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

[Steve Maki]

OK, it's a terminology issue.

There is:

1) Smoothwall hardline.

2) Spiral corrugated hardline (like FSJ4).

3) *ringed* (my term) corrugated hardline (like LDF4).

FSJ4 is #2, and water will travel under the jacket the full length of 
the cable. #3 will not allow that.

-Steve K8LX

On 10/31/18 20:07 PM, Keith Dutson wrote:

> 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

>> 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.