During the long-term operation of overhead optical cable systems, wind-induced vibration is one of the major factors affecting the safety and stability of optical cables. Particularly in transmission lines with large spans, continuous breeze vibration can cause fatigue damage to the optical cable and related hardware. Over time, this may lead to cable damage or failure of fittings.
To reduce the impact of such vibrations, vibration damping devices are usually installed on optical cables in engineering practice. Among them, the spiral vibration damper (also known as an anti-vibration whip) is widely used in ADSS optical cable lines due to its simple structure, convenient installation, and stable vibration reduction performance.
What Is a Spiral Vibration Damper?
A spiral vibration damper is a protective device used to reduce wind-induced vibration in overhead optical cables. It is mainly installed on ADSS optical cables and works by dissipating vibration energy, thereby reducing the amplitude of cable vibration and extending the service life of both the optical cable and line fittings.
Structurally, the vibration damper generally consists of two main parts:
Gripping Section:
A shorter fixing section designed to firmly attach the damper to the cable.
Damping Section:
A longer spiral section designed to absorb and reduce vibration energy generated by cable movement.
This structural design ensures both stable attachment and effective vibration reduction.
Structural Features of Spiral Vibration Dampers:
The anti-vibration whip does not cause stress concentration on the conductor and does not produce wear on the cable, preventing corrosion or electrical arcing.
The spiral vibration damper consists of a short gripping section and a longer damping section.
The gripping section firmly holds the cable, securing the damper in place. At the same time, its non-metallic outer structure ensures that no damage is caused to the cable surface.
The damping section reduces breeze-induced vibration by interacting and colliding with the cable during vibration.
The preformed gripping section provides strong elastic holding force, ensuring long-term stability without loosening.
Installation is simple and convenient. No tools are required, and the damper can be installed manually on site by a single person.
Advantages of Spiral Vibration Dampers:
Spiral vibration dampers are manufactured from high-strength and highly elastic PVC materials, offering excellent environmental resistance.
Key advantages include:
Resistance to high and low temperatures.
Waterproof performance.
Aging resistance.
UV resistance.
Chemical corrosion resistance.
These properties make them highly suitable for long-term outdoor use in communication and power transmission environments.
Applications of Spiral Vibration Dampers:
Spiral vibration dampers are primarily used for ADSS optical cables.
Several factors can cause cable vibration, including: Wind force. Wind speed. Cable tension. Span length. Wind direction. Terrain and geographical conditions. Cable structure and length. In practical installation, spiral vibration dampers are installed at the same position near strain clamps or suspension clamps.
Their main function is to generate damping effects against wind-induced vibration, dissipating or reducing vibration energy caused by laminar airflow acting on the optical cable during operation. This helps prevent damage to both the fittings and the optical cable.
Installation Methods of Spiral Vibration Dampers:
There are two common installation methods.
1. Series Installation:
The first damper is installed more than 500 mm from the end of the armor rods, and the second damper is installed 120 mm from the end of the first damper.
2. Parallel Installation:
Two dampers are installed together at a position more than 500 mm from the end of the armor rods.
Both installation methods provide similar vibration reduction performance.
