What is a drop wire clamp?

A drop wire clamp, also known as a fiber cable clamp or fiber optic cable clamp, is used for supporting one or two pairs of fiber drop wires. With an open trough, it is used to support strands that are separable. A shim, shell, and wedge are used to support the cable with the help of compression. 

This article dives deep into what is a drop wire clamp? The design and structure of drop wire clamps and types of drop wire clamps. How to install a drop wire clamp? How to Choose the Right Drop Wire Clamp? The article aims to explore each of these aspects in detail.

                                                                                                                                       Figure1: Drop wire clamps

1. What is a drop wire clamp?

Drop wire clamp is a specialized hardware device used to secure and support cables—often referred to as "drop wire cable" or "introduction lines"—in overhead or vertical installations. These clamps are essential in preventing cable sagging, minimizing mechanical stress, and protecting wires from environmental damage. Commonly used in power distribution, telecommunications, and industrial settings, they ensure cables remain firmly anchored, even under dynamic conditions like wind or vibration.  

A drop wire clamp is utilized to augment a single and two paired fiber drop wires at drive hooks, span clamps, house hooks, and various other attachments for the drop. In addition, drop wire clamps are utilized to support the aerial service terminals' drop span at the messenger and building strand. In most cases, these clamps are removable.

2. Design and Structure of Drop Wire Clamps

The drop wire clamp is made of stainless steel C304 or C201. Stainless steel ensures longevity in harsh environments, while aluminum offers a lightweight alternative for less demanding applications. The drop wire clamp has an open trough that can take in a cable without threads.

                                                                                           Figure 2: Design and Structure of Drop Wire Clamp

3. Types of Drop Wire Clamps

There are several diverse types of drop wire clamps available.

• Based on usage scenarios

There are drop wire clamps for aerial cable, flat drop cable clamps, and fiber optic suspension clamps.

The drop wire clamp for aerial cable in FTTH.

The flat drop cable clamp is used for supporting fiber optic flat cable.

The fiber optic suspension clamp is used for outdoor applications and is made of PA 6 or PA 66.

• Based on the material of drop wire clamps

There are plastic drop wire clamps and stainless steel drop wire clamps.

Plastic drop wire clamp, also called drop wire P clamp, is made of plastic materials PA6 or PA66. The fiber cable clamp is used for FTTH.

                                                                                                               Figure 3: Plastic drop wire clamp

The stainless steel drop wire clamp is made of stainless steel 304 or 201.  Stainless steel variants are ideal for outdoor or marine environments due to their resistance to rust and UV degradation. The fiber cable clamp is also used for FTTH.

                                                                                                          Figure 4: Stainless steel drop wire clamp

4. How to install a drop wire clamp?

First of all, lay the cable in the shell and place the shim on the top of the cable through raised embossing used against the cable. You need to then insert the wedge in the shell, which is on the top of the shim, and then pull to engage. The small end of the wedges needs to be engaged in the track of the large end of the shell. You can then place the bail wire on the B drop wire hook through the help of a loose wedge. Then, pull the drop wire through the clamp until the proper sidewalk or alley clearance is attained. Then, you need to grasp the clamp and pull it tightly to secure it.

The drop wire clamp, with its intelligent structure and form, is used to provide support to different objects at a cable. In most cases, it is capable of supporting one or two pairs of telephone drop wires.

5. How to Choose the Right Drop Wire Clamp  

Selecting the appropriate clamp depends on several factors: 

1. Cable Type and Diameter: 

   - Match the clamp’s adjustable range to your cable’s size. For instance, fiber optic cables require gentler grips than steel-reinforced power lines.  

2. Environmental Conditions: 

   - Opt for stainless steel in corrosive or high-moisture environments. For indoor use, aluminum or polymer clamps may suffice.  

3. Mechanical Requirements: 

   - In dynamic settings (e.g., robotics), prioritize clamps with vibration resistance and high-flexibility liners.  

6. Conclusion  

Whether you’re an electrical contractor, a telecom engineer, or an automation specialist, choosing the right drop wire clamp manufacturer is very important. XI’AN OPT communication LTD. is a leading supplier of drop wire clamps and a premier manufacturer of power line hardware and fittings in China. 

                                                                                                                            Figure 5: Drop wire clamp manufacturer