An ADSS cable installation doesn’t fail because the cable is defective. It fails because the crew arrived without the right equipment. This checklist covers everything needed for a 10km ADSS installation — from payout to tension monitoring.
Essential Equipment List (10km Route)
| Equipment | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Payout stand with tension brake | 1-2 | Controlled cable payout from drum |
| Pulling winch with tension meter | 1 | Controlled pulling with tension monitoring |
| Pulling swivels | 2-3 | Prevent torque transfer to cable |
| Stringing sheaves (cable diameter +20%) | 10-15 | Guide cable through angle changes |
| Pulling grip (Chinese finger) | 1-2 | Attach pulling line to cable |
| Tension meter (digital, logging) | 1 | Continuous tension monitoring |
| OTDR with launch fiber | 1 | Post-installation verification |
| Communication radios | 3-4 | Crew coordination between payout and pulling ends |
Related Reading: Pulling tension limits · Live-line installation
Key Takeaways
- The tension meter is not optional. Continuous tension logging is the only way to verify the cable was not over-stressed.
- Sheaves must be sized for the cable diameter +20%. Undersized sheaves exceed the minimum bend radius.
- Communication between payout and pulling ends is critical. If the puller doesn’t stop when the payout operator sees a problem, cable damage is inevitable.
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