The static load of a fiber optic cable is usually _____.

The static load of a fiber optic cable is typically less than the installation load because static load refers to the weight of the cable itself and any permanent support structures required for its installation. This includes the intrinsic weight of the fiber and the materials used in the cable's construction, which are designed to be lightweight and efficiently structured.

During the installation phase, additional factors come into play that contribute to the installation load, such as tension applied during the installation process to ensure proper tensioning and installation conditions that may temporarily increase load. Therefore, the static load, which is constant once the installation is complete and does not changed with dynamic factors, will generally be lower than what is experienced during the installation.

In this context, the correct answer emphasizes the nature of static load in relation to the various loads encountered during installation, underscoring the standard practice that aims to prevent damage to the fibers by keeping the static load manageable.