Nucleo PMMA Fiber Optic Cables — Four Types
All Nucleo fiber optic cables are made from PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) — plastic optical fiber. PMMA fiber is the industry standard for architectural and decorative fiber optic lighting: flexible, lightweight, cut-to-length, and compatible with all LED illuminator engines. Four distinct cable types cover the full range of lighting applications — from point-source star ceilings to continuous glowing contour lines.
End Glow Fiber
Light travels through the fiber and emits only at the cut tip. The body of the fiber remains dark. Each fiber creates one individual point of light — the building block of every star ceiling and decorative point-lighting installation.
Star ceilings Pool floors Decorative panels Accent pointsSide Glow Fiber
Light escapes continuously along the entire length of the fiber, creating a glowing linear effect. The fiber itself becomes the light source — a luminous line rather than a point. Available in single strand and bundled rope configurations.
Contour lighting Step & stair edges Aquarium / pool walls Signage & outlinesSparkling Fiber
Micro-reflective treatment causes random points of light to scatter and glitter along the fiber's length — not just at the tip. The effect is a dynamic, shimmering sparkle that shifts with viewing angle and light intensity. Highly effective in RGBW applications.
Feature walls Ceiling panels Theatrical & events Hospitality featureJacketed Fiber
Standard PMMA fiber (end glow, side glow, or sparkling) enclosed in a protective PVC or LSZH outer jacket. The jacket protects against mechanical damage, UV, and moisture — enabling use in exposed runs, outdoor installations, conduit pulls, and repeated handling.
Outdoor & exposed runs Conduit installation Pool & wet areas Commercial projectsAvailable Diameters — 0.5mm to 3mm
All four cable types are available across the full diameter range. Diameter affects brightness per point, drilling requirements, and visual scale of the installation.
For mixed-diameter installations (such as the Nucleo 300-point mixed kit), fibers of different diameters are used together to create natural variation in star brightness. Larger diameter fibers appear brighter; smaller fibers appear as dim, distant stars.
How to Choose the Right Fiber Type
| Fiber Type | Light Output | Best For | Typical Diameter | Illuminator Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| End Glow | Tip only | Star ceilings, pool floors, accent point lighting, decorative panels | 0.5mm – 2mm | Any Nucleo illuminator |
| Side Glow | Full length | Contour lines, stair edges, pool wall outlines, neon-effect linear runs | 1mm – 3mm | Any Nucleo illuminator |
| Sparkling | Scattered + tip | Feature walls, ceiling panels, glamour installations, theatrical effects | 0.75mm – 1.5mm | Any Nucleo illuminator |
| Jacketed (End Glow) | Tip only | Outdoor runs, exposed installations, conduit-pulled long runs, pool projects | 1mm – 3mm | Any Nucleo illuminator |
| Jacketed (Side Glow) | Full length | Outdoor contour lighting, landscape lighting, architectural edge features | 1mm – 3mm | Any Nucleo illuminator |
End Glow vs. Side Glow — Key Differences
💡 End Glow Fiber
- Emits light only at the cut end (tip)
- Fiber body is completely dark — invisible in ceiling
- Each fiber = one individual star point
- Best for installations requiring distinct, separated points of light
- Highly efficient — all light focused at the tip
- Works with all illuminator models (NLE-18, 36, 45, 90, 5S)
- Tip can be polished for sharper, brighter point
- Standard choice for star ceilings, pool floors, decorative panels
〰️ Side Glow Fiber
- Emits light continuously along the full length
- Fiber body glows — the cable itself is the visible light source
- Each fiber = one glowing line
- Best for contour lighting, neon-effect lines, and edge illumination
- Light intensity decreases gradually from source end to far end
- Works with all illuminator models
- Available in single strand and multi-strand rope configurations
- Standard choice for step edges, outlines, and aquarium walls
Properties & Construction
PMMA Core
Polymethyl Methacrylate — high optical clarity, low attenuation, flexible and cut-to-length. Industry standard for decorative fiber optic applications worldwide.
Protective Cladding
Each fiber has a fluoropolymer cladding layer that maintains total internal reflection — keeping light inside the fiber core and preventing loss through the fiber wall (on end glow types).
Cut-to-Length
PMMA fiber cuts cleanly with a sharp blade or fiber cleaver. No specialist tools required. Cut ends can be optionally polished for maximum tip brightness on end glow applications.
No Heat at Emission Point
Infrared is filtered at the illuminator — only visible light enters the fiber. Zero heat at the fiber tip or along the fiber body. Safe for embedded ceiling, fabric, and upholstered panel applications.
Full RGBW Colour Compatibility
PMMA fiber transmits the full visible spectrum with minimal colour distortion. Works with single CCT, tunable white, RGBW, and DMX illuminators — accurately carrying any colour to the emission point.
Per Metre & Bulk Reels
Available per metre for small projects and prototyping, or in 50m, 100m, and 200m reels for installer and project supply. All diameters and types available in both formats.
