Why Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour Matters

Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour provides mechanical protection without introducing conductive steel into a fibre optic cable. Therefore, it can help protect underground communications infrastructure while retaining the electrical advantages of an all-dielectric cable construction.

Optical fibre does not conduct electricity. However, a metallic armour layer changes the electrical characteristics of the finished cable. As a result, steel-armoured fibre cable may introduce bonding, earthing, induced-voltage, lightning and corrosion considerations.

Glass Reinforced Plastic provides a different approach. GRP combines reinforcing glass fibres with a polymer resin matrix to create strong, electrically non-conductive armour. Consequently, designers can gain a robust protective barrier without creating a metallic pathway along the cable route.

The RapidConnect® G-Series GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable uses flat GRP armour elements beneath a Black PE outer jacket. A Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket then surrounds the internal loose tube cable. This construction demonstrates why Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour can provide significant value in underground networks exposed to biological, environmental and electrical risks.

What Is Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour?

Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour is a protective cable layer made from materials that do not conduct electricity like steel or aluminium.

In the G-Series, flat Glass Reinforced Plastic elements surround the protected inner cable. Therefore, these elements create a circumferential mechanical barrier while preserving the cable’s all-dielectric construction.

GRP consists of two primary components:

• Glass reinforcement.
• Polymer resin.

The glass fibres contribute strength and stiffness. Meanwhile, the resin binds the fibres together, protects them and holds the required armour profile.

As a composite material, GRP behaves differently from ordinary plastic. It provides much greater rigidity and mechanical resistance while avoiding the conductivity and corrosion characteristics of steel.

However, project teams should always review the complete cable design. The presence of GRP alone does not confirm that every other cable component is non-metallic.

Therefore, consultants should verify the full construction before describing a cable as all-dielectric.

For a broader introduction to the construction and purpose of this cable type, read What Is GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable?

Why Fibre Optic Cable Requires Armour

Fibre optic cable can experience several mechanical and biological threats during installation and throughout its service life.

For example, underground infrastructure may expose the cable to:

• Rodent attack.
• Localised crushing.
• Impact.
• Abrasion.
• Damaged conduit.
• Movement within communications pits.
• Poor cable support.
• Accidental contact during maintenance.
• Moisture entry after jacket damage.
• Pressure from congested pathways.

The external cable jacket provides the first line of protection. Nevertheless, a polymer sheath alone may not resist every threat.

Therefore, armour adds a dedicated protective layer between the outer jacket and the cable core. If the external sheath suffers damage, the armour can help prevent that damage from reaching the buffer tubes and optical fibres.

However, different armour materials address different engineering priorities.

Steel armour can provide substantial mechanical protection. Conversely, GRP armour can provide rodent protection while also supporting electrical isolation and corrosion resistance.

The correct choice depends on the complete route rather than a general assumption that one armour material always performs better.

Where animal activity presents the primary threat, Rodent-Resistant Fibre Optic Cable for Underground Installations explains how cable construction and pathway management work together.

Why Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour Matters

Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour matters because it protects the cable without creating a conductive metallic path between installation points.

A fibre link may connect equipment across separate buildings, industrial areas or electrical zones. Although the data travels as light, metallic armour can create an unintended electrical connection along that route.

Consequently, engineers may need to assess:

• Bonding.
• Earthing.
• Induced voltage.
• Lightning exposure.
• Fault-current conditions.
• Earth potential differences.
• Separation from electrical services.
• Corrosion of metallic armour.

GRP does not conduct electricity like steel. Therefore, it can provide physical protection while maintaining the electrical separation that makes fibre attractive for many industrial and utility applications.

However, an all-dielectric cable does not remove every electrical risk from the installation. Designers must still assess the route, surrounding services, enclosures, equipment interfaces and applicable requirements.

Nevertheless, removing conductive armour simplifies one important part of that assessment.

How Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour Supports Electrical Isolation

Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour does not create electrical continuity along the cable route.

This characteristic can provide an advantage when fibre cable runs:

• Near electrical distribution infrastructure.
• Through substations.
• Around industrial equipment.
• Between buildings with different earth potentials.
• Near high-voltage assets.
• Through sites exposed to lightning.
• Across renewable energy facilities.
• Within electrically sensitive locations.

A metallic armour layer may require additional engineering in these environments. For example, the project team may need to determine how to bond and earth the armour.

Likewise, a long conductive cable component may experience induced voltage when it runs near energised infrastructure.

