Are Fiber Optic Cables Safe?

Like with many new technologies, there are all kinds of rumors around the safety and efficacy of running a data network on fiber optic cable.

Fiber optic cables are safe, strong, and secure enough for your data network.

by Vikas Dayal • August 04, 2023

There are many rumors and misconceptions surrounding the safety and strength of fiber optic cables. We're happy to assure you that fiber optic cables are safe, strong, and secure enough for your data network.

Like with many new technologies, there are all kinds of rumors around the safety and efficacy of running a data network on fiber optic cable. It might be because fiber optic cables contain glass, or because they're on the cutting edge of data transfer - whatever the cause, there are numerous reasons people might hold back from trusting on optical fiber for their information network needs. We're here to take a look at some of those concerns, and hopefully do away with your fears

Are Fiber Optic Cables Fragile?

Fiber optic cable technology works by transmitting data through pulses of light traveling to and from your device across glass filaments at the speed of light. The word "fiber" here refers to the many superfine glass filaments contained within the cable jacket, whereas other types of cable would typically contain traditional copper instead. These glass cores consist of a flexible, transparent fiber drawn to a diameter that's even more fine than a single strand of human hair. Despite this, fiber optic cables have a higher pull tension than other cables and hold up to extreme environmental conditions better than copper. They put up with more extreme temperatures, and newer versions bend more easily, which is why they are commonly used under the sea.

The optical fiber you'll find in our OM3 Multimode fiber optic cable is manufactured to the highest standards on the market, so you can be sure it will run quickly and strongly for as long as you need it to!

aqua blue OM3 multimode fiber optic cable - shop cables.com.

Are Fiber Optic Cables Dangerous?

To answer it simply: no, they are not! Fiber optic cables don’t conduct electricity and are therefore safer than copper cabling. Yes, installers must take precautions against fire and injury, but once fiber optic cable is in place, the risks are minimal. While it is still possible to create glass shards during installation, splicing and terminations have gotten easier over the years. Because they transmit data with bursts of light instead of electricity, fiber optic cables do not create and are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference. That means that running your microwave won’t interfere with signals traveling through your network over fiber optic cables.

If you're really worried about damage to yourself or to your cables, consider investing in an Armored OM4 Multimode Fiber Optic Cable featuring our aqua blue 50/125 riser rated jacket with built-in armor. It's constructed at a rugged 3mm diameter meant for installation in areas with dust, moisture, or rodents!

Are Fiber Optic Cables Expensive?

Fiber optic cables use less equipment and less power than copper, which means they save on energy costs in the long run. Over the decades since fiber optic cable was first introduced, manufacturing processes have improved and become more streamlined, further lowering the expense. They are more “future proof” than copper cable because their greater speed and capacity can handle upgrades for years to come.

While Single Mode Fiber Optic Cable tends to be a little more pricey due to its unlimited bandwidth, most data centers can manage just fine with less expensive (but no less reliable) Multi Mode Fiber Optic Cable.

If you're looking to install optical fiber, there's an option for you!