Saint-Barthélemy FTTH Fiber Optic Network Project

In early 2024, the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Barthélemy launched a full-island FTTH (Fiber to the Home) deployment, a critical infrastructure project aiming to deliver high-speed, reliable internet to residential communities, commercial zones, and public facilities across the island. Faced with the Caribbean’s tropical marine climate—high humidity, salt spray, and intense UV radiation—the local telecom contractor sought a cable supplier with proven island project experience, a complete product portfolio, and valid UL certifications to ensure long-term performance and compliance. After rigorous evaluation, Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. was selected as the exclusive cable provider, delivering a tailored solution centered on Control Cable, PLTC Tray Cable, and XHHW-2 cable low voltage power wire that addressed core pain points and ensured project success.

Project Background & Core Challenges

The Saint-Barthélemy FTTH project presented unique challenges that demanded specialized cable solutions:

Harsh Environmental Resistance: High humidity, salt spray, and UV radiation risked premature aging, cracking, and corrosion of standard cables, threatening signal stability and increasing maintenance costs.

Comprehensive System Coverage: The network required integrated power supply, signal control, and tray routing cables, requiring a one-stop partner to avoid compatibility issues across multiple suppliers.

Strict Compliance Standards: As a French overseas territory, Saint-Barthélemy enforced European and French electrical safety norms, mandating valid UL certifications for all materials to pass official inspection.

Tight Deployment Timeline: To align with the government’s digital upgrade goals, fast production and delivery were essential without compromising quality.

The contractor’s core needs included a reliable partner with island FTTH experience, durable cables suited to marine conditions, full UL compliance, and efficient delivery to keep the project on track.

Targeted Cable Solutions: Addressing Pain Points with Precision

GERITEL’s solution combined Control Cable, PLTC Tray Cable, and XHHW-2 cable low voltage power wire—all UL-certified—to match each phase of the FTTH network, with clear differentiation from standard alternatives to solve specific challenges.

1. Control Cable: Ensuring Stable Signal Transmission in Complex Environments

Application: Signal control for optical distribution frames (ODFs), fiber distribution boxes, and monitoring systems across the island.Specifications: 4-core, 8-core, and 12-core variants in 18 AWG and 16 AWG, dual-shielded (pair + overall) with low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) sheath, UL 13 certified.Why It Was Chosen: Unlike unshielded control cables prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby power lines, our Control Cable delivered superior anti-EMI performance, ensuring error-free signal transmission between critical network components. Its LSZH sheath met Saint-Barthélemy’s strict public infrastructure fire safety standards—non-toxic and flame-retardant—while corrosion-resistant materials withstood salt spray and humidity, extending service life by 3–5 years compared to standard control wires.

2. PLTC Tray Cable: Durable Routing for Indoor/Outdoor Tray Installation

Application: Cable tray routing in indoor telecom rooms, outdoor utility poles, and vertical shafts, plus remote power supply to distributed fiber cabinets.Specifications: 6-core to 24-core in 16 AWG and 14 AWG, UV-stabilized XLPE insulation, abrasion-resistant outer sheath, UL 13 certified.Why It Was Chosen: Standard tray cables degrade rapidly in UV-rich marine environments, but PLTC Tray Cable was designed for dual indoor/outdoor use. Its UV-stabilized sheath prevented cracking after prolonged sunlight exposure, while its flexible, compact structure simplified installation in narrow cable trays and tight spaces—reducing labor costs and installation time. It also complied with NEC 725 power-limited tray cable standards, ensuring seamless integration with the project’s power system and smooth acceptance by local authorities.

3. XHHW-2 cable low voltage power wire: Reliable Backbone for Wet/High-Humidity Power Supply

Application: Low-voltage power supply to outdoor fiber cabinets, surveillance cameras, and ODFs across the island.Specifications: 14 AWG to 4 AWG, XLPE insulation, 90°C wet/dry temperature rating, UV-resistant sheath, UL 44 certified.Why It Was Chosen: Unlike THHN cables (limited to dry environments and toxic smoke emission), XHHW-2 cable low voltage power wire excelled in Saint-Barthélemy’s high humidity. Its XLPE insulation offered exceptional moisture resistance (water absorption <0.1%), preventing insulation degradation and short circuits in wet conditions. It also resisted chemicals, ozone, and abrasion better than PVC-insulated alternatives, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use. Its flexibility facilitated installation in narrow wall ducts and underground trenches, boosting on-site efficiency.