GRP armour avoids that particular conductive pathway. As a result, it helps preserve the electrical isolation provided by optical fibre.

However, other components within the network may still contain metal. Cable trays, racks, enclosures, support brackets and electrical equipment must therefore remain part of the complete risk assessment.

Does GRP Armour Require Earthing?

The GRP armour itself does not require earthing in the way that conductive steel armour may.

Because GRP does not carry electrical current like metal, installers do not need to bond the armour merely to control its electrical potential.

Consequently, GRP armour may simplify:

• Cable entry design.
• Enclosure preparation.
• Bonding arrangements.
• Earthing documentation.
• Inspection.
• Ongoing maintenance.

However, this benefit applies to the armour layer rather than the whole installation.

For example, metallic trays, enclosures, support structures and communications equipment may still require bonding or earthing. Therefore, an all-dielectric cable does not eliminate every electrical requirement from the project.

The accurate engineering position is straightforward: GRP armour does not require armour earthing, but the complete installation still requires assessment.

Induced Voltage and Fibre Cable Armour

A conductive material can experience induced voltage when it runs near an energised electrical system.

The level of induction depends on several factors, including:

• Separation distance.
• Parallel route length.
• Electrical loading.
• Cable position.
• Route geometry.
• Fault conditions.
• Surrounding infrastructure.

Although optical fibres carry light, metallic armour can still act as a conductor. Therefore, steel-armoured fibre cable may require additional assessment near power infrastructure.

GRP does not provide the same conductive path. Consequently, an all-dielectric GRP-armoured cable can help maintain electrical separation along the communications route.

This advantage does not allow designers to ignore installation clearances or project requirements. Nevertheless, it removes one mechanism through which voltage could travel along the cable.

Lightning and Earth Potential Differences

Lightning and electrical faults can produce rapid changes in local earth potential.

If metallic armour connects two locations, it may provide a conductive path between areas at different potentials. As a result, designers may need to manage transferred potential and armour bonding.

An all-dielectric cable does not create a continuous metallic armour path. Therefore, GRP armour can provide an important advantage for links between:

• Separate buildings.
• Substations and control rooms.
• Remote equipment shelters.
• Communications facilities.
• Solar generation assets.
• Wind energy infrastructure.
• Pumping stations.
• Mining sites.
• Rail-side equipment locations.

However, cable construction represents only one part of lightning protection.

Power supplies, equipment interfaces, earthing systems and physical separation also affect the final design. Consequently, project engineers must still assess the complete network.

Why Corrosion Resistance Matters

Metallic armour can corrode when moisture, salts, chemicals or damaged cable jackets expose it to an aggressive environment.

Initially, the corrosion may remain hidden beneath the outer sheath. Over time, however, it can reduce armour integrity and shorten the cable’s effective service life.

Underground pathways frequently contain moisture. For example, communications pits may flood, conduits may retain water and damaged seals may allow contaminants to enter.

Moreover, coastal, industrial and agricultural environments can increase chemical or salt exposure.

GRP does not rust like steel. Therefore, it removes metallic corrosion as an armour failure mechanism.

This characteristic can provide long-term value in:

• Wet underground conduits.
• Flood-prone communications pits.
• Coastal infrastructure.
• Water and wastewater facilities.
• Industrial plants.
• Mining operations.
• Agricultural environments.
• Regional telecommunications networks.

Nevertheless, the external cable jacket remains essential. Corrosion-resistant armour does not make jacket damage acceptable, nor does it remove the need for water blocking and correct sealing.

Instead, GRP provides another layer of resilience if the outer sheath experiences localised damage.

How Flat GRP Armour Protects Fibre Cable

The G-Series uses flat GRP armour elements arranged around the Blue Nylon-jacketed inner cable.

Their wide profile creates close coverage around the cable circumference. Therefore, the armour provides protection from multiple directions rather than reinforcing only one side.

The G-Series construction follows this order from outside to inside:

1. Black PE outer jacket.
2. Flat GRP armour elements.
3. Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket.
4. Loose tube optical cable core.

Each layer performs a specific function.

The Black PE jacket provides the external environmental and mechanical sheath. Beneath it, the flat GRP elements create the dedicated rodent-proof armour.

Next, the Blue Nylon jacket provides termite-proof protection. Finally, the loose tube core protects and organises the optical fibres.

This layered construction addresses different underground threats separately. Therefore, one protective material does not need to perform every function.

