A Guide to Overhead Cable Management in Telecommunications

Introduction

Discover the multiple benefits that make overhead cable management systems the number one choice for the telecommunication and broadband sectors.

Overhead cable management is a common solution deployed in telecommunications to transfer information through electrical signals and electromagnetic waves over significant distances.  

But is an overhead cable management system right for your business? And how does it compare to an underground cable management system?

Let’s explore.

What is an Overhead Cable Management System?

An overhead cable management system manages overhead cables and is typically used for the transmission of information laid on utility poles, otherwise known as:

• Transmission poles
• Telephone poles
• Telecommunications poles
• Power poles
• Hydro poles
• Telegraph poles
• Telegraph posts

Overhead cable management helps the distribution of electrical signals and electromagnetic waves for long-distance communications.

Like other commonplace products in telecommunications, such as underground cable management and cable sealing and acoustics, overhead cable management systems remain the most popular solution for their cost-effectiveness, power supply, and distribution range.

Overhead cable management systems are ideal when the concealment of the electrical wiring is not necessary or potentially dangerous. Having cables distributing a powerful electrical supply overhead is ideal for telecommunications as it can cross long distances while supporting large amounts of power.

Some examples of multiple networks that benefit from overhead cable management systems for telecommunications include the following:

• Telephone networks
• Cellular networks
• Corporate and academic wide-area networks (WANs)
• Emergency service communication systems (Police, fire department)
• Taxi dispatch networks
• Broadcast networks

These telecom organisations must access reliable electrical signals and electromagnetic waves to supply their customers or support their services.

The Benefits of an Overhead Cable Management System

Customers choose overhead cable management systems over others because they distribute more power over longer distances and cost less to install and maintain.

Here is a list of reasons f why overhead management systems are the number one choice for most telecommunication organisations: 

Easy Installation

Overhead cable management systems are much easier to install and can run over rivers, motorways, hills, and through cities.

Maintenance

Compared to other telecommunication cable management systems, overhead cable management is much easier to maintain and repair when necessary.

High Power Transmission

Overhead cables can carry significantly more power than an underground cable management system.

Cheaper

Lower installation costs make overhead cable management systems cheaper than other options.

Fault Location

When faults occur, they can be quickly identified and repaired on the cable line.

Long-Distance

Overhead cable management systems can support long-distance distribution, with electrical power typically ranging at voltages from 115 up to 1,200 kV.

Overhead Cable Management System Products

While overhead cables provide many benefits and suit telecommunications, they require effective management to remain worthwhile.

Multiple products can help keep the management system working efficiently and effectively. Overhead cable management system engineers constantly look for new materials and designs to keep costs down, improve performance, and increase sustainability.

An example of such a product was the ubiquitous pole step developed by Barton International and approved by British multinational telecommunications company BT.

Pole Step

Pole steps are installed on telegraph poles where they act as leverage, enabling engineers to climb and perform maintenance and repairs. While working as a vital safety product for overhead cable management, pole steps allow the engineer to work with stability and avoid slipping.

Ring Polehead Dropwire

A Ring Polehead Dropwire is used for the safe distribution of cables on top of telegraph poles. This device improves cable management through the larger polehead ring.

Capping Steel

Capping steel is applied to protect the overhead cable management system from weathering and other external disturbances.

Anchor Screw Stay

An Anchor Screw Stay is screwed into the ground to allow cables to be fitted to the overhead cable management system while supporting the telegraph pole.

Wall Plates

Wall plates are used to attach lightweight cables and wires to rendered, brick, or pebble-dashed buildings. Typically made from steel, wall plates ensure the structural integrity of the overhead cable management system is maintained.

Speak to the Overhead Cable Management System Specialists

For over a century, Barton International has designed and manufactured commonplace products for the British and European Telecommunications sectors.

We deliver reliable, competitive, quality-assured products that strengthen supply chain resilience and sustainability.

BT and other major telecommunications organisations trust our overhead cable management systems, proving our reputation for professional, high-performance solutions.

If you’re searching for cable management system products that can make your operations safer, cheaper, and more efficient, contact us today.