ADSS Fiber Optic Cable Technical Q&A Checklist

■ Fiber Specifications 

Q1: What fiber core counts are available for this ADSS cable? 

A1: Usually offered in 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 cores, and custom cores can be added as needed.

Q2: What fiber type: single-mode or multi-mode? Standards compliance? 

A2: Generally single-mode fiber complying with ITU-T G.652 or G.657; G.657, more bend insensitive.

Q3: What is the diameter of the fiber core/cladding? 

A3: 9/125 μm for single-mode fiber.

Q4: What are the insertion loss and return loss specifications of the fiber? 

A4: Insertion loss ≤ 0.35 dB/km typically; return loss ≥ 50 dB.

■ Cable Construction 

Q5: What construction is there, and what method is used for reinforcement? 

A5: Usually a loose tube configuration with aramid yarn or fiberglass rods as strength members; polyethylene (PE) as a jacket.

Q6: What jacket material? Ultraviolet and corrosion resistant? 

A6: Usually PE; it has UV effectiveness and corrosion-free for outdoor aerial applications.

■ Mechanical Performance 

Q7: What final installation tensile strength, and what long-term permissible tensile load are there? 

A7: Maximum tensile strength of installation is from 1000 up to 3000N; permissible long-term tensile load varies between 500 and 1500N, depending on the model.

Q8: What is the minimum bending radius of the cable? 

A8: Commonly 20-30 times the cable diameter.

■ Environmental Performance 

Q9: What range of temperatures can the cable accommodate? 

A9: Mostly between -40°C and +70°C; some models with broader temperature range support.

Q10: Is the cable waterproof and corrosion-resistant? 

A10: Generally yes; has IPX7 waterproofing and also free of corrosion against salt spray and chemicals.

■ Installation Parameters 

Q11: What are the maximum installation forces recommended, and what should be done for? 

A11: Recommended maximum installation forces are in usual 1000-3000 N; avoid very high loads, also watch out for the bending radius at the time of installation.

Q12: What are the wind and ice loads the cable can tolerate at a maximum? 

A12: These depend on model type and installation environments; specific wind and ice load ratings are from the suppliers.

■ Standards and Certifications 

Q13: With what international or national standards this product is compatible? 

A13: Mostly compliant with IEC 60794, ITU-T G.652/G.657, Telcordia GR-20, usually.

Q14: If there is certification of quality and environment to the product? 

A14: Some common certifications are ISO 9001, ROHS, CE, etc.

■ Optical Performance Testing 

Q15: Are OTDR test reports or fiber performance test data available? 

A15: For most suppliers, OTDR test reports coming with attenuation and reflection loss values.

■ Warranty and Lifespan 

Q16: The life span and proven credibility of the warranty period is what? 

A16: The designed lifetime is usually ≥25 years; the warranty period stands between 1 and 5 years, depending on the provider.

■ Types of ADSS Cables 

Q17: These are the types of ADSS cables available, and the suitable conditions for each type are also specified. 

A17: Types we have include standard, enhanced, low-temperature, corrosion-resistant and lightweight. 

• Standard properties: aerial settings for most part. 

• Enhanced: areas with frequent high winds and large ice buildup. 

• Low-temperature: climate areas of the North. 

• Corrosion-resistance area: coastal or industrially hazardous environments. 

• Lightweight: installations within urban areas.

■ Span & Sag Design 

Q18: This ADSS cable is capable of what span length? 

A18: Standard range of span lengths is 50 to 1000 meters. Configurations for higher wind loading/ice loading and cable tension can support up to 1500 m.

Q19: What is your sag-tension calculation data for various spans and loading conditions? 

A19: We may provide sag-tension charts, and simulated results based on customer-specified parameters.

■ Aramid Yarn Strength & Sheath Thickness 

Q20: What the tensile strength evaluation of the aramid yarn that makes the cable? 

A20: It depends on the design, but the tensile strengths usually are between 1000–3000 N and/or above, which provides resistance to both installation and environmental stresses.

Q21: What the thickness of the outer sheath? 

A21: Thickness of the sheath typically is from 1.5 mm to 2.8 mm depending on the cable size, environment (i.e., high-voltage cables come with thicker jacket).

■ Electrical & Lightning Performance 

Q22: This ADSS cable is in the vicinity of high-voltage power lines? 

A22: Yes, usually it is ok, if you ensure the cable is alright. The cables for high-voltage environment (usually above 110 kV) have outer sheaths that are track-resistant (AT/anti-track PE).

Q23: Does this element have dielectrical properties and risk from thunderstorm? 

A23: Yes, all ADSS cables are dielectrically isolated and non-conductive, giving the built-in immunity for lightning.

■ Cable Dimensions & Weight 

Q24: What is the outside diameter and estimated weight for this ADSS cable? 

A24: Outer diameter is usually in the range of 10-18 mm; weight can be between 80-250 kg/km influenced by the core count and line structure.

Q25: Will the cable be light enough for application over existing poles on utilities? 

A25: Yes, the design of ADSS cable made it suitable for light weight aerial deployment on electricity and telecom poles.

■ Packing & Delivery 

Q26: Which pack is used for cable transportation? 

A26: Packaged on either wooden or steel drums and the length on each drum is 2 to 6 km and each length is labelled with the description of cable and batch numbers.

Q27: Is it possible to have lengths and labeling for the drums custom-made? 

A27: Yes, watch for custom lengths and labeling for the drums.

■ Marking & Identification 

Q28: There are marks on the cable to show identification? 

A28: Yes, lines of the rogation process and the product specifications (e.g., model, manufacturer, production date, etc.) are printed on the outside sheath for easy identification.

Q29: Can you print a customer logo or project code on the sheath? 

A29: Yes, we are able to provide a customized printing.

■ Accessories & Fittings 

Q30: Is accessories for ADSS like suspension clamps, tension sets, and vibrators included? 

A30: Yes, we give complete ADSS kits with all accessories and fittings as required.

Q31: Will fittings comply with IEC and ANSI standards? 

A31: Yes, usually fittings are designed and conform to IEC 61284/ANSI C119 international standards and undergo testing.

■ Customization & OEM/ODM 

Q32: There are OEM and ODM orders for ADSS cables? 

A32: Yes, in most cases manufacturers are accepting OEM/ODM orders and able to customize fiber types, sheath materials, labels, packing, and documentation.

Q33: Can you configure a joint sheath having both G.652 and G.657 fiber? 

A33: Yes, a mix of fiber G.652 and G.657 is possible also by request.

■ Testing & Quality Control 

Q34: Any routine effectiveness tests for ADSS cables done before delivery? 

A34: The common tests include attenuation, tensile strength, temperature cycling, water resistance, crush resistance, and OTDR lab tests.

Q35: An inspection report or third-party test certification available? 

A35: Yes, the factory test reports are standard, and arrangement could be done for additional tests.

■ Documentation & Support 

Q36: The documents with a separate shipment? 

A36: The technical datasheet, test report, packing list, product certification, and installation guide are included.

Q37: Provide installation support (on-site or remote) when the CD is purchased? 

A37: Yes, support could be given either remotely or on-site depending on the size and complexity of a project.

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