Informational: tension vs suspension for ADSS, where each clamp goes

Most ADSS BOMs go wrong at the pole schedule, not at the fiber count. Terminals and hard angles need a clamp that takes axial pull. Straight intermediate poles need a hanger that cradles the sheath and leaves the span free to sag. Put one SKU on every structure and the route either slips at the dead end or pinches the cable where it should only hang.

This guide maps where each CONWELL fiber optic tension clamp and fiber suspension clamp belongs on ADSS and round aerial fiber access routes (product notes cover spans up to about 100 m).

Placement rule before you open the catalog

Walk the route once and mark each structure by job: stop, turn, or hang. Tension clamps go where the cable must stop or change direction under full line tension. Suspension clamps go where the cable continues past the pole with light route angle. Size both by outer diameter and breaking load after the locations are locked—not before.

Where tension clamps go

Use a fiber tension clamp at terminal poles, major angle poles, and section points. The clamp dead-ends the cable and absorbs axial load through a wedge / conical body so the fiber core is not crushed. On CONWELL access hardware, published span context sits around 100 m.

PA500 covers 4.5–9 mm OD at 2.5/4 kN and is the common dead-end pick for slim ADSS-style access cable. Nearby catalog rows include PA300 (4–8 mm, 2.5 kN) and PA600 (8–15 mm, 4/5/10 kN). When the sheath measures 12–15 mm, step the terminal hardware to PAL1500D at 15 kN.

Do not leave a terminal or hard angle on a suspension clamp to “finish the hang later.” That structure is a tension location from day one.

Where suspension clamps go

Use a fiber suspension clamp on intermediate poles that keep the route nearly straight. The job is vertical support and limited swing inside a protected sleeve—not full dead-end grip.

SSA is the access shortlist item: diameter windows 4–5 / 5–9 mm, 8 kN breaking load, galvanized steel J-hook with neoprene sleeve and tightening screw. Product notes place it on intermediate poles with route angle under 20°, spans up to 100 m, mounted with a pigtail bolt or two pole bands. Related suspension rows on the category table cover nearby OD bands (HC / HC-10-16S, JHC-5-8, KHC-8-12, CS / SSA-1 variants).

If the design angle or tension at that pole exceeds the hang role, move the structure to the tension family instead of upsizing the screw on the J-hook.

Pole-by-pole map for one ADSS access section

How the two families share one pole interface

Both clamp types need an approved mount. CONWELL UPB is a 10 kN universal pole bracket for 14/16 mm bolts or two 20 mm bands. Many SSA notes also allow a pigtail bolt or two pole bands directly. Keep LV-ABC power dead-end and power suspension hardware off the fiber schedule unless the project explicitly shares fittings.

Counting clamps from the route sketch

Tension quantity equals terminals plus hard angles and section points. Suspension quantity equals intermediate poles that stay inside the hang design. Then match OD: a 6–8 mm round ADSS-style cable often pairs PA500 at dead ends with SSA mid-span; a 12–15 mm sheath steps terminals to PAL1500D and keeps suspension in the matching diameter row. Send that pole count with measured OD and span length when you ask for a kit quote.

FAQ

Can one clamp type cover every ADSS pole on a short feeder?

No. Short length does not change the load direction. Terminals still need tension clamps; straight intermediates still need suspension clamps.

Where exactly does SSA go relative to a PA500?

PA500 (or PAL1500D for thicker cable) sits at terminals, major angles, and section poles. SSA sits on straight intermediate poles with route angle under 20° per product notes, on the same OD family as the cable.

What if an “intermediate” pole has a sharp turn?

Reclassify it as an angle / section pole and install a tension clamp. Do not leave a sharp turn on a suspension hanger.

How do I choose between PA500 and PAL1500D at a terminal?

Measure cable OD first. PA500 covers 4.5–9 mm at 2.5/4 kN; PAL1500D covers 12–15 mm at 15 kN. Fiber count alone is not the size key.

Do I need a UPB on every structure?

You need a listed pole interface. UPB (10 kN) is one CONWELL option; SSA pages also list pigtail bolt or two pole bands. Match the clamp page, not a power-line habit.

Will power-line dead-end clamps work for ADSS?

Keep fiber tension and suspension hardware on the fiber BOM. Power ABC clamps are sized and gripped for conductors, not ADSS sheaths, unless the project explicitly shares fittings.

Practical Takeaway

Mark stop / turn / hang on the pole sketch first, then pick OD and kN. For slim ADSS access cable, expect PA500 at tension locations and SSA at straight hang points; step terminals to PAL1500D when OD hits 12–15 mm. Send CONWELL the pole schedule, measured OD, span length, and mount preference (UPB, pigtail, or bands) for a section kit that matches where each clamp actually goes.