tensile strength

The maximum lengthwise stretching force that a cable can withstand without breaking.Tensile strength must be considered during the installation process, because a pulling load is placed on an optical fiber, in particular. Riser cables must be manufactured and installed with tensile strength in mind, because they hang vertically in place for long periods of time. Aerial cables run horizontally, attached to and suspended from poles placed at intervals along a cable route.Aerial and riser cables commonly are manufactured with strength members, not only to increase the overall tensile strength of the cable, but also to relieve the wires and fibers, themselves, from bearing the load. See also aerial cable, break strength, flex strength, riser cable, and strength member.