learn > What is the difference between RFOU and BFOU cable?

What is the difference between RFOU and BFOU cable?

One of the frequently asked questions that our team receives is what is the difference between RFOU and BFOU cable? Below we are going to explain the main difference between these two popular offshore cables.

What are RFOU and BFOU cables?

In simple words, they are armored and sheathed cables designed for the most demanding marine and offshore harsh environments applications. 

RFOU and BFOU are categorized as instrumentation and power cables commonly used for telecommunications, and fixed installation in various electromechanical and electronic equipment, emergency, critical systems, and lighting systems.

These cables have similar structures and are made of similar materials, both protect human life and equipment during a fire and are halogen-free thermosetting compound SHF2 or SHF Mud sheathed. But, there is one main difference between them.   

It is important to mention that both cables are made in accordance with the NEK 606 technical specification standard widely adopted in Europe and in many other countries around the world.

RFOU and BFOU cables follow the IEC 60092-350, -360, and -370 series. The compliance standards required for the most demanding marine and offshore applications.

RFOU and BFOU Difference

The main difference is that RFOU cables are made with flame retardant capability following the IEC60332 Flame Retardancy standard while the BFOU has an additional fire-proof Mica Glass Tape (MGT) that acts as a fire barrier over the conductor to provide uninterrupted power or signals during a fire situation.

 

RFOU Cable Specification

RFOU cable is best for instrumentation, communication, control, and alarm systems. This type of cable provides low smoke density which reduces the risk of suffocation and keeps visibility around the fire zone.

EUTEX offers a wide variety of RFOU cables with options from low to high-voltage applications. 

BFOU Cable Specification

BFOU cable has fire resistance, low smoke, halogen-free, and mud resistance features which make it the best option for the most demanding offshore applications. These cables are made for high performance where the conditions are harsh, for example, extreme heat, cold, humidity, oil vibration, salt corrosion, etc. This type of cable has an additional fire-proof Mica Glass Tape (MGT) that acts as a fire barrier over the conductor to provide uninterrupted power or signals during a fire situation.

EUTEX has a wide variety of BFOU cables in stock ready to ship worldwide! 

Need help selecting the correct cable? Let us help!

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ABOUT EUTEX INTERNATIONAL

EUTEX International is the leading electrical supplier of hazardous area products and services around the globe!

EUTEX is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company that provides hazardous area electrical products including cables, glands, and accessories. The company holds IECEx service facility status which allows our staff to provide hazardous area inspection and maintenance services along with staff training and assembly certification to ensure safe operations in potentially explosive environments.

Working in potentially explosive areas involves multiple risks, so minimizing those risks for the staff and assets is our highest priority.

We have been serving the energy industry since 1998 consistently working towards a safer work environment. EUTEX has built an extensive global footprint by supporting customers who really care about safety by making sure the products and services are a good fit for their purpose and compliant with international and local standards.

To date, EUTEX has registered offices and training centers in Australia, Canada, India, Myanmar, Scotland, Singapore, Thailand, and United Arab Emirates to better serve our global clientele.