Fiber Optic Cable: OM3, OM4 and Singlemode Options for Data and Comms Installers
Backbone runs between switch rooms, campus buildings, or comms cabinets need fiber optic cable that holds up over distance without signal loss. This range covers multimode and singlemode constructions across core counts from 2 to 24, in loose tube, tight buffered, riser and armoured builds, including 6-Core OM4 Indoor/Outdoor Riser Fibre Cable for runs that transition between internal and external environments. Whether the job needs a short patch trunk or a long-haul link, there's a build here rated for it.
What's in This Range
- 12-Core OM3 Tight Buffered Fibre Cable — 1km length multimode cable suited to internal riser and cabinet-to-cabinet runs.
- 12-Core OM4 Indoor/Outdoor Riser Fibre Cable — dual-rated construction for links that cross between building interiors and external plant rooms.
- 12-Core OS2 Indoor/Outdoor Riser Cable — singlemode option for longer backbone distances between buildings or floors.
- 6-Core OM3 Fire-Rated LSZH Fibre Cable — 750°C, 120-minute rated for fire compartment crossings and life-safety pathways.
- 12-Core OM3 Armoured Loose Tube Fibre Cable — armoured construction for direct burial or exposed external runs.
- 24-Core Singlemode Loose Tube Fibre Cable — higher core count for campus backbones needing headroom for future expansion.
- OM4 12-Core Pre-Terminated LC-LC Fibre Cable — factory-terminated 100m trunk for installs where on-site splicing time isn't available.
- OS2 12-Core Pre-Terminated LC-LC Fibre Cable — singlemode pre-terminated trunk for long-distance backbone links straight out of the box.
Who Uses This
Data and comms technicians running structured cabling in commercial fit-outs, campus builds, schools and hospitals reach for this range for switch room to comms room backbone links. IT installers coordinating with electrical contractors on new warehouse or manufacturing facility builds use riser-rated OM4 and OS2 cable for floor-to-floor and building-to-building runs, while integrators handling temporary event or broadcast setups lean on armoured or fire-rated LSZH constructions where cable protection matters more than distance.
Fiber Optic Cable — Common Questions
How do I choose between multimode and singlemode fiber cable?
Multimode cable (OM3/OM4) suits shorter runs within a building or between adjacent buildings, typically up to a few hundred metres depending on data rate, and is generally cheaper to terminate. Singlemode (OS2) carries signal further with less attenuation, making it the better choice for campus backbones or building-to-building links over longer distances. 10Gb/s OM4 LSZH cable is a common pick where high-bandwidth multimode is enough for the run length.
Do I need LSZH or fire-rated fiber cable for my installation?
LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheathing is worth specifying for any run inside occupied buildings, since it reduces toxic smoke and gas release if exposed to fire. For cable crossing fire compartments or running through life-safety risers, a fire-rated option becomes the safer call. 2-Core Singlemode LSZH cable covers smaller, lower-core-count runs where a full 12 or 24-core cable isn't needed.
Can fiber optic cable run alongside power cabling?
Fibre carries no electrical signal, so it isn't affected by electromagnetic interference the way copper data cable is, which makes it a practical option for runs near switchboards, motor control centres or heavy plant. Physical separation and dedicated containment are still worth maintaining on site to avoid mechanical damage during other trades' work, even though EMI isn't a concern.
Why Choose SCHNAP
- OM3, OM4 and OS2 constructions stocked from established brands including Cabac and ServerEdge, so core count and buffering can be matched exactly to spec.
- Riser, armoured and 750°C fire-rated LSZH options on hand for installs crossing fire compartments or exposed external runs.
- 30-day return policy and trade discounts on bulk fibre reels and pre-terminated trunk cable.
Not sure whether multimode or singlemode fits the run length you're planning? Our guide on multimode vs singlemode fibre cable breaks down the distance and cost trade-offs, and if termination time on site is tight, the guide on pre-terminated fibre cable covers when factory-terminated LC-LC runs make sense. Get in touch with the SCHNAP team for stock availability and trade pricing.
