[TowerTalk] Split Loom as an anti-critter device?

[Keith Dutson]

According to the following Commscope document, SuperFlex is corrugated.  I have a bunch outdoors.  Like all other hardline at my station, the connectors  are sealed with at least 4 layers of silicone and vinyl tape, over connectors with silicon O rings preventing water intrusion down the shield.

https://www.commscope.com/catalog/cables/pdf/part/1327/FSJ4-50B.pdf

73, Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: TowerTalk <towertalk-bounces at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Steve Maki
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2018 6:44 PM
To: towertalk <towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Split Loom as an anti-critter device?

On 10/31/18 19:04 PM, Scott Townley wrote:

> New to the Northeast, and all the critters that eat...well, everything 
> when it gets cold enough.
> 
> I am planning on running a length of FSJ-4 (1/2" Andrews superflex) 
> from the house to the end of the back yard.  In the spring I will bury 
> it, but until then it needs to sit on top of the lawn.  I worry about 
> something eating through it--although it's pretty hefty for something 
> to chew on, it wouldn't surprise me.
> 
> I was thinking I'd put the cable in say a 1" or 1-1/2" split cable 
> loom, just as an extra cover to fend off teeth.  Dumb? Unnecessary?  
> What does the Collective Wisdom say?

Superflex style cables, where the shield is a spiral configuration rather than corrugated, is not a good choice for outdoor use. If water gets under the jacket either from the ends or thru a jacket penetration, it will run end to end, get into the connectors, and ruin the cable.

The jacket is thin to help with the flexibility, but is easily damaged. 
Great for indoor jumpers - not much else.

Use LDF4 if you can.

-Steve K8LX

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