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RapidConnect® H-Series High Strength Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable is engineered for direct burial in reactive and expansive soils. Its reinforced construction provides 6.0 kN tensile strength, high crush resistance, axial compression resistance and dry core water blocking. Available in OS2 Singlemode and OM4 Multimode from 2 to 144 fibres.
High Strength Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable provides the mechanical protection required for demanding underground telecommunications networks. The RapidConnect® H‑Series combines a reinforced loose tube construction with high tensile strength, crush resistance, dry core water blocking and a bonded blue nylon outer jacket.
More importantly, the H‑Series is engineered for direct burial in reactive and expansive soils. These soil conditions can place conventional underground cables under significant compression, shear and lateral movement. Therefore, the cable must withstand more than the pulling forces applied during installation.
Available with OS2 Singlemode and OM4 Multimode optical fibre, the RapidConnect® H‑Series supports fibre counts from 2 to 144 fibres. As a result, it provides a versatile solution for telecommunications backbones, transport infrastructure, utilities, industrial networks and other critical underground fibre systems.
Underground fibre optic cable can face significant forces throughout its service life. In particular, reactive soils expand when moisture levels increase and contract as they dry. This continuing movement can place a directly buried cable under axial compression, lateral pressure and shear forces.
Black soils and other expansive clay soils can present an especially difficult environment. Although a cable may perform well during a conventional pulling or crush test, it may not tolerate the longitudinal forces generated by ongoing ground movement.
The RapidConnect® H‑Series addresses this challenge through a mechanically reinforced construction designed for high shear, compression and tensile performance. Consequently, it is suited to direct-burial routes where soil movement forms an important part of the cable-selection process.
However, every underground route remains different. Ground conditions, installation depth, trench preparation, backfill, mechanical protection, rodents and future excavation risks must all form part of the project design.
The term “high strength” should describe measurable cable performance rather than a general claim of durability.
The RapidConnect® H‑Series achieves its mechanical performance through several coordinated design elements:
Together, these elements help the cable withstand installation loads and long-term underground forces. Meanwhile, the loose tube design protects the optical fibres from direct mechanical strain.
The H‑Series uses a stranded multi-loose-tube construction. This design separates the optical fibres from the cable’s primary mechanical load-bearing components.
Each active thermoplastic buffer tube contains up to 12 optical fibres. In addition, a low-viscosity, thixotropic and non-melting gel protects the fibres within the tube.
The required buffer tubes and fillers are then SZ-stranded around the central strength member. This stranded arrangement allows the cable to accommodate mechanical and temperature-related movement while helping to isolate the optical fibres from strain.
Therefore, the optical fibres do not carry the cable’s installation load. Instead, the cable structure manages the mechanical forces while the fibres remain protected inside the buffer tubes.
A glass-reinforced plastic central strength member forms the mechanical centre of the H‑Series construction.
The surrounding buffer tubes and fillers are stranded around this central member. As a result, the GRP element supports the cable structure and helps control tensile strain during hauling and installation.
GRP also provides mechanical reinforcement without introducing a metallic central conductor. Therefore, the construction avoids the earthing and bonding requirements commonly associated with metallic strength elements.
However, cable selection must still consider the entire installed system. Metallic enclosures, draw wires, armour, pathway components and nearby electrical infrastructure may introduce separate bonding or separation requirements.
The H‑Series has a published maximum tensile strength of 6.0 kN across the listed fibre-count configurations.
This rating provides additional mechanical capacity for demanding installation conditions. For example, longer routes, multiple bends, changes in elevation and high-friction pathways can increase the tension placed on a cable during installation.
Nevertheless, the 6.0 kN value remains a maximum cable rating. It should never become the planned operating point for a cable pull.
Before installation, the contractor should develop a pull plan that considers:
Furthermore, installers should monitor pulling tension during demanding cable pulls. This approach helps prevent an unexpected obstruction, tight bend or equipment problem from exceeding the cable rating.
