Requirement to Earth Armoured Fibre optic cables

I would say yes.

Though strictly speaking it should be called bonding, not earthing.

Any significant length of armoured fibre optic cable should in my view be bonded, Just as one should bond other metallic services such as gas or water supply pipes.


In case of an open PEN conductor then metalwork within a building could be live at a significant voltage. Bonding of pipes and structural elements controls the risks under such circumstances. A not bonded armoured fibre optic cable could introduce a significantly different voltage, with risk of dangerous shock if touched at the same time as say a water pipe.


I see no need to bond relatively short lengths that are entirely within a building. They are then more comparable to say a metallic hand rail on the stairs, and we do not normally bond those.

I would say yes.

Though strictly speaking it should be called bonding, not earthing.

Any significant length of armoured fibre optic cable should in my view be bonded, Just as one should bond other metallic services such as gas or water supply pipes.


In case of an open PEN conductor then metalwork within a building could be live at a significant voltage. Bonding of pipes and structural elements controls the risks under such circumstances. A not bonded armoured fibre optic cable could introduce a significantly different voltage, with risk of dangerous shock if touched at the same time as say a water pipe.


I see no need to bond relatively short lengths that are entirely within a building. They are then more comparable to say a metallic hand rail on the stairs, and we do not normally bond those.