Price list for steel sheathing of optical cables

Steel-armored fiber optic cables typically range from $1.50 to $5 per meter, depending on core count, type, and supplier.

Steel sheaths for optical cables are used to provide mechanical protection, rodent resistance, and durability for outdoor, underground, or industrial installations . The most common types include corrugated steel tape armor and steel wire armor, often combined with a polyethylene (PE) or LSZH outer jacket for environmental protection .

Factors Affecting Price

• Core Count: Cables with more fibers (e.g., 24, 48, or 288 cores) are more expensive due to increased material and manufacturing complexity .
• Cable Type: Single-mode (OS2) cables are generally slightly more expensive than multimode (OM1, OM3, OM4) due to higher precision requirements .
• Armor Type: Corrugated steel tape armor is common for duct and underground installations, while steel wire armor is used for direct burial or high-tension environments .
• Outer Sheath Material: PE, MDPE, HDPE, or LSZH jackets affect cost, with flame-retardant or low-smoke zero-halogen options being pricier .
• Supplier and Quantity: Bulk orders or factory-direct purchases (e.g., Alibaba or Made-in-China) can reduce per-meter cost, while small orders from distributors may be higher .

Approximate Pricing

• Standard 24-core single-mode steel tape armored cable: $2–$3 per meter .
• High-core-count cables (up to 288 fibers): $4–$5 per meter .
• Steel wire armored cables: Slightly higher than tape armor due to additional materials and labor . For precise pricing, it is recommended to contact suppliers directly with your required specifications, including core count, cable type, armor type, and length. Suppliers like Netceed UK, Efoncable, and Alibaba distributors provide quotes and custom lengths for immediate delivery . Steel-armored optical cables are essential for harsh environments, ensuring long-term reliability and protection against mechanical damage, moisture, and rodents, making the investment worthwhile for critical infrastructure projects.