For a closer technical examination of this protective layer, see Understanding GRP Armour in Fibre Optic Cable.

Why the Flat Armour Profile Matters

The shape of each GRP element influences the coverage around the cable.

Flat elements provide a wider protective surface than narrow round rods of comparable material. Consequently, they can form a close armour layer around the inner cable.

Their arrangement also creates a defined physical barrier between the Black PE outer jacket and the Blue Nylon-protected cable core.

This flat profile supports:

• Circumferential mechanical protection.
• Physical separation from the cable core.
• Resistance to rodent penetration.
• Non-metallic reinforcement.
• All-dielectric performance.
• Resistance to rust and corrosion.

However, armour does not make the cable immune to excessive mechanical force.

Installers must still comply with the specified pulling tension, crush resistance and minimum bend radius. Likewise, they must protect the cable from sharp edges and uncontrolled impact.

Therefore, the flat GRP layer forms part of a complete engineered cable system rather than replacing correct installation practice.

Rodent Protection Without Conductive Steel

Rodents may enter underground conduits through damaged sections, open ends, poorly sealed penetrations or communications pits.

Once inside, they can gnaw the cable jacket. If they breach a conventional outer sheath, they may then reach water-blocking components, buffer tubes and optical fibres.

Flat GRP elements create a hard physical barrier beneath the outer PE jacket. Therefore, if a rodent damages that jacket, the armour helps prevent its teeth from reaching the protected inner cable.

This approach provides rodent protection without adding steel.

Consequently, project teams do not need to choose automatically between biological protection and all-dielectric performance.

The practical value of Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour becomes particularly clear on routes where rodent exposure overlaps with electrical or corrosion concerns.

However, cable-level protection should complement pathway management. Contractors should still repair damaged conduits, seal entries and maintain communications pits.

To understand why rodents attack communications infrastructure, read Why Rodents Damage Fibre Optic Cable.

Termite Protection Within the Same Construction

Rodents and termites attack cable differently. Therefore, the G-Series uses separate protective layers to address each risk.

The flat GRP elements form the rodent-proof armour. Meanwhile, the Blue Nylon jacket beneath the GRP provides the termite-proof barrier.

This creates a clear division of responsibility:

• Black PE provides the external jacket.
• Flat GRP elements provide rodent protection.
• Blue Nylon provides termite protection.
• Loose tubes protect and manage the optical fibres.
• Dry water-blocking materials help restrict moisture migration.

Consequently, adding GRP rodent armour does not require the cable to sacrifice termite protection.

The RapidConnect® G-Series cable construction brings these protective layers together while retaining a non-metallic design.

Moisture Protection Still Matters

Underground pits and conduits should never be assumed to remain completely dry.

Groundwater, condensation, flooding, damaged seals and drainage problems can expose cable to moisture throughout its service life.

Furthermore, rodent or mechanical damage may breach the outer sheath and create a new water-entry point.

The G-Series uses dry water-blocking technology to help restrict longitudinal moisture migration. Therefore, water entering at one location is less likely to travel freely along the cable.

Dry water blocking can also simplify cable preparation. Unlike traditional flooded designs, a dry construction does not require technicians to remove large amounts of gel during termination.

However, water blocking is not the same as waterproofing.

Installers must still seal cable ends during storage, hauling and installation. Likewise, they must seal glands, enclosure entries and pathway penetrations correctly.

Therefore, armour, water blocking and installation sealing must work together.

Non-Metallic Armour Versus Steel Armour

GRP and steel armour provide different engineering solutions.

Steel armour can deliver substantial mechanical protection. Therefore, it may suit routes where heavy crushing or a specified metallic construction represents the dominant requirement.

Corrugated Steel Tape, for example, forms a robust barrier around an underground cable. However, it also introduces electrical conductivity and the possibility of corrosion.

GRP armour provides a different balance of characteristics.

It offers a non-metallic physical barrier, supports all-dielectric construction and does not rust like steel. Consequently, it can suit routes where rodent protection, electrical isolation and corrosion resistance carry particular importance.

The principal differences include:

Electrical Conductivity

Steel conducts electricity. Therefore, it may require bonding, earthing and induced-voltage assessment.

GRP does not conduct electricity like steel. Consequently, it supports an all-dielectric cable construction.

Corrosion

Steel may corrode if moisture or aggressive substances reach the armour.

GRP does not rust. Therefore, it can provide an advantage in wet, humid, coastal or chemically challenging environments.

