Challenge Communication devices are especially at risk. Be- ing installed outside is one factor, but when devic- es are often mounted to free-standing, or elevat- ed structures, they become even more vulnerable. Wind speed is a particular challenge, since it can vary greatly day-to-day, and at different heights and locations. In open areas, winds can gather severe speeds. Wind load is the resulting force from wind that impacts exposed devices. Network equipment providers are dedicating increasing efforts to the evaluation of wind load data, and the impacts it has on devices and housings. For example, be- cause wind load has a lower impact on smaller equipment dimensions, more compact devices and housings are usually preferred for outdoor installations. Solution The HUBER+SUHNER FTTA Distribution Box, as shown in Figure 1, was developed for outdoor use following tests performed on housings and mounting brackets in its fiber optic test laboratory. Maximum wind speeds were simulated with practical test methods for two horizontal wind directions, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The displacement of the housing with a bracket was measured and the possible damage of the pole-mounted housing due to wind load evaluated. The developed test methods were presented to the subcommittee for fiber optic interconnect- ing devices and passive components in IEC (SC 86B), resulting in the official development of a new international wind resistance test standard. The Figure 1 – FTTA distribution box mounted on communication tower in winter conditions new international standard was published as IEC 61300-2-56 in August 2020. In this standard, mini- mum severities for wind load of mounted housings are recommended. Planners and installers are en- couraged to specify the wind load requirements for their equipment using this new international standard. 2 / 3
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