What should be done to minimize static electricity on long lengths of aerial fiber-optic cable?

To minimize static electricity on long lengths of aerial fiber-optic cable, grounding the cable at each pole is an effective approach. Grounding helps to dissipate any accumulated static charge, which can be generated by environmental factors such as wind, movement, or the interaction of materials. By connecting the cable to a grounding system, any static electricity that may build up will have a safe pathway to the earth, significantly reducing the risk of static discharge that could potentially harm the cable or affect its performance.

Other methods, such as using UV protected covers or insulated ladders, may have their own benefits but do not specifically address the issue of static electricity accumulation. Additionally, limiting the length of cable used may be impractical and does not directly tackle the underlying problem of static discharge in long cable runs. Grounding is therefore the most effective solution in this context, as it directly targets the static electricity issue while allowing for the use of longer cable lengths without significant risk.