commonly available in lengths, minimizing the number of splices required over a long cable run. Multi-mode fiber is available in lengths up to 4 km, although industrial standards only mandate 2 km unbroken runs. In short-distance and relatively low-bandwidth applications, electrical transmission is often preferred because of its Lower material cost, where large quantities are not required Lower cost of transmitters and receivers Capability to carry electrical power as well as signals (in appropriately designed cables) Ease of operating transducers in linear mode. Optical fibers are more difficult and expensive to splice than electrical conductors. And at higher powers, optical fibers are susceptible to fiber fuse, resulting in catastrophic destruction of the fiber core and damage to transmission components. Because of these benefits of electrical transmission, optical communication is not common in short box-to-box, backplane, or chip-to-chip applications; however, optical systems on those scales have been demonstrated in the laboratory. In certain situations fiber may be used even for short-distance or low-bandwidth applications, due to other important features: Immunity to electromagnetic interference, including nuclear electromagnetic pulses. High electrical resistance, making it safe to use near high-voltage equipment or between areas with different earth potentials. Lighter weight—important, for example, in aircraft. No sparks—important in flammable or explosive gas environments. Not electromagnetically radiating, and difficult to tap without disrupting the signal—important in high-security environments. Much smaller cable size—important where pathway is limited, such as networking an existing building, where smaller channels can be drilled and space can be saved in existing cable ducts and trays. Resistance to corrosion due to non-metallic transmission medium Optical fiber cables can be installed in buildings with the same equipment that is used to install copper and coaxial cables, with some modifications due to the small size and limited pull tension and bend radius of optical cables. Optical cables can typically be installed in duct systems in spans of 6000 meters or more depending on the duct's condition, layout of the duct system, and installation technique. Longer cables can be coiled at an intermediate point and pulled farther into the duct system as necessary. Governing standards In order for various manufacturers to be able to develop components that function compatibly in fiber optic communication systems, a number of standards have been developed. The International Telecommunication Union publishes several standards related to the characteristics and performance of fibers themselves, including ITU-T G.651, "Characteristics of a 50/125 μm multimode