Series is not suitable for direct burial.
Likewise, the presence of GRP armour does not automatically confirm that every G-Series configuration suits direct burial.
Direct-burial routes may expose cable to:
- Soil pressure
- Rocks
- Ground movement
- Crushing
- Impact
- Construction activity
- Water
- Chemicals
- Vehicle loading
- Future excavation
Therefore, direct-burial suitability requires explicit confirmation.
Where a project needs heavy-duty direct-burial performance, the RapidConnect® C-Series CST Armoured Fibre Optic Cable or H-Series High Strength Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable may provide a more appropriate platform.
For a comparison between GRP and steel armour, read GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable.
Installation Risk
Selecting the correct cable does not remove the need for correct installation.
Therefore, for either cable, contractors should confirm:
- Cable route
- Pathway capacity
- Maximum pulling tension
- Minimum bend radius
- Pulling method
- Cable-entry protection
- Service-loop locations
- Enclosure capacity
- Termination method
- Testing requirements
However, the specific installation risks differ.
G-Series Installation Risks
Installers must avoid:
- Damaging the Black PE outer jacket
- Displacing or damaging the GRP elements
- Scoring the Blue Nylon jacket
- Crushing the loose tubes
- Exceeding pulling tension
- Bending the cable too tightly
- Leaving pathway entries unsealed
Additionally, technicians must prepare each cable layer in the correct sequence. Otherwise, they may compromise the protective construction at the termination point.
W-Series Installation Risks
Installers must avoid:
- Routing the cable through telecommunications pits
- Installing it in persistently wet pathways
- Exposing it to direct-burial conditions
- Damaging the LSZH jacket
- Bending tight-buffered fibres excessively
- Applying unsuitable pulling force
- Treating water-blocking yarn as waterproofing
Therefore, correct installation begins with respecting the limitations of the selected construction.
Testing and Commissioning
Both cable systems require optical testing and final documentation.
Commissioning may include:
- Continuity verification
- Optical loss measurement
- OTDR testing
- Splice-loss assessment
- Connector inspection
- Polarity confirmation
- Fibre allocation records
- Route documentation
Additionally, contractors should inspect:
- Cable jacket condition
- Bend radii
- Cable entries
- Service loops
- Enclosure seals
- Strain control
- Labels
- Pathway condition
For G-Series routes, the inspection should also consider pits, conduit seals and possible biological access.
For W-Series routes, the inspection should confirm that the installed pathway remains dry, protected and free from telecommunications pits.
Consequently, commissioning should verify both optical performance and application suitability.
Whole-of-Life Cost Comparison
The W-Series may reduce installation labour within suitable commercial pathways.
For example, its tight-buffered fibres can simplify preparation and termination. Additionally, one continuous indoor/outdoor cable may eliminate an intermediate splice.
Consequently, the W-Series can provide an efficient solution where the route remains within its environmental limits.
By comparison, the G-Series introduces additional cable protection and preparation requirements.
However, that protection can prevent expensive failures where rodents, termites, moisture or difficult access create significant risk.
The cost of a cable failure may include:
- Fault location
- Pit access
- Excavation
- Replacement cable
- Emergency splicing
- Network downtime
- Production disruption
- Retesting
- Documentation updates
- Site restoration
Therefore, the lowest cable price or fastest termination does not always produce the lowest whole-of-life cost.
Instead, value depends on matching the cable construction to the actual route.
Common Selection Mistakes
GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable often becomes necessary because buyers focus on one product description while overlooking the pathway.
Mistake 1: Assuming Indoor Outdoor Means Every Outdoor Environment
“Indoor outdoor” describes a cable that can transition between suitable internal and protected external environments.
However, it does not automatically mean underground, pit-rated, direct-burial, rodent-proof or continuously wet.
Mistake 2: Assuming Water Blocking Means Waterproof
Both cable platforms include water-management materials.
Nevertheless, water blocking only helps restrict moisture migration. Therefore, it does not remove the need for correct sealing or suitable pathway selection.
Mistake 3: Assuming Armour Means Direct Burial
GRP armour provides a dedicated rodent barrier.
However, direct burial involves additional mechanical conditions. Consequently, the complete construction requires written confirmation.
Mistake 4: Selecting Cable From Fibre Count Alone
Two cables may contain the same number and category of optical fibres while serving completely different environments.
Therefore, fibre count should never replace pathway assessment.
Mistake 5: Using W-Series Through Pits
The W-Series must not pass through telecommunications pits.
Consequently, any route containing a pit requires another cable construction.
Mistake 6: Using PE Cable Throughout a Building Without Assessment
The G-Series Black PE jacket suits outside-plant applications.
However, internal building pathways may impose different fire, smoke and installation requirements. Therefore, designers must assess the building entry and internal route.
Mistake 7: Selecting G-Series Only Because It Is Armoured
GRP armour provides valuable rodent protection.
Nevertheless, a dry internal building route may not require that armour. Consequently, W-Series can provide a more practical and economical construction where environmental risks remain controlled.
Questions to Ask Before Selecting Either Cable
Before confirming the cable, project teams should answer the following questions.
Does the Route Enter a Telecommunications Pit?
If yes, do not use W-Series. Instead, assess a suitable loose tube cable construction.
Could the Pathway Become Wet?
