In optical fiber cables, what term describes the nonmetallic component under the jacket that provides tensile strength?

In optical fiber cables, what term describes the nonmetallic component under the jacket that provides tensile strength?

• A. Buffer layer
• B. Jacket
• C. Strength Member
• D. Core

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how mechanical load is managed in a fiber optic cable. The part under the outer jacket that provides tensile strength is the strength member. This nonmetallic component is typically made of aramid fibers like Kevlar or fiberglass and runs along the cable to take pulling forces, protecting the delicate fiber from stretching or breaking during installation and use. The buffer layer protects the fiber itself from damage and helps prevent microbending, but it doesn’t carry the main tensile load. The jacket is simply the outer protective cover, and the core is the actual light-carrying path. So the strength member is the element designed to handle tensile stress.

The key idea is how mechanical load is managed in a fiber optic cable. The part under the outer jacket that provides tensile strength is the strength member. This nonmetallic component is typically made of aramid fibers like Kevlar or fiberglass and runs along the cable to take pulling forces, protecting the delicate fiber from stretching or breaking during installation and use. The buffer layer protects the fiber itself from damage and helps prevent microbending, but it doesn’t carry the main tensile load. The jacket is simply the outer protective cover, and the core is the actual light-carrying path. So the strength member is the element designed to handle tensile stress.