Corning Cable Systems FREEDM? LST? Gel -Free Interlocking Armored Cables are flame -retardant, indoor/ outdoor, riser -rated cables designed for interbuilding and intrabuilding backbones in aerial, duct and riser applications. Encased in a spirally wrapped, aluminum interlocking armor for ruggedness and superior crush resistance, these cables are ideal for industrial and heavy traffic areas and installations requiring extra protection for optical cables and for high -fiber -count trunking applications in areas with limited conduit or vault space. The riser rating precludes the need for a transition splice when entering the building. These cables are protected against water penetration by innovative waterblocking tapes and yarns that swell to absorb water without the use of messy gels to provide more efficient and craft -friendly cable preparation. This waterblocking technology makes cable access easier and simplifies the use of buffer tube fan -out kits. The buffer tubes and fibers in each tube are color -coded for quick, easy identification. The SZ -stranded, loose tube design isolates fibers from installation, environmental rigors and allows for easy midspan access.