Corrosion-Resistant Armor to Prevent H sub 2-Induced Loss in Underwater (Wire-Armored) Fiber Optic Cable

The increasing number of fiber optic routes being installed leads to an increasing number of underwater installations. Expensive right-of-way considerations have led to additional planned 'water crossings' in which optical fiber cables are installed across rivers, lakes, and bays. Added loss due to hydrogen generation has been observed in underwater optical fiber cable installations using conventional galvanized steel armor wire. The effect has been observed in different cable designs from multiple suppliers. Extensive on-site measurements and tank testing of wire armor cable immersed in sea water has confirmed these phenomena. Long haul, undersea (transoceanic) type cables (where fibers are contained in a hermetically sealed tube) have not experienced similar H sub 2 problems.