If yes, determine whether the route requires a purpose-built outside-plant loose tube cable.
Can Rodents Access the Cable?
If yes, consider dedicated GRP or CST armour rather than relying on a conventional polymer jacket.
Are Termites a Credible Risk?
If yes, select a construction with a dedicated termite-protection layer.
Does the Cable Run Inside a Building?
If yes, assess LSZH, fire, smoke and building-entry requirements.
Does the Route Pass Near Electrical Infrastructure?
If yes, consider whether all-dielectric armour provides an advantage.
Does the Project Require Direct Burial?
If yes, obtain explicit confirmation of direct-burial suitability.
How Will Technicians Terminate the Cable?
Confirm whether the project favours tight-buffered direct handling or loose tube fusion-spliced termination.
Which Fibre Category Does the Network Require?
Select OS2 or OM4 according to transmission distance, equipment and bandwidth requirements.
What Mechanical Ratings Apply?
Confirm pulling tension, crush resistance, impact resistance and minimum bend radius for the exact cable configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable?
The G-Series uses armoured loose tube construction for protected underground and demanding external infrastructure. By comparison, the W-Series uses tight-buffered LSZH construction for indoor and protected external building pathways.
Is W-Series cable rodent resistant?
The W-Series does not contain dedicated rodent armour. Therefore, routes with credible rodent exposure should use an appropriately armoured construction.
Can W-Series cable pass through telecommunications pits?
No. The W-Series must not pass through telecommunications pits. Consequently, a route containing pits requires another cable construction.
Can G-Series cable pass through telecommunications pits?
The G-Series construction suits appropriately designed underground duct, conduit and pit infrastructure. However, Anderson Corporation should confirm the complete route and selected configuration.
Is W-Series cable waterproof?
No. The W-Series includes water-blocking yarn, but it is not designed for flooded pits or persistently wet underground pathways.
Is G-Series cable waterproof?
The G-Series uses dry water blocking to restrict longitudinal moisture migration. However, installers must still seal ends, glands, entries and enclosures correctly.
Which cable provides rodent protection?
The G-Series provides rodent protection through flat GRP armour beneath its Black PE outer jacket. By comparison, the W-Series does not include dedicated rodent armour.
Which cable provides termite protection?
The G-Series includes a Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket beneath the GRP armour. However, the W-Series does not use the same dedicated termite-proof construction.
Which cable is easier to terminate?
The W-Series generally provides easier preparation because technicians can access its 900 µm tight-buffered fibres directly. By comparison, G-Series preparation includes removing the PE jacket, GRP armour and Blue Nylon layer before accessing the loose tubes.
Which cable is better inside buildings?
The W-Series generally provides the more suitable construction for appropriate internal commercial pathways because it uses an LSZH jacket. However, the complete installation must still meet project requirements.
Which cable is better underground?
The answer depends on the pathway. Generally, G-Series suits appropriately designed underground ducts, conduits and pits. However, direct-burial routes require a specifically confirmed cable construction.
Can either cable be installed directly in the ground?
The W-Series is not suitable for direct burial. Likewise, direct-burial suitability should not be assumed for G-Series solely because it contains GRP armour.
Which cable supports OM4?
The W-Series is available with OM4 Multimode fibre. Meanwhile, Anderson Corporation should confirm any project-specific optical requirements for the G-Series.
Can both cables connect separate buildings?
Yes, but only when the route suits the cable. W-Series can suit dry, protected building-to-building pathways without pits. By comparison, G-Series can suit more demanding external and underground pathways with biological or moisture risks.
Is GRP armour metallic?
No. GRP is a non-metallic composite. Therefore, the G-Series provides rodent armour without conductive steel.
Does GRP armour require earthing?
The GRP armour itself does not require earthing like steel armour. However, other metallic components within the installation may still require bonding or earthing.
Select the Cable From the Route
GRP Armoured vs Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable should never be decided from fibre count, price or product name alone.
The RapidConnect® G-Series provides:
- Loose tube fibre protection
- Flat GRP rodent armour
- Blue Nylon termite protection
- Black PE outer jacket
- Dry water blocking
- All-dielectric construction
- Corrosion-resistant armour
- Suitability for demanding protected external and underground pathways
By comparison, the RapidConnect® W-Series provides:
- Tight-buffered distribution construction
- 900 µm fibre access
- Black UV-resistant LSZH jacket
- Water-blocking yarn
- Easier preparation and termination
- OS2 and OM4 options
- Suitability for internal and protected external pathways
- One continuous cable across qualifying building routes
Therefore, select G-Series when the pathway requires purpose-built biological and underground protection.
Conversely, select W-Series when the route remains dry, protected and free from telecommunications pits while requiring a practical transition between internal and external building environments.
For a deeper understanding of G-Series cable protection, read Understanding Rodent Resistance in Fibre Cable Design and Understanding GRP Armour in Fibre Optic Cable.
Additionally, for more fibre optic product explanations, installation guidance and technical resources, visit the Anderson Corporation Fibre Optic Products YouTube channel.
To determine whether RapidConnect® G-Series GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable or RapidConnect® W-Series Indoor Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable suits your project, provide Anderson Corporation with the complete route, pathway conditions and fibre requirements.
Finally, for technical assistance or project pricing, request a Rapid Quote or contact Anderson Corporation on (03) 9761 7600.