The True Meaning of Fiber Cable Colors
Fiber optic cables come in a rainbow of playful colors that may appear sleek, and attractive to a novice observer. But the intention is not decorative; it’s to provide information.
In fact, the color of a particular cable derives from a convention and classification scheme agreed on by engineers. A color palette of 12 colors is regulated and adhered to in the industry. The classification scheme is articulated in an engineering code – EIA/TIA-598, widely recognized in the industry.
There are exceptions. Per TIA-598-C, using different jacket colors than defined by the engineering code is permissible if the cable type is identified in the print legend, which means you should always check the print legend when in doubt.
How Fiber Cable Color Codes Originated
While color codes have long been used to identify technology components, using a color code to distinguish cable types and/or on cable jackets or other cable components dates back to its use in copper phone cables. It was helpful for those working on or installing phone cables to distinguish wire pairs in a bundle of what might be hundreds of pairs of wires. That system formed the basis for the color classification schemes used in fiber optic cables.
What’s Regulated
Color codes differentiate outer cable jackets, the interior of a multi-fiber cable, buffers or tubes and cable connectors. Different colors are used in military and non-military applications.
Purpose of Color Coding Fiber Cables
Color codes are an important aid in splicing fiber optic cables. They are also a helpful tool for anyone handling the cable, installing or working on it, as they identify the types of fibers and the construction of the cables and allow anyone handling them to quickly determine whether there are multiple cables or a single cable in a jacket.
Color System for Outer Cable Jackets
| Non-Armored (Non-Military) | |
|---|---|
| Single Mode Fiber (OS1/OS2) | Yellow |
| Polarization Maintaining Single Mode | Blue |
| OM1 Multimode 62.5/125 | Orange |
| OM2 Multimode 50/125 | Orange |
| OM3 Multimode 50/125 | Aqua |
| OM4 Multimode 50/125 | TIA Color: Violet Actual: RAL4003 Heather Violet |
| Aqua | |
| OM5 Multimode 50/125 | Lime Green |
Color Codes for Other Cable Components
Connectors and cable interiors also adhere to fiber color codes. There are different polish styles of fiber end-face and hence, the connectors of fiber jumpers and adapters are color-coded for identification purposes. The color palette of inner cables is also distinct from outer jackets and includes beige, gray and green color tones.
For help choosing the right fiber cable for your network, contact us.
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