15 FIBER OPTIC CABLE Fiber Optic Cable © 2016, AFL, all rights reserved. PP-1-00130, Rev 2, 7.31.2020 Specifications are subject to change without notice. AFLglobal.com | 800.235.3423 continued Rodent-deterrent Cable Jackets Cables placed in outside plant or harsh environment applications are designed to endure the extreme challenges associated with temperature fluctuations, crush and impact, tensile loading, and even immersion or burial applications. Yet, surprisingly one of the biggest threats to fiber optic cable signal integrity is rodents chewing on cables to whittle down their incisors hence damaging the fibers within. The result is exposed or broken fiber links causing increased maintenance costs, reduced productivity and possibly lost revenue. To combat these furry attacks, AFL has developed a new Rodent-deterrent enhancement option for its tactical and OSP fiber optic cables. These new jacket options significantly reduce cable damage from gnawing rodents. Tests show that the AFL bittering agent used in our new Rodent- deterrent Tactical and OSP cables repel rodents for far longer than cables without it. Physical barriers like conduit can be effective for direct burial applications but they increase installation and material costs. Armoring tapes included in the cable construction can be effective as well but increase the diameter and weight of the cable. They will also require gloves for installation and electrical grounding and bonding become necessary concerns. Electrical current applied to the outside of the cable has been known to be used but holds little success and can be hazardous to technicians and installers. As a last resort, some installers have turned to rodenticides or lethal poisons to prevent rodent damage. Of course these are never a good idea due to the toxicity to humans and their environmental effects. AFL now offers an optimal alternative to these less than ideal methods. They provide a much safer and economical method of preventing rodent damage and since the bittering agents are incorporated directly into the cable jacket, there is no significant size or weight increase. While there have been many methods to prevent rodents from chewing on fiber optic cables, by utilizing AFL’s new Rodent-deterrent cable jackets, customers can realize reduced maintenance costs and longer cable life cycles. Overall, these new cable jacket options offer a non-toxic, safe and effective method of controlling damage caused by rodents while still offering the ruggedness expected from AFL’s tactical and OSP fiber optic cables. AFL Rodent-deterrent bittering agents are available in outside plant loose tube cables, outdoor tight buffered cables, and our complete line of tactical tight-buffered cables. Contact AFL for specific ordering or specification information. AFL offers a variety of cables that offer the Rodent-deterrent Jacket. Visit www.AFLglobal.com/rodent for more information. Loose Tube Tactical Tight Buffered © 2016, AFL, all rights reserved. PP-1-00130, Rev 2, 7.31.2020 Specifications are subject to change without notice. AFLglobal.com | 800.235.3423 16 FIBER OPTIC CABLE Fiber Optic Cable Rodent-deterrent Cable Jackets Figure 1 – Rodent-deterrent Greatly reduces “rodent bites” on cables with additives in outer jacket * The above data is for comparison value only and does NOT represent, constitute nor warrantee customer application performance. No Retardant With Retardant With Retardant in outer sheath Days Number of Bites