A fiber optic cable having both water blocking and flame retardant
properties that is particularly useful for indoor or indoor/outdoor
applications. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable includes at least
one buffer tube, at least one optical fiber disposed within the buffer
tube, a composite tape surrounding the buffer tube that comprises a layer
formed of an inherently flame retardant material and at least one coating
a water swellable material, and a jacket surrounding the composite tape.
The fiber optic cable can also include a water blocking element disposed
within the buffer tube. The water swellable coatings of the composite tape
and the water blocking element within the buffer tube therefore inhibit
water migration along the length of the cable, while the flame retardant
layer of the composite tape provides fire resistance. In another aspect, a
dry fiber optic cable that includes a buffer tube comprised of an
inherently flame retardant material, at least one optical fiber disposed
within the buffer tube, a first tape comprised of a water swellable
material that at least partially surrounds the at least one optical fiber,
at least one roving extending lengthwise along the buffer tube and having
a coating comprised of a water swellable material, and a jacket
surrounding the buffer tube and the at least one roving. As such, the
buffer tube provides flame retardant properties, while the first tape and
the water swellable coating of the at least one roving inhibit water
migration along the length of the cable.