Field protected self-supporting fiber optic cable

Abstract

An all dielectric self-supporting fiber optic communication cable for use between spaced-apart support towers of an electrical power transmission network. A central core including at least one optical fiber is surrounded by a layer of non-conductive stranded strength members that are wound about the core. The core includes a plurality of pliable buffer tubes, each of which houses a bundle of optical fibers. The buffer tubes are helically wound about a cylindrical element in order to provide temperature performance by preventing the buffer tubes from experiencing thermally induced movement when exposed to varying temperatures. Each of the stranded strength members comprises a bundle of non-conducting filaments or fibers that are formed about a reinforcing element and encapsulated by individual polyethylene jackets. The reinforcing element reduces the tendency of the filaments to compress as the extruded jacket cures. The stranded strength members are helically wound about the central core. An outer protective jacket is formed about the stranded strength members and encloses the entire cable. A faraday shield formed along the outer jacket brings the electric field to zero in the vicinity of the outer jacket, thus reducing or eliminating tracking currents along the surface of the outer jacket.