ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) cable and OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) cable accessories are essential components used to install, support, and protect these types of overhead fiber optic cables. These accessories ensure that the cables perform optimally, remain secure, and maintain their structural integrity under various environmental conditions. Since both ADSS and OPGW cables are installed on utility poles and transmission towers, their accessories must meet high standards of durability, safety, and reliability.
Key ADSS/OPGW Cable Accessories:
Tension Clamps:
Used to anchor or terminate ADSS and OPGW cables at the end of a span or at intermediate points.
These clamps provide strong, reliable grip while preventing damage to the cable.
Suspension Clamps:
Designed to support the cable at intermediate poles or towers without causing additional stress.
They allow for the free movement of the cable, minimizing bending and ensuring proper tension distribution.
Vibration Dampers:
Installed to reduce wind-induced vibrations (Aeolian vibrations) that can cause cable fatigue and eventual failure.
Typically made of materials such as rubber or aluminum alloy, these dampers prolong the lifespan of the cables.
Downlead Clamps:
Used to secure ADSS or OPGW cables to poles or towers where the cables transition from horizontal to vertical positions.
Ensures safe routing and prevents unnecessary cable movement.
Grounding Kits:
For OPGW cables, grounding kits are used to create a secure electrical connection between the cable and the tower.
They safeguard the cable and equipment from lightning strikes and electrical faults.
Splice Enclosures/Boxes:
Protect the cable splice points from environmental factors like water ingress, dust, and mechanical stress.
Essential for maintaining the optical performance and longevity of the network.
Armor Rods/Preformed Rods:
Used to protect the cables from mechanical wear and abrasion at support points, ensuring the cable's integrity is maintained.
Pole Brackets and Fittings:
Various mounting hardware components designed to support the attachment of clamps and other accessories to poles and towers.
Why Are These Accessories Important?
ADSS and OPGW cables are exposed to diverse environmental conditions, such as strong winds, ice loading, and electrical surges. Properly selected and installed accessories ensure that the cables can withstand these stresses, minimizing the risk of mechanical damage, signal loss, and unplanned outages. Moreover, these accessories help to distribute mechanical loads evenly, protect the cables from wind and vibration effects, and maintain the structural and optical performance of the network.
Choosing high-quality accessories is vital to ensuring the safety, reliability, and long-term performance of overhead fiber optic cable installations.