Outer diameter of outdoor eight-core optical cable

The outer diameter of an outdoor 8-core optical cable typically ranges from 8 mm to 16 mm, depending on construction type and armoring.

Typical Cable Constructions and Diameters

Loose Tube Outdoor Cable: Standard 8-core loose tube cables, designed for duct or direct burial, usually have a diameter around 8–10 mm. These cables feature a central strength member (FRP or aramid yarn), loose tubes for fibers, water-blocking gel or yarn, and a UV-resistant polyethylene jacket (Mtech Technologies). Armored Loose Tube Cable: Cables with corrugated steel tape (CST) or additional aramid yarn for rodent protection and mechanical strength typically have a diameter of 12–16 mm.

For example, Belden's GBDHC08 outdoor cable with 6 tubes of 1. 9 mm each and aramid yarns has a larger overall diameter due to the armor and protective layers.

Figure-8 Self-

Supporting Cable: Aerial 8-core figure-8 cables, such as the GYTC8S type, include a steel-wire strength member and PE sheath forming the figure-8 structure. These cables generally have a diameter in the range of 10–14 mm for the fiber core portion, with the overall figure-8 width slightly larger due to the supporting strand.

Factors Affecting Diameter

Number of fibers per tube: More fibers or multiple tubes increase the cable core size. Armoring: Steel tape or additional strength members increase the outer diameter. Jacket thickness: UV-resistant or anti-tracking PE jackets add 1–2 mm to the diameter.

Installation type: Direct burial or aerial self-supporting cables often require thicker jackets and strength members, increasing the diameter.

Summary

For an 8-core outdoor optical cable, the outer diameter typically ranges from 8 mm for simple loose tube designs to 16 mm for armored or self-supporting figure-8 designs. When selecting a cable, consider the installation environment, mechanical protection requirements, and whether the cable will be ducted, buried, or aerial.