What is the length relationship between the cable jacket and the fiber length in loose-tube optical fiber cable?

In loose-tube optical fiber cable, the jacket length and the fiber length are typically the same due to the design and construction of the cable. Loose-tube cables contain individual fibers that are housed within protective tubes. These tubes are designed to allow the fibers to have some movement, which helps to prevent damage from thermal expansion or contraction and from installation stresses.

The length of the jacket is made to correspond with the length of the fibers housed within it, ensuring that the fibers are adequately protected while maintaining their integrity throughout installation and operation. If the jacket were shorter or longer than the fiber, it could interfere with the cable's performance or lead to complications during installation.

Thus, the design principle of matching the jacket length to the fiber length ensures optimal protection for the fibers and helps maintain the structural integrity of the overall cable. This understanding is important for anyone involved in installing or working with optical fiber cables as specified in the BICSI IT Systems Installation Methods Manual.