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[digit101]

Hi, what would the symptoms be of tree branches touching phoneline?

I notice there are a few branches rubbing on the cable from the pole. 1 branch has caused the cable to sag under its weight.

I have checked and there is no audible noise on the quiet line test although this was with a dect handest.

Would line stats show anything?

Thanks

[Moderator edited to remove excess trailing new line characters.]

[burakkucat]

. . . what would the symptoms be of tree branches touching phoneline?

Assuming the sheath of the cable is still intact then the answer is "nothing".

1 branch has caused the cable to sag under its weight.

When there is a branch causing the cable to deviate from its natural (hyperbolic) curve, strain loading will be occurring at the two end of the cable. In the worst case the cable would either snap or be pulled from its fittings.

I have checked and there is no audible noise on the quiet line test although this was with a dect handest.

That is a good and sufficient test.

Would line stats show anything?

Only if the insulation of the pair has been sufficiently degraded to let moisture in.

[Alex Atkin UK]

Its amazing what the drop wires can take.

When we last had our roof repaired they put scaffold on the line pulling it really tight.  I was expecting problems, but I've seen no evidence its made any difference to the line quality at all.

[burakkucat]

Its amazing what the drop wires can take.

Indeed.

The current two pair cable, Dropwire 10B (CW1411 specification), has three elements of 0.25mm strands, brass plated steel, with each element PVC Insulated to 1.0mm. Its breaking load is stated to be from 1350 Newtons, minimum, up to 1350 Newtons, maximum.