Underground cables may experience concentrated loads during installation and throughout their working life. Therefore, crush resistance forms an important part of direct-burial cable selection.
The RapidConnect® H‑Series provides:
Short-term crush resistance relates to temporary mechanical loading. For example, a cable may experience short-duration pressure during handling, installation or backfilling.
In contrast, long-term crush resistance considers loads that remain on the cable for an extended period. These may result from ground pressure, poorly selected backfill, external infrastructure or localised loading.
However, a strong cable does not replace correct civil construction. Installers must still prepare the trench, remove sharp objects, select suitable backfill and maintain the specified burial depth.
Tensile testing measures how a cable responds when pulled. Crush testing measures how it responds to an external load applied across a defined section. However, neither test completely represents the forces created when reactive soil expands and pushes along the cable route.
Axial compression occurs when longitudinal movement forces the cable structure together. If the cable cannot manage this compression, it may buckle or move laterally. Subsequently, the cable structure may place stress on the buffer tubes and optical fibres.
The H‑Series design has been qualified under an enhanced axial compression test that applies a 4 kN axial load while monitoring optical performance.
The test considers:
The acceptance criteria require no physical damage and no change in attenuation during the test. Therefore, axial compression performance represents one of the defining differences between the H‑Series and a conventional underground loose tube cable.
Shear force occurs when different parts of the surrounding ground move in different directions. For example, one section of soil may rise, settle or move laterally while the adjacent section remains relatively stable.
This movement can create a concentrated load across a short length of buried cable. Consequently, the cable may face bending, compression and lateral displacement at the same location.
The reinforced H‑Series construction helps manage these combined mechanical forces. For this reason, it is particularly relevant when route investigations identify reactive clay, expansive black soil or other ground-movement risks.
Nevertheless, cable strength represents only one part of the solution. Engineers should also consider trench design, bedding materials, route drainage, installation depth and local geotechnical advice.
The H‑Series combines two complementary moisture-management systems.
First, water-swellable materials provide longitudinal water blocking around the cable core. If water enters through a localised sheath breach, these materials swell and help restrict further migration along the cable.
Second, each active buffer tube contains a low-viscosity thixotropic gel. This gel protects the optical fibres inside the tube and limits moisture movement around the fibres.
Therefore, the H‑Series has a dry water-blocked cable core, but it is not a completely gel-free cable. This distinction matters when specifying, preparing and terminating the cable.
The dry core also simplifies access compared with constructions that fill the entire cable core with flooding compound. However, technicians must still clean and prepare the gel-filled buffer tubes correctly during splicing.
The H‑Series water-blocking system has been assessed using the IEC 60794 water-penetration method for outdoor optical cables.
The test uses:
This testing provides evidence of longitudinal water-blocking performance. However, it does not mean that installers can leave open cable ends exposed to water.
During transport, storage and installation, both cable ends should remain sealed. In addition, technicians should reseal any unterminated cable end immediately after cutting.
The H‑Series uses a polyethylene sheath beneath a UV-stabilised blue polyamide outer jacket. These layers are integrally bonded to form a stable jacket system.
The bonded construction helps prevent the outer nylon layer from wrinkling when the cable bends. As a result, the jacket retains a consistent external surface while supporting handling and installation.
The blue polyamide layer also provides a relatively low-friction surface. Therefore, it can assist cable movement during duct hauling and handling. However, installers must still follow the approved pulling plan and lubricant requirements.
Two ripcords sit beneath the sheath to help technicians access the internal cable structure during preparation.
Termites can threaten polymeric cable jackets in some Australian environments. Therefore, the H‑Series uses a blue polyamide outer jacket that provides an additional anti-termite barrier.
The nylon layer also contributes to:
However, no cable should be described as indestructible. Route conditions, installation damage and exposure to other pests can still affect the cable.
Where rodents represent the dominant risk, consider the RapidConnect® GRP Armoured Rodent Proof Fibre Optic Cable or RapidConnect® CST Armoured Rodent Proof Fibre Optic Cable.
