The tensile performance of optical cable is the most important mechanical characteristic and plays a significant role in the installation process of the optical cables.The impacts of the excess strength member length（ESL）

especially the non-rigid strength member

of the optical cable on the tensile performance were researched in this paper.By analyzing the changes of the fiber strain during the test

the optimal ESL of the optical cable was explored.The results showed the smaller length difference between ESL and excess fiber length（EFL）lead to the better tensile performance.The optical cable production process should ensure the equal length of strength members to meet the tensile strength of optical cable.