IP68 Outdoor Fiber Optic Cables
IP68 Outdoor Fiber Optic Cables
OptoSpan's IP68-Series armored, and non-armored outdoor weatherproof fiber optic cables are designed to deliver robust network connections even in the harshest environments. These cables are revolutionizing outdoor installations with their unique lockable bayonet MPO and LC connector design that provides IP68 rated Water immersion and dust protection. This innovative design eliminates accidental disconnects, provides tamperproof protection, enables quick installation of outdoor antennas and other critical equipment, and does not require any special tools, thereby providing network engineers with a robust and resilient solution for harsh outdoor environments.
OptoSpan IP68-Series outdoor fiber optic cables are available with OptoSpan’s locking bayonet connectors for industrial and Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA) applications as well as with standard MPO, MTP, LC, SC, ST and FC connectors for inter/intra building applications.
OptoSpan offers four types of Outdoor Fiber Optic Cables
- SteelFlex-IP68 - Harsh environment Armored Fiber Cables
This IP68-rated harsh environment cable is based on OptoSpan's SteelFlex Armored design, has a robust OptoLock mechanism for outdoor use with or without conduit, and is rodent-proof.
- SteelMax-IP68 - Outdoor Armored Fiber Optic Cables
This incredibly durable outdoor armored fiber optic cable has two additional steel wires for the tensile strength necessary for extended lengths of outdoor use, in addition to IP68 and UV ratings.
- SteelPatch-IP68 – Industrial Fiber Optic Cables
This flexible and lightweight industrial fiber optic cable is based on OptoSpan's SteelPatch Armored design with IP68 and UV ratings.
- TPU-IP68 – Outdoor Fiber Optic Cables
This IP68 rated outdoor fiber optic cable for outdoor use is made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) for high tear strength, chemical & oil resistance, and superior abrasion resistance.
COMPARISON
| • SteelFlex-IP68 Armored Heavy Crush Loads | • SteelMax-IP68 Armored High Tensile Strength | • SteelPatch-IP68 Armored Medium Crush Loads | • TPU-IP68 Non-Armored General Outdoors |
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| This IP68-rated harsh environment cable is based on OptoSpan's SteelFlex Armored design, has a robust OptoLock mechanism for outdoor use with or without conduit, and is rodent-proof. | This incredibly durable waterproof cable has two additional steel wires for the tensile strength necessary for extended lengths of outdoor use, in addition to IP68 and UV ratings. | This waterproof cable, based on OptoSpan's SteelPatch Armored design with IP68 and UV ratings is flexible, and lightweight. | This IP68 rated waterproof cable for outdoor use is made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) for high tear strength, chemical & oil resistance, and superior abrasion resistance. |
OPTICAL CONNECTORS
| SteelFlex-IP68 | SteelMax-IP68 | SteelPatch-IP68 | TPU-IP68 | |
 | IP-68 Bayonet Lockable | Secure Connection between IP68 Series Fiber Cables and NFDP Outdoor Waterproof Panels | ||
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
 | Standard Fiber Connectors | Cables Available with Standard Fiber Optic Connectors on one or both sides. | ||
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
IP68 ADAPTERS / GLANDS
| SteelFlex-IP68 | SteelMax-IP68 | SteelPatch-IP68 | TPU-IP68 | |
 | IP-68 Bulkhead Adapters | Secure Connection between IP68 Series Fiber Cables and NFDP Outdoor Waterproof Panels | ||
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
 | IP-68 Inline Adapters | Security Connects two OptoSpan IP68 Series Fiber Optic Cables | ||
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
 | IP-68 Cable Glands | Strain Relief for OptoSpan IP-68 Series Cables entering NFDP Series Panels. | ||
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
| SteelFlex-IP68 | SteelMax-IP68 | SteelPatch-IP68 | TPU-IP68 | |
| Cable Mechanism | OptoLock Mechanism (Steel) | Fiber Within Steel Jacket + Dual Strength Wires | Fiber Within Steel Jacket | Abrasion Resistant Non-metallic TPU Jacket |
| Recommended Use | Intra-building – Military Grade, Rodent Proof | Suitable for Inter-building distances over 100m and use with or without conduit | Intra-building distances under 100m requiring flexibility | Non-metallic Outdoor |
| IP Ratings | Outdoor IP68 Rating - 100% waterproof | Outdoor IP68 Rating - 100% waterproof | Outdoor IP68 Rating - 100% waterproof | Outdoor IP68 Rating - 100% waterproof |
| Maximum Continuous Length | 300 meters | 500 meters | 2000 meter | 2000 meter |
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SPECIFICATIONS