The RapidConnect® H‑Series accommodates small, medium and large underground fibre backbones.
| Number of fibres | Number of elements | Nominal cable diameter | Nominal cable weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–72 | 6 | 14.8 mm | 175 kg/km |
| 96 | 8 | 17.4 mm | 240 kg/km |
| 120 | 10 | 19.9 mm | 305 kg/km |
| 144 | 12 | 23.0 mm | 395 kg/km |
The selected fibre count affects cable diameter, cable weight, drum selection and installation planning. Therefore, designers should not base hauling calculations on a generic H‑Series value.
Instead, use the specifications for the exact fibre count being supplied.
| Performance characteristic | H‑Series specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum tensile strength | 6.0 kN |
| Short-term crush resistance | 6.0 kN/100 mm |
| Long-term crush resistance | 3.0 kN/100 mm |
| Minimum bend radius under load | 30 × cable OD |
| Minimum bend radius without load | 15 × cable OD |
| Operating temperature | −10°C to +70°C |
The minimum bend radius changes with cable diameter. For example, a 14.8 mm cable requires less space than a 23.0 mm cable.
Consequently, the project designer must consider the actual cable diameter when selecting pits, conduits, hauling equipment, drum stands and route transitions.
The H‑Series design has been assessed against a broad set of optical cable tests.
These include:
Throughout these tests, the acceptance criteria consider both physical condition and optical performance. Therefore, the cable must protect the fibres without producing an unacceptable attenuation change.
The H‑Series cable design references IEC 60794-3 for outdoor optical fibre cable. In addition, the product is designed with reference to AS/CA S008 requirements for customer cabling products.
Australian telecommunications projects may also need to comply with installation requirements, carrier specifications, project standards and site-specific engineering requirements.
The Australian Telecommunications Alliance maintains the current publication register for AS/CA S008 and other Australian customer-cabling standards.
However, product compliance does not automatically make every installation compliant. A registered cabler and the project designer must assess the complete installation.
The H‑Series is available with OS2 Singlemode and OM4 Multimode fibre.
OS2 Singlemode fibre suits long-distance and high-bandwidth telecommunications backbones. Therefore, it is generally the preferred choice for:
The optical transmission distance depends on the active equipment, wavelength, connector loss, splice loss and total channel-loss budget. It does not depend on cable tensile strength.
OM4 Multimode fibre supports high-speed Ethernet over shorter distances. As a result, it may suit underground links within:
Before selecting OM4, confirm the required data rate, optical transceivers, total channel length and future network requirements.
Although the H‑Series is engineered for direct burial, correct installation remains critical.
Before construction begins, investigate:
Prepare the trench so that the cable does not rest against sharp rocks, construction waste or other damaging objects.
Where required, use suitable bedding and selected backfill. In addition, maintain the specified separation from other services.
Use drum stands and handling equipment appropriate for the cable weight and drum size. Furthermore, maintain the correct direction of drum rotation.
Do not drag the cable across the ground or allow it to develop uncontrolled loops. Similarly, avoid twisting the cable during installation.
Use an approved pulling grip and swivel arrangement. In demanding installations, monitor the applied tension.
The pulling system must transfer the load into the cable structure correctly. Therefore, do not attach pulling equipment directly to the optical fibres or buffer tubes.
Maintain at least 30 times the cable diameter while the cable remains under load. After installation and removal of the pulling load, maintain at least 15 times the cable diameter.
These values apply to the supplied H‑Series cable. However, the project may specify a larger radius.
Keep both cable ends sealed throughout delivery, storage and installation. After cutting the cable, reseal any exposed end immediately.
This prevents water from entering the buffer tubes or cable core before termination.
After installation, complete the required optical tests and record the results.
Depending on the project, testing may include:
Keep the test results with the cable drum information, route records and as-built documentation.
The RapidConnect® H‑Series suits projects where direct-burial capability and resistance to soil-generated mechanical forces are important.
