What precautions should be taken to prevent static electricity buildup on aerial fiber-optic cables?

To prevent static electricity buildup on aerial fiber-optic cables, installing grounding clamps at each pole site is a crucial measure. This approach ensures that any static charge that may accumulate is safely discharged to the ground. Grounding clamps create a direct connection between the cables and the earth, which significantly reduces the risk of static electricity interference, enhancing safety and ensuring the integrity of the fiber-optic signals.

The presence of static electricity poses risks such as equipment damage, disruption of data transmission, and potential safety hazards for workers handling the cables. Grounding effectively mitigates these risks, making it a standard practice in the installation and maintenance of aerial fiber-optic cables.

While other options may provide some level of protection or contribute to overall cable integrity, they do not specifically address the issue of static electricity. For instance, using insulating materials could prevent electrical conduction but may not adequately deal with accumulated static. Limiting the installation height does not inherently reduce static buildup, and covering cables with protective sheaths primarily protects against physical damage rather than static charge issues. Thus, the installation of grounding clamps emerges as the definitive method to effectively prevent static electricity buildup.