How Winter Weather Impacts Fiber Optic Cables | Network Drops
Cold weather can cause issues with fiber optic cables and affect your connection. Learn what problems can happen and simple ways to prevent or fix them.
Contact UsFiber optic cold connectors are prone to breakage
Home / Fiber optic cold connectors are prone to breakage
Accumulation of ice and snow on aerial fiber optic cables can add weight and cause sagging or tension, potentially leading to physical damage or breakage. These cables, composed of thin strands of glass or plastic, transmit data as light signals, ensuring rapid and efficient communication. There are three common types of fiber connectors: SC, ST (bayonet-twist) and LC (push-pull locking). The LC connector is most commonly chosen, because it is much smaller than the other two, and also provides a secure clip connection. The fiber connection is UV resistant, salt spray resistant and sealed to IP66, IP68 and IP69K, while still providing an industry-standard LC interface as specified by IEC 61754-20. Fiber optic cabling problems with extreme cold happen when water finds its way into the ducts housing the cables.