To complete the solution, we added 2-core 14 AWG Control Cable for grounding (≤10Ω resistance requirement) and 12 AWG PLTC Tray Cable for remote power to outdoor cabinets—creating a one-stop offering that eliminated multi-supplier complexity.

Quality & Safety: UL Certifications as the Foundation of Trust

UL compliance was non-negotiable for the project, and it was a key reason the contractor chose GERITEL. All core cables held valid UL certifications: Control Cable and PLTC Tray Cable to UL 13, and XHHW-2 cable low voltage power wire to UL 44. These certifications ensured full alignment with French and European electrical safety standards, enabling smooth customs clearance and on-site acceptance without delays.

Beyond certifications, we maintained strict quality control:

High-Purity Conductors: Oxygen-free copper reduced power loss and improved signal efficiency, critical for FTTH network performance.

Specialized Materials: Insulation and sheath materials underwent 1,000-hour salt spray, 5,000-hour UV aging, and VW-1 vertical flame tests to withstand marine conditions.

Full Traceability: Each batch carried a unique serial number, test reports, and certification documents for transparent quality verification.

Our experience in Caribbean FTTH and island projects further refined the solution—for example, enhancing XHHW-2 cable low voltage power wire UV resistance and reinforcing PLTC Tray Cable sheath to resist mechanical damage in tight installation spaces.

Efficient Delivery & Seamless Project Execution

Understanding the tight timeline, GERITEL prioritized speed without sacrificing quality:

Dedicated Project Team: A specialized team handled technical confirmation, production, and delivery, collaborating closely with the contractor to optimize cable layouts and reduce installation time.

Rapid Production: Advanced facilities and streamlined processes allowed us to complete the order faster than industry averages, meeting the project’s deployment schedule.

Protective Packaging: Moisture-proof, shock-resistant packaging safeguarded cables during long ocean transit to Saint-Barthélemy, ensuring all products arrived in perfect condition.

Real-Time Tracking: Our logistics team provided live shipment updates, keeping the contractor informed every step of the way.

Technical Support: Engineers offered remote guidance for installing PLTC Tray Cable in outdoor trays and XHHW-2 cable low voltage power wire in underground ducts, plus detailed installation manuals to ensure correct on-site execution.

Project Outcomes & Long-Term Value

By late 2024, the Saint-Barthélemy FTTH project was successfully completed and launched, serving over 2,000 households and businesses with high-speed internet. The GERITEL-supplied cable system performed flawlessly throughout construction and initial operation, with zero cable-related failures or signal interruptions.

Control Cable maintained stable signal transmission for monitoring and control systems, eliminating data loss.

PLTC Tray Cable withstood months of UV exposure and salt spray, showing no signs of degradation.

XHHW-2 cable low voltage power wire delivered reliable power in high humidity, with no insulation damage or short circuits.

The contractor praised GERITEL’s complete UL certification, durable cables, one-stop solution, and fast delivery—all critical to the project’s success. They noted that our cables’ long lifespan would reduce maintenance costs and ensure the FTTH network’s long-term reliability, delivering strong return on investment. For Saint-Barthélemy, the project advanced digital transformation, boosting connectivity for tourism and business sectors. For GERITEL, it strengthened our position as a trusted provider of customized, compliant cable solutions for Caribbean communication infrastructure.

Choose GERITEL for Your FTTH & Island Projects

If you’re developing FTTH, telecom infrastructure, or electrical projects in Saint-Barthélemy, the Caribbean, or globally, Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. is your reliable partner. We offer a full range of UL-certified cables—including Control Cable, PLTC Tray Cable, and XHHW-2 cable low voltage power wire—tailored to harsh marine and tropical environments.

Our strengths set us apart:

Proven Experience: A track record of successful island and FTTH projects, with deep expertise in solving regional challenges.

Superior Quality: Strict quality control, full UL compliance, and corrosion/UV-resistant materials for long-term reliability.

Comprehensive Portfolio: One-stop solutions to avoid multi-supplier complexity.

Fast Delivery: Efficient production and logistics to keep your project on schedule.

Don’t let cable quality, certification, or delivery delays hinder your project. Contact us today to discuss your needs—we’ll deliver a customized, high-performance cable solution that meets and exceeds your expectations.

Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592

Email: manager01@greaterwire.com