What is FRP?
FRP is a Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic material that has the strength of steel at the fraction of the weight. FRP won’t corrode, rot, warp, attract insects, or rust, making it an ideal and long-lasting replacement for steel, wood and aluminum in a wide range of applications.
Because FRP is a composite material made up of fiberglass reinforcements and polymer resins, FRP can also stand for Fiberglass-Reinforced Polymer. The glass fiber provides the strength and stiffness, and the resin provides shape and protects the fibers.
FRP is a common reinforcement to provide strength and durability in fiber optic drop cable. However, you have a choice of strength members for optical cable, and steel is also a consideration.
Let’s compare FRP with Steel as a strength reinforcement in fiber optic cable:
| Parameter | FRP Composites | Steel |
| Corrosion, rot and and insect resistance |
Resists a broad range of chemicals and is unaffected by moisture or immersion in water. Resists insect damage. Painting is only suggested when exposed to UV rays/direct sunlight. |
Subject to oxidation and corrosion. Requires painting or galvanizing for many applications. |
| Strength | Has greater flexural strength and pound-for-pound is often stronger than steel and aluminum in the lengthwise direction. |
Homogeneous material |
| Weight | Weighs 75% less than steel and 30% less than aluminum |
Could require lifting equipment to move and place |
| Electrical conductivity | Nonconductive High dielectric capability |
Conducts electricity Grounding potential |
| Thermal properties | Good insulator with low thermal conductivity |
Conducts heat |
| Stiffness | Will not permanently deform under working load. Modulus of elasticity: 2.8 x 106 psi |
Modulus of elasticity: 29 x 106 psi |
| Impact resistance | Will not permanently deform under impact. Glass mat in pultruded parts distributes impact load to prevent surface damage, even in subzero temperatures. |
Can permanently deform under impact |
| Color | Color is molded within No painting required |
Must be painted for color, may require repainting over time |
| Cost | Lower installation costs, less maintenance and longer product life allow for a lower lifecycle cost. |
Lower initial material cost More expensive to maintain Much higher over time |
Where does FRP Strength Members fit into Fiber Optic Drop Cable?
FRP reinforcement is not the messenger, but in a common configuration will straddle the optical cable within the jacket. In the case of Multicom fiber optic cable, we have constructed our cable in such a way that the optical fiber has the absolute least exposure and the FRP strength members are in a position to guard the hair-thin optical cables to keep them out of harm’s way.