What is the service drop load per meter for medium and heavy loading?

The service drop load is a critical consideration in outside plant design, especially when determining the strength and support required for overhead cables. For medium and heavy loading scenarios, the standard service drop load is typically specified at 0.20 pounds per meter. This value reflects the weight that should be used in calculations to ensure that the supporting structures, such as poles and anchors, are adequately designed to handle the load without becoming overloaded or failing.

Understanding this standard is essential for designing a reliable and safe telecommunications infrastructure that can withstand the forces imposed by wind, ice, and other environmental factors. The choice of 0.20 pounds per meter is based on industry standards that consider the various factors affecting service drops in different environments, ensuring robustness and longevity of the infrastructure.