The support member used to carry the weight of a cable is called a(n) _____.

The correct answer is messenger. In cabling installations, a messenger is a support member specifically designed to carry the weight of hanging cables. It is typically a strong, durable wire or cable that is installed to provide a stable support system for transmission lines, telecommunications cables, or other types of suspended wiring. By doing so, it helps keep the cables taut and minimizes sagging, which can prevent damage and ensure proper function.

The role of a messenger in supporting cabling is crucial in various installations, such as aerial lines, where cables are suspended between poles or other structures. Messengers can help distribute the weight of the cables more evenly, reducing strain on any one point of attachment.

In contrast, cable ties are used to bundle or secure cables together, while rail supports refer to hardware designed to hold or support equipment rather than the cables themselves. Strain relief pertains to mechanisms used to protect cables from tension at their points of termination or connection, but they do not serve as a primary support system for the weight of the cable along its length.