G62.5/125, G50/125, E9/125 Flexible Rubber Fiber Optic Cable for Cranes & Material Handling High-Speed Data Transmission, EM Interference Resistant

Cable Type / Designation

G62.5/125µ, G50/125µ, E9/125µ

Application

Flexible fibre optic cable for signal and data transmission on cranes and material handling equipment; suitable for cable handling systems such as reels, festoon systems, cable tenders, etc., at high data rates, large bandwidth, and absolute immunity to electromagnetic interference.

Standard

Based on FDDI, ISO/IEC 9314 Part 3, DIN VDE 0888

Optical Fiber

Fibre core diameter: 62.5 μm, 50 μm or 9 μmDiameter across the cladding: 125 μmDiameter over the coating: 250 μmFiber coding: Specially developed colour code for identification of individual fibres

Fiber Covering

Hollow core with filling compound;

Basic material: ETFE, Compound: 7YI 1, Natural color

Core Arrangement

Six cores, laid-up in one layer around a GFK supporting element (GFK = glass-fibre reinforced plastic)

Inner Sheath

Special compound

Reinforcement

Special braid made of polyester threads; Surface covered approx. 80%

Outer Sheath

Basic material: PCP, rubber compound 5GM3

Colour: Black

Chemical Parameters

Resistance to oil: DIN EN 60811-404 and DIN VDE 0473-811-404, paragraph 10

Weather resistance: Unrestricted use outdoors and indoors; resistant to ozone, UV, and moisture

Thermal Parameters

Fixed installation: -40 °C to +80 °C

Fully flexible operation: -35 °C to +80 °C

Mechanical Parameters

Max. tensile load: 500 N

Torsional stress: ±50 °/m

Min. bending radius: Fixed installation & festoon: 125 mm; Reeling: 250 mm

Min. distance with S-type directional changes: 20 × D (D = cable diameter)

Travel Speed

Gantry (reeling): up to 120 m/min (no random wound reel, cylindrical reel)

Trolley (festoon systems): up to 240 m/min (festoon, cable tender)

Hoist: no application

Additional Tests

Bending and reversed bending test

In today’s fast-paced industrial environments, the need for reliable, high-speed data transmission in cranes and material handling systems has never been more critical. Flexible fiber optic cables such as G62.5/125µ, G50/125µ, and E9/125µ have become essential components for modern automation, ensuring fast communication, large bandwidth, and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). But what exactly are these cables, how do they differ, and why are they preferred in crane applications?

What Is a Flexible Fiber Optic Cable, and Why Is It Important for Cranes?

Fiber optic cables are designed to transmit data using light signals rather than electrical signals, which provides several advantages:

  • High-speed data transmission: Capable of supporting very high bandwidth, ideal for real-time control systems.

  • EM interference resistance: Immunity to electromagnetic fields ensures signal integrity in industrial environments where motors, cranes, and other heavy machinery generate interference.

  • Flexibility: These cables can withstand repeated bending and movement in cable handling systems like festoon systems, reels, and cable tenders.

  • Durability: Designed to endure harsh conditions including oil exposure, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures.

Flexible fiber optic cables like G62.5/125µ, G50/125µ, and E9/125µ are particularly suitable for cranes, gantry systems, and material handling equipment where continuous movement, bending, and torsional stress occur.

How Do G62.5/125µ, G50/125µ, and E9/125µ Differ?

Choosing the right fiber depends on data rate, transmission distance, and application type:

Feature

G62.5/125µ

G50/125µ

E9/125µ

Fiber type

Multimode

Multimode

Single-mode

Core diameter

62.5 µm

50 µm

9 µm

Bandwidth

Medium (400–600 MHz)

High (400–1200 MHz)

Ultra-high (single-mode, ideal for long-distance)

Typical use

Standard data rates

High-speed applications

Very high-speed or long-distance transmission

Attenuation

Moderate

Low

Very low

Numerical aperture

0.275

0.2

0.14

In general, G62.5/125µ is widely used in standard industrial setups, G50/125µ is ideal for higher-speed data systems, and E9/125µ is preferred when ultra-high-speed, long-distance data integrity is required.

What Are the Common Applications of These Cables?

These flexible fiber optic cables are primarily used in:

  • Cranes: Gantry cranes, overhead cranes, and hoists requiring high-speed control signals.

  • Material handling systems: Conveyors, automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RS), and trolleys.

  • Cable handling systems: Reels, festoon systems, and cable tenders where frequent bending occurs.

  • Industrial automation: Systems requiring immunity to EM interference to protect data integrity.

Indonesia Case Study: In Jakarta’s port facilities, G50/125µ cables were deployed in crane festoon systems handling high-speed container operations. The flexibility of these cables allowed continuous movement at speeds of 200 m/min without signal loss or mechanical wear over 18 months of intensive operation. This demonstrates the practical advantage of using specialized fiber optic cables in dynamic industrial environments.

What Do Users Most Commonly Ask About Flexible Fiber Optic Cables?

Q1: Can these cables be used for hoist operations?
A1: No, hoist applications are generally not suitable due to vertical travel and extreme stress. Festoon and trolley systems are ideal.

Q2: What is the difference between multimode and single-mode fibers?
A2: Multimode fibers (G62.5/125µ, G50/125µ) are suitable for short- to medium-distance high-speed communication. Single-mode fibers (E9/125µ) support long-distance and ultra-high-speed data transmission.

Q3: How do I choose between G62.5/125µ and G50/125µ?
A3: Choose G62.5/125µ for standard industrial networks; G50/125µ for higher-speed data applications or when interference immunity is critical.

Q4: Are these cables resistant to chemicals and outdoor conditions?
A4: Yes, the outer sheath is designed to withstand oil, UV, ozone, and moisture, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.

Q5: What is OPTOFLEX(M)?
A5: It is a special variant with an orange outer sheath, suitable only for fixed installations. It is not recommended for reeling operations.

Why Should Industrial Operators Consider These Cables?

The benefits of using G62.5/125µ, G50/125µ, and E9/125µ flexible fiber optic cables include:

  • Reliable high-speed data transmission under dynamic conditions.

  • Immunity to electromagnetic interference for accurate signal integrity.

  • Extended lifespan due to robust mechanical and chemical resistance.

  • Compatibility with various industrial cable handling systems.

  • Proven performance in real-world operations, including Indonesian port and material handling systems.

By choosing the appropriate fiber type, operators can ensure that their cranes and material handling equipment run efficiently, safely, and with minimal downtime.

How to Get the Right Cable for Your Application

To ensure optimal performance and long-term reliability:

  • Consult with cable specialists to match fiber type and core count to your system requirements.

  • Consider environmental factors such as outdoor exposure, temperature extremes, and chemical contact.

  • Plan cable routing carefully to maintain minimum bending radii and avoid excessive torsion.

  • Request case studies or references from similar installations to validate the cable’s performance in high-speed material handling operations.

Contact professional suppliers or manufacturers to customize cable solutions tailored to your specific crane or material handling setup.