What is ADSS internet fiber optic cable and its benefits?

16 Jun.,2025

 

What is ADSS internet fiber optic cable and its benefits?

With increased activity in OSP (outside plant) network deployment, a wide range of fiber optic cable types emerged to fulfill different construction needs. One of those types is ADSS (all-dielectric self-supporting) cable, which we will discuss further.

All-dielectric refers to the use of all-dielectric material (means one that has non-metallic non-conducting properties, with an insulating material that resists the passage of electric current through the cable. The self-supporting refers to the ability of the reinforcing member of the optical cable to withstand its own weight and external load. ADSS cable is, mainly, used on power pole frames, so it is required to have high mechanical strength and be able to endure the impact of strong electric environments.

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To sum it up, we can say that the biggest cons of ADSS cable type are:

  • It is self-supportive and does not utilize metallic elements that are conductive;
  • Its installation costs are lower compared to OPGW (optical ground wire) and OPAC (optical attached cable);
  • It has amazing mechanical strength, low weight, can handle external load and suitable for high loading and unloading cycle;
  • Its aramid yarn increase cable’s tensile performance, as well as temperature performance under unfavorable weather;
  • Design specific to application needs

In addition to that, ADSS cables are available in various sizes such as mini-span, aerial drop, standard and flat drop size. As with all optic fiber cables, ADSS cables available in single-mode and multi-mode. On one hand, single-mode ADSS cable is about 9µm diameter which allows one path of light, unlimited bandwidth (which can cover long distance), and finds usefulness in long distances applications such as in companies; creating a connection between switching offices. On the other hand, ADSS multi-mode cables are available in two forms: the 50µm cable and the 62.5µm cable. They both permit multiple paths of light, the same application areas such as adding segments to the existing network, simple alarm system, and many more. They both have limited bandwidth. However, the bandwidth of the 50µm is three times wider than that of 62.5µm cable. In addition, both types of cable could occur in simplex and duplex forms. Simplex ADSS cable finds application primarily in data transfer, duplex usually finds its application in simultaneous bi-directional data transfer such as fiber switch, modem and server.

   1 - Optic fibers
   2 - Steel wire in sheath
   3 - Outer sheath of halogen-free flame retardant polymer composition with low smoke emission

   1 - Central dielectric strength element
   2 - Optic fibers
   3 - Tube of fiber optic module
   4 - PET film winding
   5 - Extended strength member (rope)
   6 - Polyethylene outer sheath

ADSS cable usually consists of few non-metallic strength members (main and/or peripheral) and gel-filled central tube with optic fibers, all covered in defensive outer sheath. Design and form vary according to specific needs, but main components, usually are the same.

Mounting and fastening of ADSS cables
Even though ADSS cable itself is quite durable, the correct choice of mounting\fastening devices is crucial to ensure or even extend the desirable service life of the cable. Anchoring clamps can be used as cable dead-end at end-poles (using individual clamp) or can be installed as intermediate (double dead-end) clamp at:

  • jointing poles
  • intermediate angle poles, where the cable route deviates by more than 20°
  • intermediate poles, where two connecting spans are different in lengths, to equalize tension
  • intermediate poles on mountain or hilly landscapes

Detailed Explanation Of ADSS Optical Cable Hardware Fittings

ADSS Optical cable hardware fittings selection and installation are one of the three key technologies, which determine whether it can use its own reinforcing components to withstand its own weight in addition to whether it can also carry external loads, in the high-voltage electric environment can maintain good mechanical that the cable maximum running tension, average running tension and ultimate tensile strength.

Therefore, this article will introduce when the fiber optic cable is installed in the power tower on the overhead use, the use of what kind of matching fittings will be fixed in the tower to get the best mechanical properties and service life.

To learn about the mechanical design of ADSS fiber optic cables, please refer to the guide Introduction of ADSS Fiber Optic Cable.

To learn more about determining the suspension points of ADSS cables, please refer to the guide Application of ADSS Fiber Optic Cable In Power Communication Network.

Preformed Helical Tension Clamp


ADSS preformed tension clamp, also called strain clamp or dead-end clamp, is mainly used for overhead self-supporting ADSS fiber optic cable line fixing, anchoring, generally installed in the terminal tower, tight line tensioning tower, corner tower and other locations.

Each set of preformed tension clamp includes inner wire, outer wire and pulling ring.

Preformed tension clamps on the wire (cable) grip can reach the wire (cable) limit tensile strength (R.T.S) of more than 95%, no stress concentration and vibration stress, the cable to play a protective and auxiliary vibration damping effect.

