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Installation Guide for Corning MIC DX Armored Plenum Cables
A comprehensive installation and technical guide for Corning MIC DX Armored Plenum cables. This document covers product features, physical specifications, temperature ranges, transmission performance for multimode and single-mode fibers...
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The Corning MIC DX Armored Plenum cables are designed for intrabuilding backbone and horizontal installations. These cables feature dielectric armor, providing four times the crush protection of unarmored cables without the conductive properties of traditional metal armor. They are flame-retardant and suitable for plenum, riser, and general building applications, complying with NEC OFNP, CSA FT-6, and ICEA S-83-596 standards.
Product Overview
The cable construction includes:
- Flame-Retardant Outer Jacket: Rugged and durable protection.
- Flame-Retardant Inner Jacket: Additional layer for cable integrity.
- TBII Buffered Fibers: Designed for easy, consistent stripping and termination.
- Dielectric Strength Members: Provide structural support.
- Dielectric Armor: Offers superior crush resistance and safety during installation.
Technical Specifications
Adhering to the following temperature ranges is critical for proper installation and operation:
- Storage Temperature: -40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158 °F).
- Installation Temperature: 0 °C to 60 °C (32 °F to 140 °F).
- Operation Temperature: 0 °C to 70 °C (32 °F to 158 °F).
Corning recommends storing the cable in a proper temperature environment prior to installation to ensure optimal results.
Transmission Performance
The cables are available in various fiber categories:
- Multimode: Supports OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM4 Extended Distance. Performance varies by fiber core diameter (62.5 µm or 50 µm) and wavelength (850/1300 nm).
- Single-mode: Uses SMF-28e fiber, compliant with ITU-T G.652.D, operating at 1310/1383/1550 nm.
Ordering Information
The part number is constructed using a 10-digit code:
- Fiber Count: 006, 012, or 024.
- Fiber Code: Specifies the fiber type (e.g., K for 62.5 µm multimode, T for 50 µm multimode, E for Single-mode).
- Cable Type: 8 for Standard MIC Cable.
- Outer Jacket: 8 for Plenum.
- Fiber Placement: 3 for Standard.
- Length Markings: 1 (in ft, fiber count < 12) or 3 (in ft, fiber count ≥ 12).
- Tensile Strength: 1.
- Performance Option Code: Varies by fiber type (e.g., 30, 31, 80, 90, 91).
- Cable Type: - (Standard).
- Special Manufacturing Code: D3 (All-dielectric armored with plenum-rated jacket).
Contact Information
For additional information, custom color options, or support, contact a Corning Customer Care Representative at 1-800-743-2675.
Manufacturer information
Corning Optical Communications
Practical help
Common problems
Cable temperature outside of installation range
Ensure the cable is stored in an environment between 0 °C and 60 °C prior to installation to meet specifications.
Difficulty stripping fibers
The cable uses TBII buffered fibers specifically designed for easy and consistent stripping; ensure proper tools are used.
Exceeding bend radius
Maintain the minimum bend radius (153-197 mm for installation, 102-131 mm for operation) to prevent signal loss or fiber damage.
Before use
- Verify the required fiber count (6, 12, or 24).
- Confirm the fiber type (OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, or SMF-28e) matches your network requirements.
- Check that the installation environment temperature is between 0 °C and 60 °C.
- Ensure the storage environment is between -40 °C and 70 °C.
- Identify the correct part number using the ordering information guide.
Specs in practice
- Dielectric Armor
- Provides four times the crush protection of unarmored cables without the conductive properties of metal.
- Min. Bend Radius (Installation)
- The minimum radius the cable can be bent during the installation process without causing damage.
- Min. Bend Radius (Operation)
- The minimum radius the cable can be bent while in service.
Images and diagrams
- The cross-section diagram illustrates the cable layers: Flame-Retardant Outer Jacket, Flame-Retardant Inner Jacket, Tight-Buffered Fiber, Dielectric Strength Members, and Dielectric Armor.
Model compatibility
- Compliant with NEC OFNP, CSA FT-6, and ICEA S-83-596 standards.
- Single-mode (OS2) fiber is ITU-T G.652.D compliant.
- 50 µm multimode fiber (OM3/OM4) meets 0.75 ns optical skew in Corning Plug & Play/EDGE systems.
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.