The smell of fiber optic cables is unpleasant

Fiber optic cables themselves generally have little to no noticeable smell, but any odor usually comes from the plastic coatings, jackets, or cleaning chemicals used on the connectors.Materials and Odor Sources

Fiber optic cables are primarily made of glass or plastic fibers encased in protective coatings and jackets. The glass core itself is odorless, but the polymer coatings (such as acrylate or polyethylene) and outer jackets can emit a faint chemical or “plastic-like” smell, especially when new or heated. This odor is usually mild and not harmful under normal handling conditions.

Cleaning and Maintenance

When cleaning fiber optic connectors, technicians often use isopropyl alcohol, electrical contact cleaners, or specialized wipes. These cleaning agents can produce a noticeable smell temporarily, which may be mistaken for the cable itself emitting an odor. Proper ventilation and avoiding direct inhalation of concentrated vapors are recommended for safety (Web result ).

Safety Considerations

While the smell from fiber optic cables is generally harmless, handling bare fibers or cut pieces can be dangerous. Tiny glass shards from stripped or cut fibers can penetrate the skin and cause injury, and some cleaning chemicals can be irritating if inhaled in large amounts (Web result ). Therefore, it is important to handle cables carefully and use protective equipment when cutting or cleaning them.

Summary

• Glass fibers: odorless
• Plastic coatings/jackets: may emit a faint chemical or plastic smell
• Cleaning agents: can produce stronger odors temporarily
• Safety: avoid inhaling concentrated fumes and handle fibers carefully to prevent injury In general, the smell of fiber optic cables is minor and mostly associated with the materials used for insulation or cleaning, not the fiber itself.