When setting up a Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network, two types of fiber drop cables are often used: TPU jacket GJFJU and LSZH jacket GJFJH drop cables. Both drop cables serve similar purposes but are differentiated primarily by the materials used for their outer jackets, which impact their performance, durability, and safety features.
In this article, we will explore the differences between two types, shedding light on their distinct characteristics and ideal use cases.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Jacket and LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) Jacket FTTH cable differ primarily in the materials used for their outer jackets, which directly affect the cable’s performance, durability, and safety features.
TPU Jacket GJFJU Cable:
Material: TPU is a versatile, flexible, and durable thermoplastic material that combines the properties of both rubber and plastic.
Properties: TPU is known for its excellent mechanical properties, such as resistance to abrasion, high tensile strength, and resilience under varying environmental conditions. It also offers better resistance to oils, greases, and chemicals, which makes it suitable for installation in outdoor or industrial environments where exposure to harsh conditions is expected.
Applications: TPU jacketed cables are often used in more demanding environments where additional protection is required. The flexibility and strength of TPU make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications, where the cable needs to endure physical stress, such as direct burial or areas subject to frequent movement or mechanical impacts.
LSZH Jacket GJFJH Cable:
Material: LSZH refers to a type of plastic compound used for the outer jacket of the fiber optic cable. It is specifically formulated to reduce the amount of smoke and toxic gases emitted when the cable is exposed to fire. LSZH cables are typically made from compounds that do not contain halogens (such as chlorine or bromine), which makes them safer in case of fire.
Properties: LSZH materials are primarily designed with fire safety in mind. When exposed to fire, LSZH jackets do not release harmful gases or excessive smoke, which can improve safety in indoor environments such as residential buildings, offices, and other public spaces. However, LSZH cables are less flexible and more rigid than TPU jacketed cables.
Applications: LSZH jacketed cables are commonly used for indoor installations, particularly where fire safety regulations are stringent. They are often preferred in areas like residential FTTH networks, office buildings, and public spaces where fire hazards need to be minimized.
One of the key differences between these two types of cables lies in their fire safety properties.
TPU GJFJU: While TPU offers some level of fire resistance, it is not as effective as LSZH materials in preventing the spread of smoke and toxic gases during a fire. If fire safety is a critical concern, TPU cables might not be the first choice for indoor use, especially in densely populated areas or buildings with stringent fire codes.
LSZH GJFJH: The primary advantage of LSZH cables is their fire safety. When exposed to fire, LSZH materials do not release toxic gases or thick smoke that can pose a danger to people or hinder evacuation. This makes LSZH cables the preferred choice for installations in confined spaces, such as inside walls, ceilings, or other enclosed areas where fire risks are more pronounced.
TPU Jacket Fiber Drop Cable:
Outdoor and Harsh Environment Suitability: TPU is highly resistant to environmental stressors such as UV radiation, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and physical abrasion. This makes TPU jacketed cables particularly well-suited for outdoor installations, such as when cables need to be buried directly in the ground or exposed to weather conditions.
Flexibility: TPU offers a high level of flexibility, which is beneficial for installations requiring the cable to bend around corners or navigate complex pathways without damage.
LSZH Jacket FTTH Drop Cable:
Indoor Use: LSZH cables are generally not as well-suited for harsh environmental conditions as TPU cables. While they provide excellent fire safety in enclosed spaces, they are not designed to withstand the same level of environmental stress. LSZH cables are better suited for indoor use where the cable is protected from direct exposure to UV radiation, extreme temperatures, or physical damage.
Rigidity: LSZH cables tend to be stiffer and less flexible compared to TPU cables, which can make installation in tight spaces more difficult. However, they are still designed to be easy to work with when installed in indoor environments.
TPU Jacket Fiber Drop Cable: Due to the superior mechanical properties and environmental resistance of TPU, cables with TPU jackets tend to be more expensive than their LSZH counterparts. However, their higher cost can be justified in situations where outdoor durability and flexibility are paramount.
LSZH Jacket FTTH Drop Cable: LSZH cables are typically less expensive than TPU jacketed cables because they do not require the same level of advanced material processing. Their cost-effectiveness makes them a popular choice for cost-conscious installations where fire safety is a priority but extreme environmental durability is not required.
TPU Jacket Fiber Drop Cable: The flexibility of TPU cables makes them easier to install in complex setups, such as navigating bends and obstacles. This makes TPU cables ideal for environments that require a more adaptable, durable solution.
LSZH Jacket FTTH Drop Cable: While LSZH cables are typically less flexible than TPU cables, they still offer adequate performance for most indoor installations. However, the rigidity of LSZH cables may limit their use in installations that demand frequent bending or tight routing.
In summary, both TPU jacket fiber drop cables and LSZH jacket FTTH drop cables are essential components for building fiber optic networks, but they serve different needs based on their unique material properties.
TPU Jacket Fiber Drop Cable: Best for outdoor environments or situations requiring high flexibility, mechanical strength, and resistance to harsh weather conditions.
LSZH Jacket FTTH Drop Cable: Ideal for indoor installations, particularly where fire safety is a primary concern. The zero-halogen and low-smoke properties make them essential for meeting fire safety codes in residential and commercial spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between TPU and LSZH depends on the specific requirements of the installation—whether it’s environmental durability and flexibility or fire safety and regulatory compliance.
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