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ArabicWith the increasing prevalence of communication, overhead fiber optic cable systems have become a major benefit in our time. Invisible signals travel through our lives, ensuring our communication connections.
Compared to pipes, overhead construction can save 30%–50% in costs. Therefore, operators and power companies are increasingly opting to use utility poles or construct new pole lines to install fiber optic cables overhead.
Next, I will give you a detailed introduction to what an overhead fiber optic cable system is.
Fiber Optic Cable Type:
Understanding the types of fiber optic cables can make your overhead system more efficient.
1.ADSS(All-Dielectric Self-Supporting Optical Fiber Cable):
ADSS is a “metal-free, self-supporting” aerial special optical cable. It is entirely composed of non-metallic materials (aramid fiber, glass fiber reinforced plastic, polyethylene, etc.), requiring no additional suspension wires and not generating heat due to electromagnetic induction. It can be directly installed on 10 kV–220 kV power poles or independent utility poles, making it the preferred solution for power communication and the last 100 meters of FTTH scenarios.
2.OPGW(Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire):
OPGW is a dual-function cable that incorporates fiber optic units within an overhead ground wire: externally, it hangs at the top of transmission towers like a regular lightning protection wire, responsible for attracting lightning and handling short-circuit currents; internally, it encloses several single-mode optical fibers within a stainless steel loose tube, providing a high-capacity optical communication channel.
3.FTTH(Fiber To The Home):
The FTTH system uses end-to-end fiber optic cables with no copper wires or intermediate relay equipment. The fiber optic cable extends directly from the operator’s central office to the user’s home, providing gigabit-speed access.
Overhead Cable System Accessories:
Using the right overhead cable accessories will help your project proceed more smoothly.
J suspension clamp (also known as J-hook suspension clamp) is a “suspension” hardware designed specifically for ADSS optical cables or drop cables. It is shaped like the letter “J” and its function is to securely hang the optical cable on the pole or tower of a straight pole, without transmitting longitudinal tension, and only bearing its own weight and wind and ice loads.
2.Anchor Clamp:
An anchor clamp (also known as a tension clamp or anchoring clamp) is a type of hardware used to distribute the tensile force on overhead fiber optic cables or conductors. It distributes the cable’s tension onto poles or walls, preventing the cable from slipping under tension, wind load, or temperature changes. It is commonly used at line terminals, corners, tension sections, and in situations requiring “double dead-end” fixation.
The downlead clamp is a specialized fixing fitting used for vertically securing ADSS/OPGW fiber optic cables to poles and towers. It offers advantages such as wear resistance, protection against bending, and extending the service life of the cable.
A drop wire clamp is a lightweight suspension fitting specifically designed for FTTH (Fiber to the Home) applications. It securely attaches self-supporting butterfly-shaped or round drop cables to utility poles, exterior walls, or steel messenger wires, distributing the cable’s tension. It also protects the cable’s insulation layer from abrasion.
5.Fiber Optic Cable Slack Storage:
Fiber optic slack storage is used to store excess fiber optic cables in overhead systems. The fiber optic cables are coiled within the device for future maintenance, relocation, and expansion. This allows for extending the line without the need for additional cable laying.
Electrical cross arms are hardware components used in overhead lines, mounted at the top or middle of poles or towers, providing a platform for suspension. They are used to install insulators, suspension clamps, anchor clamps, and other metal fittings. Cross arms can safely support space conductors, lightning protection wires, or optical cables, maintaining the specified phase-to-phase distance and ground clearance, and withstanding mechanical loads from self-weight, wind pressure, ice accumulation, and short-circuit electromagnetic forces.
7.Span Clamp:
Span clamps are straight suspension fittings used in overhead power lines to secure conductors, ground wires, or fiber optic cables. They are installed within the span between two utility poles, evenly distributing the weight of the cable to the suspension wire or pole. They prevent cable displacement, avoiding localized stress concentrations and cable wear.
Guy Grip Dead Ends (Preformed Guy Grips) are tensioning hardware made of multiple strands of aluminum alloy or aluminum-clad steel wires pre-twisted into a spiral shape. When wrapped around conductors, fiber optic cables, or ground wires, they automatically form a continuous, flexible, and rigid-point-free gripping or protective section.
9.Pole Band:
Pole bands are circular or semi-circular metal fasteners that are secured together with bolts, providing a platform. They are used with suspension clamps to securely fasten cables, fiber optic cables, and other accessories to galvanized steel poles.
Typical Construction Process For Overhead Lines
① Route retest.
② Construct new galvanized steel poles no less than 12m high.
③ Install galvanized steel cross arms or pole band and guy wires on the pole.
④ Use a cable laying machine to evenly lay the fiber optic cables.
⑤ Install a span clamp every 10 meters to ensure even stress distribution on the cable.
⑥ The terminal pole is anchored using guy wire grips and anchor clamps( Vertical cables are secured using downlead clamps).
⑦Use fiber optic cable slack storage to store excess fiber optic cables.
⑧If necessary, use drop wire clamps to tighten the cables and distribute the tension they are subjected to.
⑨ Carefully inspect and accept the overhead system project.
What Aspects Should You Pay Attention to in Overhead Fiber Optic Cable Systems?
- Mechanical Safety
Understanding the maximum tension each cable line can withstand will significantly improve the safety factor of your project and reduce maintenance requirements.
- Electrical and lightning protection
The metal wires must be reliably grounded to reduce the risk of lightning strikes. The metal components of the junction boxes and terminal boxes must be equipotentially connected to the suspension wires, and the box bodies themselves must be separately grounded to ensure that lightning current can be quickly discharged.
- Environment and Protection
Warning signs must be displayed, and a 10-15m length of spare fiber optic cable must be left at the connection point and stored in the fiber optic slack storage to accommodate future maintenance needs.
- Construction and Acceptance
During construction, the cable laying machine should be laid out at a uniform speed, and the traction force should be ≤ 75% of the rated tensile force. It is strictly forbidden to drag or pull it forcefully.
Summarize
Fiber optic cable aerial systems may seem complex, but they are actually quite simple. After understanding the different types of aerial installations, hardware, and installation steps, you can easily handle your aerial cable projects.
Why Choose Hebei Crown Wealth as Your Overhead Line System Hardware Supplier?
Hebei Crown Wealth, a leading manufacturer of communication overhead system hardware in China, boasts 15 years of experience in manufacturing and exporting, with products exported to over 50 countries worldwide. Hundreds of R&D personnel are constantly innovating and developing new overhead line hardware. Our factory handles production in-house, and we have a large inventory of samples and finished products, so you don’t have to worry about lead times. We also offer custom services, manufacturing products according to your drawings. Our products meet international standards for precision and quality, making us a trustworthy partner. If you are interested in purchasing our products, please feel free to contact us!
