Level Up Your Line: Best Side Tie for ADSS/OPGW

A side tie is a fastening technique used to connect a conductor to an insulator on a utility pole. It wrap around both the conductor and the insulator. This helps keep it from sliding or slipping off the insulator. A side tie maintains the stability and safety of transmission cables. The side tie’s components comprise the conductor, insulator, and tie wire. The tie wire wraps around both the conductor and the insulator in a certain manner. The number and pattern of wraps varies according to the type of tie and transmission line parameters. A side tie connects ADSS/OPGW wires to support structures in telecommunications and electricity networks.

Side tie components:

Several components work with the side tie to secure ADSS and OPGW cables. The components vary based on the cable type and installation requirements. Each of these components plays a unique role in ensuring the integrity and functionality of the cable installation. The side tie for ADSS and OPGW cables typically includes the following components.

1. Tie wire or rod – non-conductive are from high-strength polymer or plastic. They help prevent electrical interference for ADSS cables. They provide a secure attachment point without compromising the dielectric properties of the ADSS cable. For OPGW cables, they are from aluminum or galvanized steel. They ensure secure attachment and maintains the grounding function of the cable.
2. Insulator for ADSS – these are from porcelain, glass or composite polymers. They provide insulation to provide electrical interference and mechanical support for the cable. They feature a groove to support the cable and ease secure attachment by the tie wire.
3. Cable support hardware – these distribute the cable’s weight and reduce mechanical stress over long spans. The hardware includes suspension clamps and dead end clamps.
4. Vibration dampers – spiral dampers wrap around the cable to reduce vibration and mechanical stress. They also attach to the cable and help dissipate vibrational energy to reduce wear and tear.
5. Pole or tower attachment points – attach the tie wire to the pole or tower using bolts and clamps. Mounting brackets have designs to fit specific pole or tower configurations. This is to provide a secure attachment point for side ties.
6. Protective coverings for ADSS – helical armor rods wrap around the cable to provide extra mechanical protection. Cover the cable to prevent damage from abrasion or external impacts.

The characteristics of the side tie

Side ties contain a variety of attributes that contribute to their stability, durability, and the effective operation of overhead transmission systems. These qualities emphasize their design, material, properties, and functionality. The following are the characteristics of the side ties.

• Material composition – they are from materials with dielectric properties like high-strength polymers. These materials prevent electrical interference.
• Preformed design – preformed ties have designs to fit specific cable sizes and shapes to offer a uniform and secure fit. They also help reduce the time and skill required for installation.
• Mechanical strength and flexibility – side ties have designs to withstand high mechanical loads. The materials are also flexible to allow the cable to absorb and dissipate dynamic loads caused by environmental factors.
• Corrosion resistance – materials like aluminum, galvanized steel and high strength polymers offer their resistance to corrosion. They also have coatings that enhance their resistance to rust and chemical degradation.
• Environmental resilience – non-metallic ties are resistant to ultraviolet radiation. They help to prevent degradation and maintain their mechanical properties. Side ties have designs to operate across a wide range of temperatures.
• Vibration dampening – some of the side ties have designs to absorb and dampen vibrations to reduce wear on the cables. side ties help extend the lifespan of both the cable on the side tie itself.
• Secure and stable attachment – the design ensures the cable stays in place to prevent any movement. Side ties maintain their grip and alignment in challenging conditions.
• Ease of maintenance and inspection – side ties have designs to easily inspect and maintain and ease routine checks.
• Compatibility with insulators – side ties are compatible with a variety of insulator types. This include insulators from materials like porcelain, glass and composite materials. They are available in many sizes and configurations to match specific installation needs.

Conductor compatibility for side ties

Side ties that are conductor compatible aid to ensure secure and stable cable attachment to support structures. This includes matching the side ties to the individual conductor types used in overhead wires. Also, the proper selection of side ties contributes to a robust, long-lasting, and efficient system. The following are the characteristics of side tie conductor compatibility.

1. Material compatibility –  for ADSS cables, the side ties must be non-conductive to avoid any electrical interference. Select materials like high-strength polymers or composites for ADSS cables. For OPGW cables, they need side ties made from conductive materials. This is to ensure electrical conductivity for grounding purposes.
2. Mechanical strength and load bearing – use side ties that are able to support the weight and tension of the cable without breaking. The ties should be able to absorb dynamic loads from wind, ice and temperature changes. For OPGW cables, the side ties must match their tensile strength to ensure secure attachment and function.
3. Diameter and size compatibility – side ties must fit the specific diameter of the conductor they are securing. This ensures a firm grip and reduces the risk of slippage or excessive movement. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different conductor diameters.
4. Environmental and operational conditions – for ADSS cables, the side ties need to withstand environmental conditions. This is including UV radiation and temperature extremes. They must accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the cable without causing damage. For OPGW cables, side ties must resist corrosion to maintain their strength and function.
5. Vibration and fatigue resistance – the ties should be able to reduce vibrations from wind or mechanical forces. They should also withstand repeated stress cycles without degradation.

Side ties for ADSS cables

Side ties for ADSS cables assure the cables are securely attached to the supporting structures. The type of side ties used for ADSS cables vary by the dielectric and nonmetallic cable specifications. Additionally, selecting the appropriate side ties for ADSS cables ensures that the cables are stable and protected.The properties of ADSS cable side ties are as listed below.

• Non-conductive materials – ADSS cables work in environments where the electrical conductivity needs reduction. Side ties for ADSS cables are from non-conductive materials to prevent electrical interference.
• High strength and flexibility – side ties need to support the weight of the ADSS cable and withstand dynamic loads from wind and ice. The materials used provide enough flexibility to absorb movement and vibration.
• Corrosion resistance – ADSS installations face extreme weather conditions. This is including rain, snow and UV exposure. Non-metallic materials do not corrode which enhances durability.
• UV and weather resistance – side ties for ADSS cables must be resistant to UV exposure to prevent deterioration. They should also perform well under a wide range of weather conditions.
• Secure attachment and cable protection – the design of the side ties ensures a secure grip on the cable to prevent slippage. The materials should reduce abrasion and mechanical stress on the cable.
• Compatibility with cable diameter and insulator type – the side tie should match the specific diameters of ADSS cables. This is to ensure a precise fit that provides secure attachment without damage.

Side ties for the OPGW cables

Side ties secure OPGW wires to structures such as towers and poles. The cables serve two functions: they act as a ground wire and they house optical fibers for telecommunications. Additionally, making the appropriate choice ensures that your application systems are reliable and perform well over time. The following are the properties of side ties for OPGW cables.

• Material composition – side ties for OPGW cables are from conductive metals to contribute to the electrical grounding functionality. They also provide protection against rust and corrosion.
• Electrical conductivity – side ties are from conductive metals that help maintain the integrity of the electrical grounding path.
• High mechanical strength – side ties must be capable of withstanding high tensile loads to support the weight of the OPGW cable.
• Compatibility with OPGW cable diameter – side ties are available in sizes that match the diameters of different OPGW cables.
• Vibration dampening – side ties have designs to absorb and dampen vibrations caused by environmental factors.

Frequently asked questions