Full Specifications
| Specification | End Glow | Side Glow | Sparkling | Jacketed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | PMMA (Plastic Optical Fiber) with fluoropolymer cladding | |||
| Light Emission | Tip only | Full length | Scattered + tip | Tip or full length (matches inner fiber type) |
| Diameters | 0.5 · 0.75 · 1.0 · 1.5 · 2.0 · 3.0mm | 1.0 · 1.5 · 2.0 · 3.0mm (jacketed) | ||
| Jacket | Bare (no jacket) | Bare (no jacket) | Bare (no jacket) | PVC or LSZH outer jacket — black or clear |
| Bending Radius | Min. 25× fiber diameter (standard PMMA); tighter bends cause light loss | |||
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +70°C | |||
| UV Resistance | Low (use jacketed variant for exposed or outdoor applications) | Good (PVC/LSZH jacket provides UV protection) | ||
| Colour Transmission | Full visible spectrum · Compatible with all RGBW, CCT and single CCT illuminators | |||
| Max Run Length | Up to 15m from illuminator (PMMA) | |||
| Supply Format | Per metre · 50m reel · 100m reel · 200m reel | |||
| Compatible Illuminators | All Nucleo NLE series — NLE-18 · NLE-36 · NLE-45 · NLE-5S · NLE-90 | |||
| Supplied By | Nucleo, Kalbadevi, Mumbai | |||
Applications by Cable Type
Star Ceilings
End Glow or Sparkling. 0.75mm and 1mm most common. Mix diameters for natural star magnitude variation.
Swimming Pools
Jacketed End Glow or Jacketed Side Glow. Jacketed fiber for wet area resilience; illuminator stays in dry plant room.
Stair & Step Edges
Side Glow or Jacketed Side Glow. 1mm–2mm for continuous glowing line along each step nosing or handrail.
Feature Walls & Panels
Sparkling fiber embedded in stretched fabric, resin, or acrylic panels for shimmering, gem-like surface effects.
Art & Museum Lighting
End Glow. No UV or IR at the tip — the only safe technology for illuminating sensitive artworks and textiles at very close range.
Architectural Contours
Side Glow in 2mm–3mm for glowing outlines on columns, arches, cove edges, and furniture profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between end glow and side glow fiber optic cable?
End glow fiber emits light only at its cut tip — the fiber body stays dark. One fiber = one star point. Side glow emits light continuously along its full length — the fiber body glows, creating a luminous line. Use end glow for point-source applications (star ceilings, pools); use side glow for linear illumination (contours, edges, outlines).
What is sparkling fiber optic cable?
Sparkling fiber has a micro-reflective treatment that causes random points of light to scatter and glitter along the fiber's length — not just at the tip. Unlike standard end glow (tip only) or side glow (uniform line), sparkling creates a dynamic, shifting shimmer effect that is highly effective in RGBW applications and feature wall installations.
When do I need jacketed fiber instead of bare PMMA?
Use jacketed fiber whenever the fiber will be exposed to physical handling, UV, moisture, or outdoor conditions — such as outdoor installations, pool projects where fiber runs through water-adjacent areas, long conduit pulls, or any commercial installation where the fiber may be disturbed after installation. For standard in-ceiling star ceiling applications, bare PMMA is typically sufficient.
What diameters are available?
0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm and 3.0mm across all four cable types. 0.75mm and 1mm are the most common for star ceilings. 1.5mm and 2mm are used for brighter accent points. 3mm is used for large decorative points, display applications, and signage. Bare PMMA is available in all diameters; jacketed variants start from 1mm.
How is fiber optic cable sold — per metre or in reels?
Both. Per metre for small quantities, DIY projects, and sampling. 50m, 100m and 200m reels for larger installations, installer supply, and project quantities. All diameters and cable types are available in both formats. Contact Nucleo for reel pricing and custom cut lengths.
Can I use fiber optic cable with any illuminator?
All Nucleo PMMA fiber optic cables are compatible with the full Nucleo NLE illuminator range — NLE-18, NLE-36 Dual Port, NLE-45, NLE-5S Shooting Star, and NLE-90 Pool Engine. When connecting to an illuminator, ensure the total fiber bundle diameter fits within the engine's port size (20mm or 30mm depending on model).
Where can I buy Nucleo fiber optic cable in India?
Direct from Nucleo Pan India. Call 08048053614 or WhatsApp +91 8591141102. Specify cable type (End Glow / Side Glow / Sparkling / Jacketed), diameter, and quantity. Per metre and bulk reel pricing available.
🇮🇳 Delivering Pan India — Including
Mumbai · Delhi · Bangalore · Hyderabad · Chennai · Pune · Ahmedabad · Kolkata · Surat · Jaipur · Lucknow · Nagpur · Indore · Chandigarh · Bhopal · Kochi · Coimbatore · Visakhapatnam · Gurgaon · Noida
Order Nucleo Fiber Optic Cable — Any Type, Any Diameter
End Glow, Side Glow, Sparkling or Jacketed — in 0.5mm to 3mm. Per metre or bulk reels. Call or WhatsApp with your cable type, diameter, and quantity.
