Optical Cable Straight Clamps, also known as suspension clamps, are connection fittings used to suspend optical cables on transmission line towers. The following is a detailed introduction:

Components

The components of different types of optical cable straight clamps may vary slightly. Generally, a preformed suspension clamp consists of inner strands, outer strands, rubber clamping blocks, suspension clamping plates (shells), etc. Some also include casings, right-angle hanging rings, U-shaped hanging rings, bolts, nuts, etc. There are also pole-mounted, hoop-type tangent clamps composed of casings, rubber clamping blocks (rubber gaskets), U-shaped hanging plate inserts, bolts, nuts, cotter pins, etc. Users can configure and purchase additional connection parts based on design requirements.

Functions and Applications

These clamps are primarily used in overhead self-supporting ADSS optical cable lines, OPGW optical cable lines, and similar applications to suspend optical cables, enabling them to be hung on straight-line towers. They are widely used in the communication infrastructure of urban and rural power grid renovations within the power system, as well as in other scenarios that require the overhead installation of optical cables. For example, in power transmission lines, OPGW or ADSS optical cables are securely suspended on towers through straight clamps, ensuring the stable operation of communication lines.

Characteristics

Uniform stress distribution: The clamp enhances the stiffness at the cable installation point, preventing stress concentration, and provides good protection for the optical cables, thereby preventing damage caused by stress concentration.

Strong dynamic stress resistance: The clamps offer excellent resistance to dynamic stress. The double-layer structure provides greater protection for optical cables under long-term, unbalanced loads. Their grip force can reach 10% to 20% of the optical cable's ultimate tensile strength, effectively ensuring safe operation under various working conditions.

Reduced wear:With a large contact area and flexible rubber clamping blocks, the clamps improve self-damping and reduce wear, which extends the optical cable's service life.

Reduced power loss: The smooth surface and rounded ends increase the corona discharge voltage, reducing power loss, especially in applications where optical cables are suspended near high-voltage transmission lines.

High-quality materials: Most clamps are made of high-quality aluminum alloy materials, which improve mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, significantly extending their service life and enabling them to withstand various harsh natural environments.

Convenient installation and maintenance: These clamps are easy to install, require no professional tools, are maintenance-free, reduce construction costs, and save both labor and material costs.

Operating Conditions and Selection Key Points

Operating conditions: The operating conditions of different clamps vary. For example, small-span suspension clamps are used for tower lines with spans of less than 100 meters in areas with relatively low wind forces, for the straight suspension of ADSS and ordinary optical cables in urban 10kV distribution networks, or for communication lines on wooden and cement poles. Some clamps are suitable for environments where the line angle is ≤ 30° or ≤ 25°, etc.

Selection key points: When ordering clamps, the following technical parameters should generally be provided to ensure the selection of the appropriate optical cable straight clamps:

Optical cable outer diameter (±0.2 – 0.3 mm)

Optical cable breaking strength (UTS) in kN

Maximum allowable tension of the optical cable in kN

Daily operating tension of the optical cable in kN

Lateral pressure resistance of the optical cable in N/10 cm

Operating span in meters (M)

Left/right lay of the outer strands of the optical cable Short-circuit current capacity (i²t/ka²s)

Calculated cross-sectional area in mm²