Typical applications include:
However, applications such as mining, rail, power utilities and transport infrastructure may impose additional standards or project-specific requirements. Therefore, confirm the complete specification before ordering.
Different cable constructions manage different environmental and installation risks.
| Project requirement | Recommended RapidConnect® cable |
|---|---|
| Direct burial in reactive or expansive soil | H‑Series High Strength Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable |
| Outdoor conduit or duct installation | TR‑Series Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable |
| Non-metallic rodent protection | GRP Armoured Rodent Proof Fibre Optic Cable |
| Steel armoured rodent and impact protection | CST Armoured Rodent Proof Fibre Optic Cable |
| Self-supporting aerial installation | A‑Series ADSS Fibre Optic Cable |
| Indoor and protected external commercial pathways | W‑Series Indoor/Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable |
| Factory-terminated installation | Pre-Terminated Fibre Optic Cable |
The H‑Series does not replace every other outdoor fibre cable. Instead, it addresses the specific mechanical challenges associated with demanding direct-burial routes and ground movement.
High strength and armour describe different forms of protection.
The H‑Series focuses on tensile, crush, shear and axial compression performance. Therefore, it suits direct-burial installations where soil movement and mechanical loading drive the cable specification.
In contrast, GRP or steel armour primarily addresses rodent attack, impact and penetration risks.
A project may face both soil movement and rodent exposure. In that case, the designer must determine which construction provides the required combination of mechanical and pest protection. Do not assume that high tensile strength automatically provides rodent resistance.
The RapidConnect® TR‑Series Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable provides a compact, lightweight solution for outdoor conduit and duct installations.
By comparison, the H‑Series has a larger and more mechanically reinforced construction. It is designed for direct burial and demanding soil conditions.
Choose the TR‑Series when conduit capacity, low cable weight and compact construction lead the specification. However, select the H‑Series when direct burial, axial compression, shear resistance and higher mechanical performance become the priority.
The RapidConnect® A‑Series ADSS Fibre Optic Cable is engineered for self-supporting aerial spans between suitable structures.
The H‑Series serves a completely different purpose. It is an underground direct-burial cable and should not be used as a substitute for an engineered aerial cable.
Similarly, the tensile rating of an underground cable does not provide an aerial span rating. Aerial installations require span, sag, tension, wind, temperature and attachment calculations.
The RapidConnect® W‑Series Indoor/Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable uses a tight-buffered construction with a black UV-resistant LSZH outer jacket. It suits indoor and protected external commercial pathways.
In contrast, the H‑Series uses a stranded loose tube construction and targets direct-burial underground infrastructure.
Therefore, the correct choice depends on the pathway. Use the W‑Series where indoor transition and termination simplicity matter. Meanwhile, use the H‑Series where the underground environment requires substantially greater mechanical performance.
Large infrastructure projects may require long cable lengths to reduce intermediate joints. Fewer joints can simplify construction and reduce the number of splice closures, pits and optical connection points.
However, the maximum manufacturing length and the practical installation length are not the same.
The final drum length depends on:
Anderson Corporation can review the route requirements and coordinate suitable manufacturing and delivery lengths. Nevertheless, every pull must remain within the cable’s mechanical limits.
The H‑Series can form part of a qualifying RapidConnect® 25-Year Enterprise Cabling Infrastructure System Warranty.
Warranty eligibility depends on the complete system, product selection, installation, testing, documentation and applicable program requirements.
Therefore, contact Anderson Corporation before installation if the project requires warranty coverage. This allows the cable, connectivity, installation method and test documentation to be aligned from the beginning.
A complete project specification should identify:
Avoid specifying only “outdoor fibre optic cable”. That description does not define direct-burial capability, mechanical performance or suitability for reactive soils.
Choosing the right High Strength Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable involves far more than selecting a fibre count or comparing cable diameters. Instead, successful direct-burial fibre projects require an understanding of soil movement, axial compression, shear forces, tensile loading, crush resistance, moisture and installation practices.
