Ignition Hazards

Optical fibers are commonly used for data transmission in industrial environments, particularly when cable runs exceed 100 meters and copper Ethernet is no longer viable. The general assumption is simple: once installed, the cable does its job – transmitting data from point A to B – and that's it. There is a common opinion that there are no special requirements for data transmission via fiber optics. Especially in hazardous areas, this assumption is not only persistent but is potentially dangerous.

The common belief is that optical wave guides (OWGs) are inherently safe because they transmit light rather than electrical current. As such, they are frequently installed without additional precautions, under the impression that they pose no ignition risk. System operators often express surprise when questioned about safety standards for fibre optics in hazardous environments, pointing out that such systems have been operating for years without incident.

However, this is actually a big misconception!