Wire is a fundamental component in the electric and telecommunications industries. It’s necessary for transmitting power and communication signals over long distances. And, when it comes to wire, there’s no better option than drop wire. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about drop cable—from its history to its applications today. So whether you’re an electrician or a telecommunications professional, read on for all the information you need about this essential piece of equipment.
1. What is Drop Wire?
Drop wire is a type of electrical wire that is used to connect an exterior service drop to a building or other structure. The word “drop” refers to the fact that this type of wire is suspended from overhead support, such as a utility pole. It is also sometimes referred to as drop cable or service drop cable. These wires are generally used for outdoor installation in the telecommunication industry and to connect customer’s telephone line to the local exchange.
2. What is aerial drop wire?
Aerial drop wire is a type of cable used in telecommunications and electric power transmission. It is suspended from poles or other structures and supports the weight of the conductor, which is usually made of aluminum or copper. Drop cables are typically used in aerial distribution systems, where they have connected to customer premises equipment such as telephones or electrical meters.
Drop Wire Features and Applications:
There are several features and applications of an aerial drop wire. Some of them are as below:
- Aerial drop cable is PVC insulated thus, it is suitable for outdoor applications.
- In the distribution system, due to its compatibility, this wire is typically used in 1 pair.
- Aerial drop cable assists in connecting an exterior service drop to a building or other structure.
- It reduces noise and interference in telecommunications and electric power transmission systems.
Advantages:
Drop cables come with extraordinary qualities and properties. Some of them are listed below, so you should consider those qualities while ordering your required service drop wire cable.
- Aerial drop wire is less expensive than other types of wiring, making it a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses.
- Drop cable is easy to install and does not require special tools or training, making it a good option for do-it-yourselfers.
- Aerial drop cable is less likely to be damaged by weather or other environmental conditions than buried or underground wiring.
- Drop cable is less likely to be damaged by digging or other construction activity than any other wiring.
3. How do you connect drop wire?
Now that you know all about drop wire, you may be wondering how to connect it. The process is actually quite simple. First, make sure you have the proper tools and equipment. You will need a pair of drop cable connectors, pliers, and a wire cutter. Next, locate the wire with which you want to connect the drop cable.
Once you have located the wire for connection, use the wire cutter to trim the ends of the new drop cable so that they are flush with the end of the connector. Put both wires in the holes of the connector and use the pliers to crimp the connector onto the end of the drop cable. That’s all there is to it!
Drop cable connection is an essential part of many telecommunications and electrical power systems. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily connect drop wire to the equipment you need.
4. What is the most common service drop cable?
There are a lot of service drop cables available in the market. The drop cables differ from each other in terms of construction, price, qualities, applications, and drop wire size. Some of the widely used electrical drop wire cables are discussed below:
- Single-conductor:
Single-conductor drop wire is the most common type of aerial drop cable used in telecommunications applications. It consists of a single conductor, typically made of copper or aluminum, which is surrounded by an insulating material (PVC or PE). The conductor is suspended from overhead support by a messenger wire, which is also made of copper or aluminum.
- Multi-conductor:
Multi-conductor drop cable is a type of aerial drop wire that consists of two or more conductors, each surrounded by an insulating material (duplex, triplex, and quadruplex). The conductors are twisted together and suspended from overhead support by a messenger wire. Multi-conductor drop cable is often used in low – high voltage applications, such as data lines and electrical power distribution.
- Optical fiber:
Optical fiber drop wire is another type of drop wire that consists of one or more optical fibers, each surrounded by an insulating material. Optical fiber cable is used in applications where high-speed data transmission is needed, such as fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC).
- Voltage drop wire:
It is a type of drop cable used in telephone and data communication networks. The voltage drop wire is used to connect the subscriber’s premises to the network interface device (NID) or Demarcation Point (DP). The voltage drop cable contains two insulated copper wires, a ground wire, and an aluminum foil shield. The ground wire is used to provide a path for any static charge build-up on the aluminum foil shield to dissipate. The voltage drop wire is also known as a local loop or last mile cable.
5. Conclusion
Over long distances, a service drop wire is a reliable means to transmit power and communication signals. They are used for both telecommunication and electrical power transmission services. The drop wire price depends upon the type of drop cable you choose for your project. The company deals in a broad range of service drop cables for your custom needs. You can also order your customized drop cable from us, so contact our sales team now and get a quick quote.