| SteelFlex-IP68 | SteelMax-IP68 | SteelPatch-IP68 | TPU-IP68 | |
| Outer Diameter | 4.8mm | 8mm | 7mm | 5.5mm |
| Fiber Count | 2-24 | 2-48 | 2-48 | 2-144 |
| Fiber Type | OS2 (Single mode), OM4 (Multimode) | OS2 (Single mode), OM4 (Multimode) | OS2 (Single mode), OM4 (Multimode) | OS2 (Single mode), OM4 (Multimode) |
| Jacket Material | Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) | Polyethylene (PE) | (Polyvinyl Chloride) PVC | Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C~+85°C | -40°C~+70°C | -40°C~+70°C | -40°C~+80°C |
| Min. Bending Radius (mm) | 40mm | 160mm | 140mm | 100mm |
| Crush Resistance (N/100) | 5000 | 3000 | 2200 | 1000 |
| Mating Durability (IP68 Connector) | 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 |
| Environment | Indoor / Outdoor | Outdoor | Indoor / Outdoor | Outdoor |
FEATURES
| SteelFlex-IP68 | SteelMax-IP68 | SteelPatch-IP68 | TPU-IP68 | |
| Water & Dust Protection | IP68 waterproof (w/ Bayonet) | IP68 waterproof (w/ Bayonet) | IP68 waterproof (w/ Bayonet) | IP68 waterproof (w/ Bayonet) |
| Ruggedness | Highest | Very High | High | Medium |
| Pulling Strength | High | Highest | Very High | Medium |
| Lateral Pressure Resistance | Highest | Very High | High | Medium |
| UV Rated (Direct Sunlight) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rodent Protection | Rodent-Proof | Rodent-Resistant | Rodent-Resistant | Low |
ACCESSORIES
IP-68 Series Bulkhead Adapters
OptoSpan's IP-68 Series Bayonet Bulkhead Adapters provide a secure and protected connection between IP68-Series fiber optic cables and NFDP-Series waterproof patch panel enclosures in harsh outdoor settings. Featuring the convenient "bayonet" design, these bulkhead adapters enable quick installation or replacement of cables using an efficient locking mechanism. An IP-68 rating of these adapters provides assurance of high levels of environmental resilience from any potentially damaging factors such as moisture invasion and contamination by outside particles.
Each IP-68 bulkhead adapter comes with a dust cap and is available for single-mode and multimode applications.
IP-68 Series Inline Adapters
OptoSpan's IP-68 Series Bayonet In-line Adapters are used to connect two OptoSpan IP68-Series fiber cables together using a bayonet locking mechanism to provide a secure, water-resistant connection between the cables. These adapters are made from high-quality corrosion-resistant materials to ensure that they can withstand harsh or outdoor environmental conditions. The IP68 rating means that these adapters are sealed to prevent the ingress of water and dust, ensuring reliable performance and longevity. These adapters are suitable for applications such as antenna systems, industrial equipment, and outdoor telecommunications networks.
Each IP-68 In-line adapter comes with a dust cap and is available for single-mode and multimode applications.
IP-68 Series fiber optic cable glands
OptoSpan’s IP-68 Series fiber optic cable glands provide the necessary strain relief for fiber optic cables as they enter the NFDP Series Fiber Distribution Terminals. This helps to prevent damage to the cable and its connectors, especially when the cable is subjected to tension or bending. The thread nut allows for easy installation and provides a tight seal, keeping the cable secure and immovable, and preventing environmental factors, such as moisture and dust, from entering the fiber optic enclosure. This is especially important when splicing fiber and making connections within the fiber optic enclosure, as it helps to ensure a reliable and stable fiber connection. Cable glands play an important role in maintaining the performance and integrity of fiber optic networks.
OptoSpan offers NPT (National Pipe Thread – United States) and PG (metric threaded - Europe) Fiber optic cable glands that are available in different sizes and styles to accommodate various cable diameters and connector types. These glands are pre-installed on OptoSpan’s IP-68 series fiber optic cables and include a threat nut.
Quality and Engineering Excellence
By utilizing our proprietary manufacturing process developed over 15 years of experience, we are able to produce higher performance products using the same components, hence lowering the cost to our clients. OptoSpan cables are made in a Class 10,000 (ISO14644-1, ISO7) clean room facility, which eliminates the potential of end face contamination.
Quality Management Systems
- ISO 9001: 2008
- TL9000 (Ver. 5)
Standards Compliance
- Telcordia GR-326 Core
- TIA-604-18: FOCIS 18
- IEC 61754-7-3:2019
- US Conec® owns the registered trademarks PRIZM LightTurn®, MTP® and MTP Elite®.