All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) Cable

All-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) cable is a type of optical fibre cable that is strong enough to support itself between structures without using conductive metal elements. It is used by electrical utility companies as a communications medium, installed along existing overhead transmission lines and often sharing the same support structures as the electrical conductors. ADSS is an alternative to OPGW and OPAC with lower installation cost. The cables are designed to be strong enough to allow lengths of up to 700 metres to be installed between support towers. ADSS cable is designed to be lightweight and small in diameter to reduce the load on tower structures due to cable weight, wind, and ice.

In the design of the cable, the internal glass optical fibres are supported with no strain, to maintain low optical loss throughout the life of the cable. The cable is jacketed to prevent moisture from degrading the fibres. The jacket also protects the polymer strength elements from the effect of solar ultraviolet light. Using single-mode fibres and light wavelengths of either 1310 or 1530 nano metres, circuits up to 100 km long are possible without repeaters. A single cable can carry as many as 144 fibres.