A protective carrier for a fiber optic cable comprises a casing within which is a rotor rotatable in a selected one of two opposite directions. The rotor supports the cable at the axis of rotation of the rotor and the cable extends in opposite directions from such axis and is guided to axially spaced peripheral grooves in which a major portion of the retracted cable is accommodated. From each of the grooves opposite ends of the cable extend through openings in the casing and are coupled to terminations by means of which the cable may be connected to terminals. The openings into the casing accommodate and shield the connectors. The casing is sufficiently rigid to protect the cable and terminations from damage. The path of movement of the cable into and out of the casing is such that the cable is not subjected to kinking or bending in such manner as to damage the cable or attenuate the signal carried by the cable.