Project requirements · Environment
Rodent protection
The cable resists gnawing by rats, mice, gophers or squirrels well enough to keep working.
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Constructions that meet it
- Corrugated steel tape under the sheath: changes the cable's layers. Corrugated steel tape applied longitudinally under the outer sheath (often copolymer-coated, bonded to the sheath) (steel 0.15 mm (Eupen)). Drawbacks: Most effective method in Prysmian, Eupen and Corning experience. Adds a metal layer to earth; heavier and stiffer than glass yarn.
- Double steel tape armour: changes the cable's layers. Two helically wound steel tapes over the inner sheath (double steel tape armour) (steel, 2 x 0.1 mm (Eupen); galvanised (Prysmian)). Drawbacks: Larger diameter and weight, less flexible than corrugated tape (Prysmian). Must be earthed.
- Galvanised steel wire armour: changes the cable's layers. Galvanised steel wire armour (galvanised steel). Drawbacks: Heaviest; same drawbacks as tape armour, plus bend radius.
- Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) armour: changes the cable's layers. Flat GRP / FRP armour or GRP rods round the core (glass-reinforced plastic). Drawbacks: Dielectric, no earthing needed (Prysmian). Stiff.
- Hard polyamide (nylon) jacket over the sheath: changes the cable's layers. Thin hard polyamide outer sheath over the normal sheath (special polyamide, 0.5 to 0.8 mm, hardness above 70 Shore (Prysmian)). Drawbacks: Also termite protection and easier pulling (Prysmian). Limits how deep a rodent bites rather than stopping it (Eupen).
- Glass yarn layer under the sheath: changes the cable's layers. Layer of glass yarns under the outer sheath (glass yarn at a set density (value not found)). Drawbacks: Effective against small rodents only (Prysmian); broken glass deters biting. Skin irritation for installers was reported by Nexans for older yarns.
- Rodent repellent in the sheath compound: changes no layer: a property of the sheath compound. Repellent or irritant additive in the outer sheath compound (additive (unspecified) in the sheath compound). Drawbacks: Bad taste or smell (Prysmian). Effectiveness disputed; no test value found.
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Tests
No international test method: specifications state this in words. Tests that exist:
- GB/T 29199-2012 (China): rodent-resistance test methods with mice and rats, a simulated-tooth puncture test and a repellent test. Pass: not found
- Owner specification (Queensland TMR, Australia): test at an independent accredited centre with the local black rat (Rattus rattus) for GRP rod armoured cable. Pass: not found
- Historic US live-gopher test (Denver Wildlife Research Center): cable across a 5 cm opening, gophers gnaw for 7 days, damage index. Pass: damage index; never taken into US standards, results not repeatable
How specifications state it
Usually only in words ('rodent-proof', 'rodent protected'). No international IEC test; national (GB/T 29199) and owner or maker tests exist.
Where it is asked for
- direct buried and ducted cables in fields and rural areas
- telecom and fibre outside plant
- railway and road trackside
- data centres and buildings with rat problems
- PV plants
Sources
- Prysmian Turkey technical article 'Fiber Optic Cables Protected Against Rodents' (2025), sections 3 to 8 (maker's catalogue)
- Kabelwerk Eupen, Optical fibre data sheet 'Materials for specific requirements', Ed. 05/2011-01-03, p.1 (maker's catalogue)
- Corning Application Engineering Note AEN013 (rodent resistance; gopher tests; corrugated carbon steel tape) as quoted in search results; PDF refused download (403) (quoted by others)
- GB/T 29199-2012 listing (quoted by others)
- Queensland TMR specification annex (rodent testing with Rattus rattus) (quoted by others)
- Helukabel HELUPOWER 1000 HY-CARBO LEAD GSTA datasheet 1DB_17002500 (armour gives anti-rodent and anti-termite protection) (maker's catalogue)