What type of cable is resistant to water damage?

The type of cable that is resistant to water damage is gel-filled and blocked cable. This designation is significant because these cables incorporate protective features specifically designed to prevent water ingress. The gel-filled aspect involves a jelly-like substance that fills the spaces within the cable, acting as a barrier against moisture and providing a seal that helps keep water from reaching the fiber and other critical components within the cable. Additionally, the term "blocked" relates to materials used in the construction of the cable that physically impede water from traveling along the length of the cable, further enhancing its water-resistant properties.

In contrast, other cable types such as ribbon cables, breakout cables, and loose tube cables may not have the same level of moisture prevention. Ribbon cables generally refer to a flat arrangement of fibers and do not inherently include moisture-resistant features. Breakout cables have individual fibers separated from a central core but do not specifically address water resistance. Loose tube cables might offer some level of water resistance, depending on their design and materials; however, they are not typically filled with a gel or other moisture-blocking substances to the extent that gel-filled and blocked cables are. Thus, gel-filled and blocked cable is the optimal choice for applications where water damage is a concern.