Which color jacket is commonly used on outdoor fiber cables?

Which color jacket is commonly used on outdoor fiber cables?

• A. Black
• B. Red
• C. Blue
• D. White

Answer: (A)

Outdoor fiber cables use a black jacket because the material is designed to block UV radiation. Carbon black added to the jacket acts as a powerful UV absorber, slowing photodegradation from sun exposure and helping the cable endure long-term outdoor conditions like sunlight, heat, and moisture. The dark color also hides dirt and wear that outdoor installations encounter, making black the standard choice for direct-burial and aerial outdoor cables. Other colors are more common for indoor use or for color-coding, but they don’t provide the same UV protection and outdoor durability, which is why black is the typical jacket color for outdoor fiber cables.

Outdoor fiber cables use a black jacket because the material is designed to block UV radiation. Carbon black added to the jacket acts as a powerful UV absorber, slowing photodegradation from sun exposure and helping the cable endure long-term outdoor conditions like sunlight, heat, and moisture. The dark color also hides dirt and wear that outdoor installations encounter, making black the standard choice for direct-burial and aerial outdoor cables. Other colors are more common for indoor use or for color-coding, but they don’t provide the same UV protection and outdoor durability, which is why black is the typical jacket color for outdoor fiber cables.