What is a consequence of damage to the jacket of a fiber-optic cable during installation?

Damage to the jacket of a fiber-optic cable during installation can lead to moisture migration into the cable. The jacket serves as a protective layer that shields the internal fibers from environmental factors, including moisture and contaminants. When this protective layer is compromised, it increases the risk of water infiltrating the cable, which can ultimately lead to signal degradation and increased attenuation—an undesirable outcome for any fiber-optic installation. Moisture can cause issues such as weakening the light signal or even damaging the fibers, which may result in transmission failures or reduced overall performance of the fiber-optic network. Thus, the correct understanding of this consequence emphasizes the importance of proper installation practices to maintain the integrity of the fiber-optic system.