According to the UL1651 standard, optical fibers are classified into the following four categories: OFNP, OFCP(Plenum-rated non-conductive and conductive types); OFNR, OFCR(Riser-rated non-conductive and conductive types; OFN, OFNG(General-purpose non-conductive optical fibers); OFC,OFCG( General-purpose conductive optical fibers). Many fiber optic patchcords use OFNR and OFNP materials for their outer jackets. What are the differences between these two optical patch cords? And which one is better?
OFNP fiber patch cable is the highest-rated fire-resistant cable designation. When a fan is used to force air onto the flames, the fiber patchcord will self-extinguish within 5 meters of flame spread, and the optical patch cords will not release toxic fumes or vapors. This high level of fire resistance allows it to more effectively slow the spread of fire in the event of a fire, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment.
OFNR fiber patch cable is the second-highest rating. Under forced airflow conditions, the fiber patchcord must also self-extinguish within 5 meters of flame spread, but its fire resistance is slightly lower compared to OFNP fiber optic patchcord.
OFNR fiber patch cables are used in riser applications or spaces inside a building in pathways that pass between floors, such as a vertical zone or space. They are engineered to prevent a fire from spreading from floor to floor within buildings. OFNR optical patch cord is resistant to oxidation and degradation. It gives off heavy black smoke, hydrochloric acid, and other toxic gases when it burns. If you want to use it in a building, the building must feature a contained ventilation system and have good fire exits.
OFNP fiber optical patch cords are used in plenum applications or inside buildings in plenum areas, the areas between a ceiling and the floor above it, where space is reserved for the circulation of air. They have the highest rated fire retardant which emits little smoke during combustion. The non-conductive element within OFNP means they contain no electrically conductive components. OFNP optical patch cord has fire resistance and gives low smoke when it burns. It can be used as a substitute for PVC (OFNR) fiber patch cables since its fire resistance is the highest. It’s designed for the movement of environmental air and is commonly used for vertical runs between floors.
OFNP optical patch cord’ jackets are typically made of flame-retardant, low-smoke materials such as fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or low-smoke polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These materials offer advantages such as low smoke emission, halogen-free composition, and flame retardancy, helping to prevent fire spread and releasing less smoke and toxic gases in the event of a fire.
OFNR fiber optical patch cord’ jackets are usually made of flame-retardant materials such as PVC or LSZH (low smoke zero halogen). These materials also possess advantages such as low smoke emission, low toxicity, low corrosivity, and high flame retardancy, reducing the release of smoke and toxic gases during a fire and minimizing harm to people and the environment.
OFNP is the highest safety rating and is suitable for the most demanding fire safety scenarios; OFNR is a cost-effective option that meets most indoor cabling needs. When selecting fiber optic patchcords, the choice should be made after a comprehensive evaluation based on the actual installation environment, fire safety regulations, and budget. As a professional fiber patchcord manufacturer, AOFPUS provides types of fiber optic cables, and we will engineer solutions to any customer’s specs and needs, and we create end-to-end solutions so you won’t be left in the dark. AOFPUS strives to provide our customers with the highest quality product above industry standards at a lower cost.
