AdSS fiber optic cable tension wire

ADSS fiber optic cable tension must be carefully controlled to prevent fiber strain, maintain sag, and ensure long-term reliability, with typical installation tension set well below the cable's ultimate tensile strength.

Key Tension Parameters

Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS/RTS): This is the maximum load the cable can withstand before breaking.

ADS

S cables are designed so that the actual breaking force is at least 95% of the calculated UTS, ensuring safety under extreme conditions. Maximum Allowable Tension (MAT): MAT is the tension applied during installation under design weather conditions, ensuring fiber strain remains minimal (≤0. 05% for stranded fibers, ≤0.

1% for central tube fibers) without causing additional attenuation. Installation tension is typically set below MAT to prevent damage. Ultimate Operating Tension (UES): UES represents the maximum short-term tension the cable can tolerate during its operational life, often exceeding 60% of RTS.

Under UE

S, fiber strain may temporarily increase but should return to normal after tension is released. Estimated Daily Stress (EDS): EDS is the average tension the cable experiences under normal conditions (no wind, ice, or extreme temperatures), usually 16–25% of RTS, and is used to assess long-term fatigue and anti-vibration requirements. Installation ConsiderationsSag-Tension Relationship: ADSS cables are installed similarly to overhead power conductors.

Proper sag must be calculated based on span length, environmental loads, and cable tension to prevent excessive strain or contact with structures. Pulling Methods: The “Stationary Reel” method is recommended to maintain consistent tension during installation. Uneven tension, as in the “Moving Reel” method, can damage the cable and violate minimum bending radius requirements.

Bending Radius: During installation, the cable should not be bent below 20 times its diameter, and after installation, not below 10 times its diameter, to avoid fiber degradation. Environmental Factors: Wind, ice, and temperature variations affect tension and sag. Calculations must account for these conditions to ensure the cable operates within safe limits.

Practical Guidelines

Use tension hardware and pulleys to distribute load evenly. Avoid exceeding MAT during installation to prevent microbending or attenuation. Install anti-vibration dampers on long spans to reduce aeolian vibration effects.

Inspect cable reels for damage and handle carefully to prevent nicks or crushing that could compromise tensile performance. By adhering to these tension parameters and installation practices, ADSS fiber optic cables can maintain low optical loss, structural integrity, and long-term reliability while spanning hundreds of meters between supports.