Outer diameter of 48-core indoor optical cable

The outer diameter of a 48-core indoor OM3 multimode loose tube optical cable is 12.2 mm.

The 48-core indoor/outdoor fiber optic cable from Legrand, featuring OM3 multimode 50/125 µm fibers in a loose tube design, has an outer diameter of 12.2 mm and a maximum tensile strength of 5 kN, making it suitable for LAN and WAN backbone installations, as well as indoor routing in ducts or trays (Legrand specifications) .

Cable Construction and Features

• Fiber Type: OM3 multimode, 50/125 µm core/cladding
• Core Arrangement: 48 fibers, typically 12 fibers per loose tube
• Sheath Material: Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) for fire safety
• Temperature Range: -40°C to 70°C
• Water Blocking: Longitudinal and radial protection
• Geometry: Round, metal-free for flexible routing
• Color Coding: Turquoise outer sheath (RAL 6027) for easy identification

Considerations for Installation

The outer diameter is critical for determining conduit fill, bend radius, and tray compatibility. For a 12.2 mm cable, ensure that the installation path accommodates the cable's flexibility and tensile strength. Loose tube construction allows for some fiber movement within the tube, reducing stress during bending or pulling.

Variations

Other 48-core cables may have slightly different diameters depending on fiber type (single-mode vs multimode), sheath thickness, or armored protection. For example, tight-buffered indoor cables may have smaller diameters, while armored or outdoor-rated cables may be larger . In summary, for a standard 48-core OM3 indoor/outdoor loose tube cable, expect an outer diameter of approximately 12.2 mm, with variations possible depending on manufacturer and specific design features .