While fiber optics eliminate electrical ignition sources, fiber cables still require proper safety measures in explosive atmospheres. The general assumption is simple: once installed, the cable does its job – transmitting data from point A to B – and that's it. Industrial sites such as oil refineries, chemical plants, grain processing facilities, and certain manufacturing or nuclear facilities often contain hazardous (explosive) atmospheres. Article Inspiration This article was inspired by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA) March 2026 Newsletter — Seen On The. It should be noted that light or light energy can ignite explosive atmospheres, as the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB – National Metrology Institute of Germany) established in fundamental investigations during the 1990s. IEC 60078-28, which standardises optical explosion protection, has. Understanding the safety hazards that go with fiber optic cable is critical for those who install or maintain fiber optic systems. Since fiber optic cable carries no electricity, we don't worry about electrocution. They are not intrinsically safe.