Weight and Flexibility

Metallic armour can add substantial weight and stiffness.

GRP can support a lighter and more flexible design than many comparable steel-armoured cables. However, the final weight and bend radius depend on the complete cable construction.

Mechanical Priorities

Steel armour may suit installations that prioritise heavier crush protection.

Conversely, flat GRP armour can provide a robust rodent barrier while preserving electrical isolation.

Installation Requirements

Metallic armour may require bonding and earthing arrangements.

GRP armour does not require those armour-specific electrical connections. Nevertheless, both cable types still require correct pulling, bending, support and termination.

Therefore, engineers should select armour according to the route rather than a generic preference for metal or composite materials.

For a detailed comparison of the two constructions, see GRP Armoured vs CST Armoured Fibre Cable.

Non-Metallic Does Not Mean Mechanically Weak

The term “non-metallic” can create the mistaken impression that the armour provides only light protection.

However, GRP is an engineered composite rather than an ordinary flexible plastic. Its glass reinforcement provides stiffness and strength, while its resin matrix maintains the required shape.

Consequently, flat GRP elements can create a robust mechanical barrier around the cable core.

Nevertheless, descriptive claims do not replace technical data.

Project teams should review the specified:

• Maximum pulling tension.
• Crush resistance.
• Impact resistance.
• Minimum bend radius.
• Cable diameter.
• Cable mass.
• Operating temperature.
• Installation temperature.

The final values may vary with fibre count and cable construction.

Therefore, consultants should confirm current technical information for the exact cable configuration before approving the product.

Installation Benefits of Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour

Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour can simplify several aspects of cable installation.

First, technicians do not need to bond or earth the GRP armour layer. Consequently, the cable entry may require fewer armour-specific electrical components.

Second, GRP does not create the rust risk associated with exposed steel. Therefore, prepared cable ends and localised jacket damage do not introduce the same metallic corrosion mechanism.

Third, GRP may support a lighter cable construction than many steel-armoured alternatives. As a result, drum handling and cable hauling may become easier.

However, the actual installation benefit depends on the selected fibre count, diameter and cable design.

Technicians must also prepare the armour correctly. They should remove the required length of Black PE jacket and flat GRP elements without damaging the underlying Blue Nylon jacket.

Because that Blue Nylon layer provides termite protection, installers should preserve its integrity wherever it remains part of the installed cable.

Where Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour Adds Value

Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour can provide the greatest value where biological, environmental and electrical risks overlap.

Electrical Utilities

Utility networks may place communications cable near substations, power cables and electrical distribution assets.

Therefore, all-dielectric armour can help preserve electrical separation while protecting the underground fibre cable.

Industrial Facilities

Factories, warehouses and processing plants may combine electrical equipment, chemicals, moisture and rodent activity.

Consequently, GRP armour can address several route risks without adding conductive steel.

Mining and Resources

Mining sites often extend communications across large and demanding operational areas.

Moreover, fibre links may support monitoring, safety, control and production systems. Therefore, cable reliability can directly affect operations.

Renewable Energy Projects

Solar farms, wind farms and battery facilities combine extensive electrical infrastructure with dispersed communications assets.

As a result, non-metallic armoured fibre can suit appropriately engineered underground routes within these projects.

Water and Wastewater Networks

These facilities frequently contain underground pathways, moisture, chemicals and electrical equipment.

Therefore, corrosion resistance and all-dielectric construction may provide meaningful benefits.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Carrier, regional and private networks often pass through pits and conduits over long distances.

Consequently, rodent protection and corrosion resistance can improve resilience where repair access remains difficult.

Campuses and Inter-Building Networks

Schools, hospitals, universities, commercial campuses and government facilities often connect separate buildings through underground fibre.

Therefore, electrical isolation, termite exposure and rodent protection may all influence cable selection.

Transport Infrastructure

Rail, road and tunnel networks can contain electrical systems, long cable pathways and restricted maintenance access.

Accordingly, the cable construction must reflect the complete operating environment.

When Metallic Armour May Remain Appropriate

Non-metallic armour offers significant benefits. However, steel armour remains appropriate for many installations.

A metallic-armoured cable may provide the better solution when:

• Heavy crush protection forms the primary requirement.
• The project specifically requires Corrugated Steel Tape.
• The electrical environment permits conductive armour.
• The design includes suitable bonding and earthing.
• The cable must match existing metallic-armoured infrastructure.
• The installation requires a confirmed direct-burial construction.

