Fiber optic cable code

A/I-DQ(ZN)BH 12G50/125, I-VHH 2E9/125 – you can find such and similar codes printed on the jacket of fiber optic cables. Read on to find out what the letters and numbers mean.

The letters and numbers stand for the elements and the design of the cable. They are based on the German standard DIN VDE V 0888-100-1-1:2017-10. In daily use there are many more letters used than are specified by this standard, so let’s have a look at the ones commonly used.

Letters and numbers that are quite often used are:

A = outdoor cable

J = indoor cable, but the letter “I” is more common

I = indoor cable; not specified in the above standard, but very common

A/I = universal cable; not specified in the above standard, but very common

U = universal cable

D = gel-filled loose-tube cable

V = tight buffer

K = semi-tight buffer; not specified in the above standard, but very common

Q = water absorbent element, e.g. swellable yarn

(ZN) = non-metallic strength members

B = rodent protection

H = LSZH jacket; when there are two LSZH jackets like in breakout cables, some manufacturers print “HH“ on the jacket

2Y = polyethylene jacket