That is why Anderson Corporation is developing one of Australia’s most comprehensive knowledge centres dedicated to high-strength loose tube fibre optic cable and direct-burial fibre infrastructure.
Whether you are designing a telecommunications backbone, utility network, transport corridor or industrial fibre system, our technical articles will help you make informed engineering decisions.
As our Knowledge Centre grows, you will find practical guidance covering every stage of H‑Series selection, specification, installation and lifecycle management.
If you are new to high-strength loose tube fibre optic cable, our educational guides will explain the principles behind reinforced direct-burial cable construction.
In particular, you will learn how a multi-loose-tube design protects optical fibres against tensile strain, axial compression and movement within reactive soils. Furthermore, these articles will explain when a project requires high-strength cable and when another cable construction may provide a better solution.
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Once you understand the fundamentals, you can explore the engineering that differentiates high-strength underground fibre optic cables.
For example, our technical guides will examine GRP central strength members, SZ-stranded buffer tubes, tensile strength, crush resistance, axial compression resistance and dry core water blocking.
Furthermore, these resources will explain how each cable component contributes to mechanical performance in reactive and expansive soil environments.
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Sometimes selecting the right fibre optic cable requires a clear understanding of the available alternatives.
Therefore, our comparison guides will examine how high-strength loose tube fibre optic cable differs from standard loose tube cable, CST armoured cable, GRP armoured cable, Mini Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable and Indoor/Outdoor Fibre Optic Cable.
As a result, engineers, consultants and contractors will be able to compare direct-burial capability, mechanical strength, rodent protection, cable dimensions and installation requirements more confidently.
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Before purchasing any high-strength fibre optic cable, project teams should understand the engineering requirements that influence long-term underground performance.
Accordingly, our procurement and specification guides will explain how to evaluate fibre count, fibre category, soil conditions, tensile strength, crush resistance, axial compression performance, cable diameter and required drum lengths.
In addition, these resources will help consultants and asset owners prepare clearer cable specifications and avoid treating every outdoor loose tube cable as suitable for demanding direct-burial conditions.
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Even the strongest underground fibre optic cable requires correct installation.
Consequently, our installation guides will focus on practical field techniques that help contractors protect the cable while maintaining its specified bend radius and pulling-tension limits.
Whether the project involves reactive soil, expansive clay, long underground routes or high-fibre-count infrastructure, these articles will provide practical guidance for route investigation, trench preparation, hauling, backfilling, jointing and testing.
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Reactive and expansive soils create mechanical challenges that conventional cable-selection methods may overlook.
As moisture levels change, these soils can expand, contract and move. Consequently, a directly buried cable may experience axial compression, shear forces, lateral displacement and localised bending.
Our reactive-soil guides will explain how these forces affect underground fibre cable and why tensile strength alone does not determine long-term survivability.
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Underground fibre networks can experience failures that require detailed investigation.
Rather than simply replacing the damaged cable, identifying the underlying cause can help prevent the same problem from affecting the replacement infrastructure.
For this reason, our problem-solving articles will examine soil movement, axial compression, excessive pulling tension, crushing forces, moisture, poor trench preparation, unsuitable backfill and other common causes of direct-burial cable failure.
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Installing high-strength underground fibre optic cable represents a long-term infrastructure investment.
Therefore, asset owners increasingly evaluate cable systems according to reliability, maintenance requirements and total cost of ownership rather than initial cable price alone.
Our lifecycle and asset-management articles will examine underground survivability, route documentation, spare fibre capacity, joint reduction, inspection planning, network resilience and future replacement costs.
Ultimately, these resources will help organisations maximise the value of their direct-burial fibre infrastructure.
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Every industry presents different underground infrastructure challenges.
For example, transport and utility networks may cross long sections of reactive soil. Meanwhile, industrial and telecommunications projects may prioritise high fibre counts, mechanical strength, network reliability and reduced intermediate jointing.
