ADSS - All Dielectric Self-supporting Aerial Cable

All Dielectric Self-Supporting Aerial Cable (ADSS)

Designed for Long Span Aerial Fiber Optic Communication Networks

■ ADSS Cable Product Overview

The ADSS (All Dielectric Self-Supporting) Fiber Optic Cable is specially engineered for aerial installations without the need for metallic support structures. It features a fully dielectric construction, making it ideal for high-voltage environments and areas prone to electrical interference. With superior tensile strength and weather resistance, ADSS cable is perfect for outdoor telecommunication, long-span installations, and electric utility applications.

 

■ Cable Construction

• Fiber Unit: High-quality single-mode fibers are housed in loose tubes made of PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), providing excellent mechanical and environmental protection. 

• Filling Compound: Tubes are filled with a moisture-resistant gel to prevent water ingress. 

• Core Structure: Tubes and fillers are SZ-stranded around a non-metallic central strength member. 

• Inner Sheath: Black PE (Polyethylene) inner sheath adds an extra layer of protection. 

• Reinforcement: Aramid yarn is used as the tensile member to support self-supporting aerial deployment. 

• Outer Sheath: Durable PE or AT (anti-tracking) PE sheath for UV, abrasion, and tracking resistance.

■ Technical Parameter

Parameter	Specification
Fiber Count	2 to 144 cores
Tube Diameter	2.15 ± 0.05 mm
Cable Diameter	Approx. 12 mm
Sheath Material	PE / ATPE
Max. Fiber per Tube	8
No. of Elements	2
Short-Term Tensile Strength	8000 N
Short-Term Crush Resistance	2200 N / 100 mm
Bending Radius	10× OD (unloaded), 20× OD (loaded)

 

Environment	Temperature Range
Operation	-40℃ to +60℃
Installation	-10℃ to +60℃
Storage & Transportation	-40℃ to +60℃

 

■ Standards:

 ITU-T Rec. G.657A             ISO9001

 IEC 60794                          ICEA-596

 GR-409                              YD/T 1997-2009

■ Colors -12 Chromatography:

■ Recommended Models and Applications 

Model	Fiber Count	Recommended Span	Voltage Level Suitability	Sheath Type	Typical Applications
ADSS-12J	12 cores	≤ 100 meters	≤ 110 kV	PE or AT	Short-distance links, distribution networks, urban/rural pole routing
ADSS-24	24 cores	100–300 meters	110–220 kV	AT-sheath recommended	Medium-span routes, utility backbone, suburban installations
ADSS-48F	48 cores	Up to 500 meters	≥ 220 kV	AT-sheath mandatory	Long-distance transmission lines, smart grid infrastructure

 

 

ADSS-12J 

• Fiber count: 12 

• Recommended span: ≤ 100 m 

• Application: Sales purposes such as distribution networks have installation at urban and rural power lines under 110kV. 

• Sheath: PE or AT (based on voltage level) 

✅ An implementation of fiber-to-the-pole for substation ring with compact size is perfect.

 

ADSS-24 

• Fiber count: 24 

• Recommended span: 100–300 m 

• Application: Serve as backbone distribution route, medium span and aerial installation in rural or suburban areas. 

• Sheath: AT-sheath recommended for 110–220kV environments 

✅ Medium-sized power-utilization networks usually are connected through this kind of line.

 

ADSS-48F 

• Fiber count: 48 

• Recommended span: ≤ 500 m (with proper mechanical reinforcement) 

• Application: For high-capacity network lines and backbones of long-distance. 

• Sheath: AT-sheath mandatory for 220kV and above 

✅ Ideal for employing high core-count whose purpose is illustrated smart grid infrastructure for wide-area or utility-scale projects.

■ A Practical Guide for Engineers and Procurement Professionals 

ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting), or ADSS - All-Dielectric Self-Supporting fiber optic cables, are employed to create light woven structure for transmission and distribution networks overhead because of many benefits such as ease of installation, lightweight structure, propriety installation without utilizing metal supporting components. Nevertheless, the choice of an appropriate ADSS cable is contingent upon meticulous analysis of several professional and environmental parameters. 

This guide explains how to choose the appropriate ADSS cable model based on span length, voltage level, climate conditions, and mechanical load requirements, with practical recommendations for commonly used models such as ADSS-12J, ADSS-24, and ADSS-48F.

 

■ Key Selection Factors for ADSS Cables 

1.1. Span Length (Installation Span) 

Span length is one of the most important parameters influencing the cable's tensile strength and sag performance.

Span Length	Recommended ADSS Design
≤ 100 m	Light-duty cable design with fewer reinforcements
100–300 m	Medium-tension cables with reinforced strength members
≥ 300 m	High-tension cable designs with aramid yarn bundles or specific sheath structures

 ⚠ Long distance necessitates stronger tensile strength and better control of sag to avert line contact or mechanical fracture.

1.2. Voltage Level (kV Class) 

ADSS cover must be absolutely insulating of electrical tracking and discharge junctures, especially if it was installed in the vicinity of high voltage lines.

Voltage Class	Sheath Requirement	Typical Material
< 110 kV	Standard outer sheath (HDPE)	PE
≥ 110 kV	Anti-tracking outer sheath	AT (Anti-Tracking) PE

 ✅ For installations on 110kV, 220kV, or 500kV lines, AT-sheath is mandatory to prevent damage caused by electrical discharges.

 

1.3. Environmental and Meteorological Conditions 

The determination of the local environmental factors will affect the design and materials to be used in:

Condition	Consideration
High wind/snow	Select higher tensile strength and sag control
Coastal/salty	Use corrosion-resistant materials for accessories
Ice zone	Consider load increase due to ice accumulation
High UV exposure	UV-resistant outer jacket materials

 

 ■ Conclusion

Adopting the right ADSS cable means imposing a careful balance between mechanical strength, environmental resilience, and fiber count with continuing the project stability. Checking out with manufacturers or suppliers during the cable selection process will ensure you get a cable model (either ADSS-12J, 24, or 48F) that fits perfectly and performs as desired. Least chances of risks during maintenance in the future.

 

If you would like us to carry out more thorough professional talks or if you want your span custom modeled, you may contact our team of experts in ADSS cables.

James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication. 

Specializes in Optical Fiber communications,  FTTH Solutions, 

Fiber optic cables,  ADSS cable, and ODN networks.

james@zion-communication.com

+86 13777460328

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