Author: James Publish Time: 16-06-2025 Origin: Site
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.
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.
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.
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 |
Model | Fiber Count | Recommended Span | Voltage Level Suitability | Sheath Type | Typical Applications |
12 cores | ≤ 100 meters | ≤ 110 kV | PE or AT | Short-distance links, distribution networks, urban/rural pole routing | |
24 cores | 100–300 meters | 110–220 kV | AT-sheath recommended | Medium-span routes, utility backbone, suburban installations | |
48 cores | Up to 500 meters | ≥ 220 kV | AT-sheath mandatory | Long-distance transmission lines, smart grid infrastructure |
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.
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.
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.
■ Additional Considerations
Sag calculation: Last but not least, always carry out mechanical simulation to maintain sag under control in adverse circumstances.
Installation tension: Centre payload on the maximum lifting tension; avoid exceeding the tensile strength rating.
Fitting compatibility: Select the suitable suspension and tension components for the cable outer diameter and the span tension.
Fiber type: G.652D commonly, but for long distances or better dispersion, envisaged G.655 or G.657 options.
■ 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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