Accordingly, our industry application articles will explain how RapidConnect® H‑Series High Strength Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable supports demanding Australian underground networks.
These resources will cover telecommunications backbones, transport corridors, utility networks, industrial facilities, renewable energy projects, regional infrastructure and critical communications systems.
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High Strength Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable is a mechanically reinforced outdoor cable designed to protect optical fibres during demanding installation and underground service conditions.
The RapidConnect® H‑Series combines a multi-loose-tube construction with 6.0 kN tensile strength, high crush resistance and enhanced axial compression performance.
Yes. The H‑Series is engineered for direct burial, including routes through reactive and expansive soils.
However, the complete installation must still account for trench preparation, burial depth, backfill, drainage, rodents, other services and project requirements.
Reactive soil changes volume as its moisture content changes. It may expand when wet and contract as it dries.
This movement can exert compression and shear forces on a directly buried cable. Therefore, reactive-soil installations may require a cable specifically designed to manage those forces.
Axial compression is a force that pushes along the length of the cable. If the cable cannot manage this force, it may buckle or move laterally.
The H‑Series has been designed and tested to resist the effects of axial compression while protecting its optical performance.
The published maximum tensile strength is 6.0 kN.
Nevertheless, installers should use an engineered pulling plan and appropriate safety margin. The calculated installation tension should remain below the maximum rating.
The standard H‑Series should not be selected primarily as a rodent-proof cable.
Where rodents present a significant risk, consider the RapidConnect® GRP or CST armoured fibre cable range.
The cable uses dry water-swellable materials around the stranded cable core. However, the active buffer tubes contain thixotropic gel.
Therefore, it is best described as a dry water-blocked core with gel-filled buffer tubes.
Yes. The blue polyamide outer jacket provides an anti-termite barrier. It also supports UV stability, abrasion resistance and reduced surface friction.
The published core construction uses a GRP central strength member rather than a metallic central strength member.
However, confirm the supplied configuration and complete installed system before making project-wide electrical or bonding decisions.
No aerial span capability should be inferred from its tensile rating.
For self-supporting aerial installations, use a properly engineered ADSS Fibre Optic Cable.
The H‑Series is primarily an outdoor direct-burial cable. Its polyethylene and nylon jacket system should not automatically be treated as suitable for unrestricted installation inside buildings.
Where the cable enters a building, assess the applicable cabling and fire requirements. A transition to an appropriate indoor cable may be required.
OS2 generally suits longer-distance and future-focused infrastructure backbones. Meanwhile, OM4 may suit shorter links that use multimode Ethernet equipment.
The correct selection depends on transmission distance, equipment, loss budget and future network strategy.
The H‑Series supports configurations from 2 to 144 fibres.
Availability, manufacturing quantities and delivery timing should be confirmed with Anderson Corporation.
Longer cable lengths can reduce intermediate joints. However, the practical installation length depends on the cable weight, route geometry, pulling tension, drum capacity and site access.
Therefore, complete a route and pulling assessment before finalising drum lengths.
Choosing a High Strength Loose Tube Fibre Optic Cable involves more than selecting a fibre count. Successful direct-burial networks require an understanding of soil movement, tensile loading, axial compression, shear forces, crush resistance, water blocking, cable handling and long-term underground performance.
That is why Anderson Corporation is developing a dedicated technical knowledge centre for high-strength direct-burial fibre infrastructure.
Whether you are designing a telecommunications backbone, utility network, transport corridor or industrial fibre system, the H‑Series Knowledge Centre will help project teams understand the engineering factors behind reliable underground cable selection.
The RapidConnect® H‑Series provides a specialised solution for direct-burial networks exposed to demanding mechanical and soil conditions.
However, correct cable selection depends on the complete route. Fibre count, soil conditions, pulling tension, bend radius, installation method, rodent exposure and required drum lengths should all be reviewed before ordering.
Contact Anderson Corporation to discuss your project, confirm the required H‑Series configuration or request a project-specific quotation.
