More Subsea Cable Terminology: Armored Cable

A fibre optic subsea cable is encased in a polyethylene sheath. Most damage due to fishing trawlers, current abrasion, and anchors occurs in water depths 1,000 meters or less. Hence cables laid or buried in shallow waters are usually single or double armored to protect them. The armor consists of galvanized or stainless steel wires wrapped around the white polyethylene layer. Galvanized steel wire has a zinc coat that resists salt water corrosion.

While armor does protect against abrasion and small mechanical forces, it is not strong to prevent the cable being torn by sea floor trawler net or a dropped or moving anchor.

Photo of Fiber Optic Subsea Cables Showing The Protective Layers


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