Therefore, GRP should not be selected simply because it avoids metal.

Likewise, steel should not be selected merely because it appears stronger.

Instead, project teams should identify the dominant risks and select the cable construction that addresses them most effectively.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Cable Armour

Before specifying an armoured fibre cable, consultants and contractors should answer several important questions.

What Is the Installation Method?

Confirm whether the cable will run through ducts, conduits, pits, service tunnels or another approved pathway.

Do not assume that armour automatically makes a cable suitable for direct burial.

What Mechanical Loads Will the Cable Face?

Review pulling tension, crush exposure, impact, minimum bend radius and handling conditions.

Are Rodents or Termites Present?

Consider previous cable damage, pest reports, surrounding land use and pathway condition.

Does the Route Pass Near Electrical Infrastructure?

Assess power cables, substations, industrial equipment, earth potential differences and lightning exposure.

Could the Environment Cause Corrosion?

Review moisture, flooding, salt, chemicals and the condition of existing pits and conduits.

What Fibre Category and Count Does the Network Require?

Allow for present services, redundancy, future expansion and spare capacity.

How Will Technicians Terminate the Cable?

Confirm gland compatibility, enclosure capacity, armour preparation and internal fibre management.

What Documentation Does the Project Require?

Establish testing, labelling, route records, drum schedules and commissioning requirements before installation.

These questions move the selection process beyond simply requesting an armoured cable with a particular fibre count.

How to Specify Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour

A professional specification for Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour should describe the required cable construction and performance.

Depending on the project, the specification may include:

• All-dielectric construction.
• Flat GRP armour elements.
• Rodent-proof protection.
• Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket.
• Black PE outer jacket.
• Loose tube construction.
• Dry water blocking.
• Required fibre category.
• Required fibre count.
• Maximum cable diameter.
• Maximum cable mass.
• Pulling-tension requirements.
• Crush-resistance requirements.
• Minimum bend radius.
• Operating temperature.
• Installation temperature.
• Drum-length requirements.
• Approved installation method.
• Testing and documentation requirements.

However, the specification should avoid conflicting requirements.

For example, requesting conductive steel armour within an all-dielectric cable creates a contradiction. Likewise, specifying GRP armour does not automatically establish a particular crush rating or installation method.

Therefore, Anderson Corporation should review the complete application before confirming the final cable construction.

Testing and Commissioning

Correct commissioning establishes the initial performance baseline for the fibre link.

Before activation, contractors should inspect:

• Cable jacket condition.
• Pit and conduit entries.
• Cable supports.
• Bend radii.
• Service loops.
• Glands and seals.
• Splice enclosures.
• Cable identification.
• Internal fibre management.
• Accessible cable-preparation points.

Optical testing may then include:

• Continuity verification.
• Optical loss testing.
• OTDR testing.
• Splice-loss assessment.
• Connector inspection.
• Polarity confirmation.
• Link documentation.

Contractors should retain test files, route plans, drum details, fibre allocations and photographs.

Consequently, the network owner can compare future results with the commissioning baseline if damage or degradation occurs.

Lifecycle Inspection and Maintenance

All-dielectric armour removes some risks, but it does not remove the need for infrastructure maintenance.

Routine inspections should examine:

• Communications pit condition.
• Water accumulation.
• Conduit entries.
• Cable support.
• Rodent activity.
• Termite activity.
• Jacket damage.
• Enclosure seals.
• Identification labels.
• Changes to surrounding infrastructure.

Where technicians find damage, they should investigate the cause rather than treating only the visible symptom.

For example, jacket damage near a pit entry may indicate rodent activity, poor support or repeated cable movement. Therefore, repairing the cable without correcting the cause could allow the problem to return.

Whole-of-Life Infrastructure Value

Cable price represents only one part of an underground fibre project.

Civil work, labour, hauling, enclosures, fusion splicing, testing and operational downtime can cost substantially more than the original cable.

If the selected armour corrodes, creates an avoidable electrical issue or fails to address biological attack, the network owner may need to:

• Locate the fault.
• Access underground pits.
• Excavate the route.
• Replace damaged cable.
• Complete emergency splicing.
• Reconfigure services.
• Retest the network.
• Restore the site.
• Update network records.
• Manage operational downtime.

Consequently, armour selection should consider the expected service life of the complete route.

GRP can provide whole-of-life value by combining mechanical protection, corrosion resistance and electrical isolation. Furthermore, the G-Series adds termite protection and dry water blocking.

