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Which Duct Fiber Optic Cable Should You Choose? Expert Tips & Comparison

Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 07-04-2025      Origin: Site


Duct optic fiber cable, which is also called conduit fiber cable or underground fiber cable, is usually implemented by placing it inside underground ducts, and the ducts are normally buried in the ground. However, these cables play an important role in the contemporary telecom network structure, as they offer a secure and protected pathway for transmission of fiber optics in urban areas of high density or in long-distance networks.

 

 Key Features of Duct Fiber Optic Cable

The following characteristics are the highlights of ducts for fiber optic cables:


Installation Method

Installed directly in underground ducts or conduits, making sure of the mechanical protection and future maintenance convenience.

 

Fiber Protection

Duct runs provide critical levels of protection from outside influences, be it physical force, pressure, moisture, or rodents.

 

Cable Sheathing

The cables are typically non-metallic or have LSZH + PE sheath for flame resistance and adequate service in industrial application environments.

 

Structural Design

Optical fibers put into loose tubes which happen to be stranded around a central strength member (FRP or steel). Water-resistant wrapping materials for the fibers and other possible blocking elements against water passage are often there too.

 

Water Resistance

The most cables have water-blocking yarns or particles within them for moisture protection and to extend the life of the cable.

 

Applications

Most appropriate for services underground in metropolitan areas and inter-city circuits as well as in the networks for the urban core.

 



 Most Common Duct Fiber Cable Structures

Uni-tube Armored Cables

Mature pack with a single loose tube and light armor (APL or PSP).

This cable is the best one for FTTH drop cables, aerial and duct installations.

Common types include:

GJYXFHA/GJYXFHS: Light-armor bow-type drop cable with aluminum tape (APL) or steel tape (PSP), LSZH sheath, for duct/aerial FTTH.

GYXY: Non-armored central tube with steel wires, PE sheath, for aerial/duct use.

GYFXY: FRP rods, uni-tube, PE sheath, lightweight for aerial/duct applications.

GYXTW: PSP-armored central tube with steel wires, PE sheath, for aerial/duct installations.

Uni-tube Armored Cables

 


Stranded Loose-tube Armored Cables

Multiple loose tubes around a central core, armored with APL/PSP/FRP tape.

Bury directly in ground or ducts for use under extreme conditions.

Making the choice:

GYFA: APL-armored, stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, for duct/direct burial.

GYFS: PSP-armored, stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, for duct/direct burial.

GYFS Semi-dry: PSP-armored, semi-dry stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, for duct/direct burial with reduced water ingress.

GYFTA: GFRP (FRP) and APL-armored, stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, for duct/direct burial.

GYFTS: GFRP and PSP-armored, stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, for duct/direct burial.

GYTA-1: APL-armored, stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, for duct/direct burial.

GYTS-1: PSP-armored, stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, for duct/direct burial.

GYFTY73-2: FRP tape, double PE sheath, anti-rodent/anti-bird, for aerial/duct use.


Stranded Loose-tube Armored Cables1

Stranded Loose-tube Armored Cables2


Stranded Loose-tube Non-armored Cables

No metallic components. Built with FRP or CSM strength members.

These conductors are light and have been built with FRP or CSM strength members. Thus, they are suitable for non-conductive applications and are often seen in aerial and duct lines.

Considerable types:

GYFTY: GFRP and CSM, stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, all-dielectric for aerial/duct.

GYTY: Non-armored, stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, for aerial/duct applications.

Stranded Loose-tube Non-armored Cables




All-Dielectric Stranded Loose-tube Cables

Totally non-metallic with GFRP, CSM, or glass yarns.

It is excellent for environments where high voltage occurs and safely protects against lightning and both rodent as well as bird attacks.

Common models:

GYFY: GFRP and CSM, stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, all-dielectric for aerial/duct.

GYFY63: Glass yarns, double PE sheath, anti-rodent, all-dielectric for aerial/duct.

GYFY Semi-dry: GFRP and CSM, semi-dry stranded loose-tube, PE sheath, all-dielectric for aerial/duct.

All-Dielectric Stranded Loose-tube Cables 



Category

Products

Key Features

Applications

Uni-tube Armored

GJYXFHA/GJYXFHSGYXYGYFXYGYXTW

APL/PSP armor or steel wires, LSZH/PE

Aerial, Duct, FTTH

Stranded Loose-tube Armored

GYFAGYFSGYFS Semi-dryGYFTAGYFTSGYTA-1GYTS-1GYFTY73-2

APL/PSP/FRP armor,
PE sheath

Duct, Direct Burial

Stranded Loose-tube Non-armored

GYFTYGYTY

GFRP/CSM, no armor,
PE sheath

Aerial, Duct

All-Dielectric Stranded Loose-tube

GYFYGYFY63GYFY Semi-dry

GFRP/CSM/Glass yarns,
all-dielectric, PE

Aerial, Duct



 Expert Insights & Recommendations

Uni-tube vs. Stranded: For homeowner fiber drops of limited length, we recommend un-tube cables (e.g., GJYXFHA), which are compact and economical. Stranded cables give higher potential increase in terms of fiber carrying capacity and strength. Moreover, they also extend the range of distances that they can be used for.

 

Armored vs. Non-armored: If you are dealing with cables that will be subjected to conditions of a high-risk area due to rodents or digging, then it would be best to use armored cables such as GYFS, GYTA-1. Cables used in sensitive areas or where high voltage is present should be non-armored or dielectric.

 

Special Denominations: Wires such as GYFTY73-2 and GYFY63 have features to make them resistant to animals and birds. Obviously, the process of splicing becomes much more straightforward, and moisture resistance is highly improved for semi-dry cables such as GYFS Semi-dry.

 

Need Help Choosing the Right Duct Fiber Cable?

Zion Communication can offer tailor-made services, expert support, and extensive range of duct fiber cables with fitted structure for each project volume and onsite conditions. Contact Us Now for technical consultations or a free quote!

James Zion



James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication. 

Specializes in Optical Fiber communications,  FTTH Solutions, 

Fiber optic cables,  ADSS cable, and ODN networks.

james@zion-communication.com

+86 13777460328





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