What Is GYFTY Non-Metallic Fiber Optic Cable?
GYFTY is a stranded loose tube outdoor fiber optic cable designed with a non-metallic central strength member and without steel tape armor. It is commonly considered for duct, conduit, campus, access-network, and electrically sensitive outdoor routes.
Updated June 22, 2026 · MapleArashi Technical Guide
Quick Answer
GYFTY normally uses loose tubes stranded around an FRP central strength member, with water-blocking materials and an outer PE sheath. Unlike GYFTY53, it does not include PSP or steel tape armor. Unlike GYTS, it normally avoids metallic central strength members and steel tape armor. Final cable construction must always be confirmed against the buyer’s technical specification.
GYFTY Cable Structure
A typical GYFTY construction includes optical fibers inside gel-filled or dry water-blocked loose tubes. The tubes are stranded around a non-metallic central strength member, usually FRP. Water-blocking yarn, cable filling compound, or related moisture protection may be used before the outer PE sheath is applied.
- Optical fibers: commonly single-mode or project-specified fiber
- Loose tubes: protect fibers from mechanical and environmental stress
- Central strength member: normally FRP or another non-metallic member
- Water blocking: filling compound, water-blocking yarn, tape, or a combined design
- Outer sheath: normally PE for outdoor use
- Armor: none in the standard GYFTY structure
Because cable designs vary by manufacturer and project, buyers should confirm the actual cross-section, mechanical performance, fiber count, sheath material, cable diameter, and applicable standard before production.
Is GYFTY an All-Dielectric Cable?
GYFTY is commonly selected when the project requires a non-metallic outdoor cable structure. A typical GYFTY design has an FRP central strength member and no steel tape armor.
However, the phrase all-dielectric should only be used after confirming that the final design contains no metallic elements. Cable specifications, water-blocking components, ripcords, reinforcement members, and manufacturing variants must be checked rather than assumed from the model name alone.
Where Is GYFTY Commonly Used?
GYFTY is generally considered for outdoor routes where electrical isolation, corrosion resistance, or avoidance of metallic armor is important.
Duct and Conduit
Outdoor cable routes where conduit provides external mechanical protection.
Campus and Access Networks
Links between buildings, access nodes, distribution points, and network facilities.
Electrically Sensitive Routes
Projects where metallic strength members or armor are not preferred.
Outdoor Backbone
Backbone and feeder links when the required tensile and crush performance are confirmed.
Standard non-armored GYFTY should not automatically be specified for direct burial. Direct-burial routes normally require additional mechanical protection. See the GYFTY53 armored cable when steel tape armor and a double sheath are required.
GYFTY vs GYFTY53
| Item | GYFTY | GYFTY53 |
|---|---|---|
| Central strength member | Normally FRP | Normally FRP |
| Armor | None | PSP / steel tape |
| Sheath | Normally one PE outer sheath | Inner PE plus outer PE sheath |
| All-dielectric | Possible when the confirmed design contains no metal | No, because steel tape armor is present |
| Typical route | Duct, conduit, campus, outdoor backbone | Duct and direct-burial routes requiring armor |
GYFTY vs GYTS
Both cables use stranded loose tube construction, but they serve different mechanical and electrical requirements.
- GYFTY: normally uses an FRP central strength member and no steel tape armor.
- GYTS: normally uses a metallic central strength member and corrugated steel tape armor.
- GYFTY: better suited to projects requiring a non-metallic structure.
- GYTS: provides additional mechanical and rodent protection through steel tape armor.
Review the GYTS product page when steel tape armor is required, and use the GYFTY product page for the non-armored non-metallic configuration.
How to Select GYFTY Cable
- Confirm the route: duct, conduit, campus, aerial support system, or outdoor backbone.
- Confirm fiber requirements: fiber type, fiber count, attenuation, and applicable standard.
- Confirm mechanical requirements: tensile load, crush resistance, bend radius, and installation tension.
- Confirm environmental conditions: temperature range, moisture, UV exposure, corrosion, and electrical environment.
- Confirm sheath and water blocking: PE sheath, filling compound, dry water blocking, or project-specific construction.
- Confirm commercial details: quantity, drum length, printing, packing, destination, and trade term.
For a broader comparison of outdoor cable structures, review the outdoor fiber optic cable catalogue and the outdoor backbone solution guide.
Information Required for a GYFTY Quotation
- Fiber count and fiber type
- Required cable structure or reference drawing
- Outer sheath material and color
- Water-blocking requirement
- Mechanical and environmental standards
- Quantity and drum length
- Cable marking and packaging requirements
- Destination country and preferred EXW, FOB, or CIF term
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GYFTY fiber optic cable?
GYFTY is a non-armored stranded loose tube outdoor fiber optic cable that normally uses a non-metallic central strength member such as FRP. The final structure, fiber count, sheath, water-blocking design, and mechanical performance must be confirmed for each project.
Is GYFTY an all-dielectric cable?
GYFTY is commonly designed without metallic armor or a metallic central strength member. It may be described as all-dielectric only when the confirmed cable design contains no metallic elements.
What is the difference between GYFTY and GYFTY53?
GYFTY is a non-armored stranded loose tube cable. GYFTY53 adds an inner sheath, PSP or steel tape armor, and an outer sheath for higher mechanical protection. Because GYFTY53 contains metal armor, it is not fully all-dielectric.
What is the difference between GYFTY and GYTS?
GYFTY normally uses a non-metallic central strength member and no steel tape armor. GYTS normally uses a metallic central strength member and corrugated steel tape armor. The correct choice depends on electrical isolation, mechanical protection, route conditions, and project specifications.
Where is GYFTY cable commonly used?
GYFTY is commonly considered for duct, conduit, campus, access, outdoor backbone, and electrically sensitive routes where a non-metallic cable structure is required. It should not be selected for direct burial unless the final design and project requirements specifically permit it.
What information is required for a GYFTY quotation?
Provide the fiber count, fiber type, cable structure, sheath material, required standards, quantity, drum length, cable marking, installation route, destination country, and preferred trade term.