Single Layer Tension Clamp


ADSS single layer tension clamp, similar to the role of preformed tension clamp. Mainly used for 50 to 200 m short span of the corner, tensioning, terminal and other towers, not only for overhead fiber optic cables but also can be used for overhead wires, wires and other anchor installation and fiber optic cable construction for traction wire clamps. It is simple structure, quick and easy installation.

Single-layer tension clamp is composed of pre-stranded wire, pulling ring, U-shaped ring and so on.

Single-layer tension clamp can also be manufactured according to the application and the user’s requirements by selecting aluminum-coated steel wire or galvanized steel wire material.

Preformed Suspension Clamp


ADSS preformed suspension clamps are mainly used in overhead self-supporting ADSS cable lines, for hanging fiber optic cables, similar to the role of ordinary suspension clips. It is recommended to be used in environments where the corner of the line is ≤30º.

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Preformed suspension clamps are composed of internal stranded wire, external stranded wire, rubber inserts, suspension clamps (shells), etc.

Preformed suspension clamps can provide a reasonable distribution of very low static stresses for fiber optic cables, and improve the ability to withstand dynamic stresses (such as vibration or dance), with a holding force of up to 10% to 20% of the ultimate tensile strength (RTS) of the cable.

Secondly, the preformed suspension clamp not only effectively protects the fiber optic cable, but also its smooth contour profile makes corona discharge and electromagnetic loss greatly reduced, can make no rigid contact (flexible grip), so that wear and tear is reduced to a minimum, but also rely on the clamp’s good toughness, extreme fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance to enhance the safe use of fiber optic cables for a long period of time.

Double Preformed Suspension Clamp


ADSS double preformed suspension wire clamps, also known as double-pivot suspension clamps, which in addition to all the general performance of single-suspension wire clamps, are mainly used for long-distance overhead ADSS cable lines across rivers and canyons, such as more than 800 meters and the angle of 30 ° ~ 60 ° on the tower.

Double preformed suspension clamp consists of inner wire, outer wire, rubber insert, suspension clamp, hanging plate, triangular joint plate, etc.

The fiber optic cable is fixed and protected by double pivot support, which ensures the safe and reliable operation of fiber optic cables in long span and large corner environments.

Mechanical Suspension Clamp


Short Span preformed suspension clamps are a type of preformed suspension clamps, between tangent clamps and preformed suspension clamps. It is suitable for straight towers with line distance between 100 and 200 meters and line angle below 15º. The breaking strength of the fixture is ≥40KN.

Mechanical suspension clamps are composed of reinforced pre-stranded wires, rubber inserts, shells, U-shaped rings and so on.

Mechanical suspension clamps have the convenient characteristics of tangent wire clamps, due to the addition of preformed reinforcement layer, but also enhance the cable to a certain degree of resistance to dynamic loading capacity.

Tangent Clamp


Tangent clamp is a kind of straight line tangent clamp, mainly for small span overhead fiber optic cable to provide lightweight, simple, low-cost protection and installation of cable clamps, especially for the construction and transformation of urban communication network needs. It is mainly used for the installation of fiber optic cables on short-span linear towers under 100 meters, or towers with a corner less than 15º.

Each set of tangent cable clamp consists of shell, rubber insert, bolt, nut, washer, etc., breaking strength ≥ 40KN.

Preformed Tangent Clamp


Preformed tangent clamps are mainly used for straight towers on lines with a pitch of less than 75 meters.

Preformed tangent clamps consist of a preformed wire clamp leg, a collar, and a right-angle hanging plate.

Preformed tangent clamp and tangent clamp role are similar, but its installation is simpler. Installers do not need special tools, with bare hands can be installed smoothly, and it is easy to ensure the quality of installation, and light weight.

Anti-corona Ring


Anti-corona ring is mainly used in 220KV above and transmission lines and ADSS fiber optic cables erected on the same tower. Since the fiber optic cable and the preformed fittings are located in a high electric field space, the end of the preformed fitting is susceptible to corona discharge, which threatens the safe operation of the fiber optic cable.

Anti-corona rings can greatly improve the electric field state of the end of the pre-stranded wire, reduce the corona on the cable produced by the corona corrosion, to extend the service life of the cable.

Summarize

When using aerial fiber optic cables for long distance network laying, we are not only concerned about the structure and performance design of fiber optic cables, the calculation and installation of suspension points, but also what kind of supporting fittings are used to assist fiber optic cables to maintain high mechanical properties under different usage environments is also one of the key points to be considered for backbone network laying.

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