For critical, remote or difficult-to-access routes, avoiding one premature cable replacement may justify the original investment in purpose-built protection.

Learn More About Protected Fibre Infrastructure

Cable construction becomes easier to assess when every layer performs a clearly defined role.

The Black PE outer jacket protects the finished cable. Flat GRP elements provide rodent-proof armour. Blue Nylon provides termite protection. Meanwhile, loose tubes and water-blocking components protect the optical fibres from mechanical and environmental conditions.

For further product explanations, installation guidance and fibre infrastructure resources, visit the Anderson Corporation Fibre Optic Products YouTube channel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour?

Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour uses electrically non-conductive materials, such as Glass Reinforced Plastic, to create mechanical protection around a fibre optic cable core.

What does GRP mean?

GRP means Glass Reinforced Plastic. It combines reinforcing glass fibres with a polymer resin matrix to create a strong and stiff composite material.

Is GRP armour electrically conductive?

No. GRP does not conduct electricity like steel. Therefore, it supports an all-dielectric fibre optic cable construction.

Does GRP armour require earthing?

The GRP armour itself does not require earthing like conductive metallic armour. However, other metallic parts of the installation may still require bonding or earthing.

Can GRP armour corrode?

GRP does not rust like steel. Consequently, it can provide an advantage where water, humidity, salt or chemicals could affect metallic armour.

Is non-metallic armour weaker than steel armour?

Not necessarily. GRP is an engineered composite that can provide substantial mechanical protection. However, GRP and steel suit different requirements, so designers must compare verified cable ratings.

Does GRP armour protect fibre cable from rodents?

Flat GRP elements create a hard physical barrier around the inner cable. Therefore, they help prevent rodents from reaching the protected cable core after damaging the outer jacket.

Does GRP armour provide termite protection?

The GRP layer provides rodent protection. In the G-Series, a separate Blue Nylon jacket beneath the armour provides termite protection.

Is the Blue Nylon the outer jacket?

No. The finished G-Series cable uses a Black PE outer jacket. The Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket sits beneath the flat GRP armour.

What is the correct G-Series construction order?

From outside to inside, the G-Series uses a Black PE outer jacket, flat GRP armour elements, a Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket and a loose tube optical cable core.

Is GRP armoured fibre suitable near power infrastructure?

All-dielectric construction can provide an important advantage near electrical infrastructure because it avoids a conductive armour path. Nevertheless, engineers must assess the complete installation environment.

Does all-dielectric mean electrically safe in every situation?

No. An all-dielectric cable removes conductive metallic components from the cable. However, the route, equipment, enclosures and surrounding electrical infrastructure still require assessment.

Is GRP armoured cable suitable for direct burial?

Do not assume direct-burial suitability from the presence of GRP armour. Anderson Corporation must confirm whether the selected construction suits the proposed installation method.

Does the G-Series include water blocking?

Yes. The G-Series uses dry water-blocking technology to help restrict longitudinal moisture migration within the cable.

Is water blocking the same as waterproofing?

No. Water blocking helps restrict moisture movement inside the cable. Installers must still seal cable ends, glands, entries and enclosures correctly.

When should steel armour be considered?

Steel armour may suit routes that prioritise heavier crush resistance, require Corrugated Steel Tape or use a confirmed direct-burial construction. However, the project team must also address conductivity and corrosion.

Where is non-metallic armoured fibre commonly used?

Applications can include utilities, industrial facilities, mining, renewable energy, telecommunications, water infrastructure, transport networks and inter-building links.

Choose Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour for the Right Route

Non-Metallic Fibre Cable Armour provides mechanical protection without converting the fibre cable into a conductive metallic pathway.

Consequently, GRP armour can help designers manage rodent exposure while avoiding armour-related earthing, bonding, induced-voltage and corrosion concerns.

However, cable selection must reflect the complete route. Mechanical loading, biological exposure, electrical conditions, moisture, installation method and future maintenance access all influence the correct choice.

The RapidConnect® G-Series brings these requirements together through a Black PE outer jacket, flat GRP rodent-proof armour, a Blue Nylon termite-proof jacket, dry water blocking and a loose tube optical cable core.

To determine whether RapidConnect® G-Series GRP Armoured Fibre Optic Cable suits your infrastructure, provide Anderson Corporation with the route conditions, installation method, fibre requirements and environmental risks.

For technical assistance or project pricing, request a Rapid Quote or contact Anderson Corporation on (03) 9761 7600.