FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT) Practice Exam 2025 – Your Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The distinguishing feature of a Loose Tube cable is its construction that allows for the inclusion of buffered fiber along with strength members. In this design, the fibers are housed within a tube that is filled with a material, often a water-blocking gel, which provides protection against environmental factors and allows for some movement of the fibers within the tube. This design is particularly advantageous for outdoor applications, where temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress are more prevalent.

The buffered fibers themselves are protected by a layer of insulation, enabling better handling and installation while reducing the risk of damage during the installation process. The strength members, which are typically made of materials like aramid yarn or glass fiber, enhance the tensile strength of the cable, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor deployment, including pull-strength during installation and environmental stressors.

The other choices do not accurately describe the characteristics of Loose Tube cables, as they either misrepresent the construction or the intended use of this type of fiber optic cable.