This article describes the use of Nylon-12 as outer sheath material in fiber optic cables

Nylon-12 or Polyamide-12 is an excellent jacketing material for use in fiber optic cable as jacketing material. The credit goes to the tough weather resistant properties of Nylon compared to other polymer compounds.

Among nylons, there are two popular categories being widely used in cable industry. Nylon-6 is a cheap alternative to Nylon-12, but is inferior in mechanical and environmental characteristics. Nylon-12 is a costly jacketing material compared to Nylon-6. Often fiber optic cable manufacturers tempt to use Nylon-6 instead of Nylon-12 due to the cost effectiveness of Nylon-6, but the fiber optic cable may fall short of required qualities.

Nylon-12 is an excellent anti-termite jacketing material. Termites can not attack the fiber optic cable if the cable is protected with a thin layer of polyamide-12. Nylon-12 requires a thin layer to protect the entire cable. The thickness often varies from 0.3 to 0.7mm.

Distinguishing Nylon-12 from Nylon-6 is possible with a few tests. Fiber Optic Mania describes ways to find out the differences between Nylon-12 and Nylon-6. Though it is a difficult task, inspection agencies shall conduct tests to verify the nature of polyamide used for fiber optic cable jacketing.

The article Nylon-12 as Anti termite material will show you some of the most important reasons for use of Nylon-12 as anti-termite material in fiber optic cables.

Fiber Optic Mania

Source: thefreelibrary.com