What ADSS Solves

An ADSS cable (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) strings onto existing overhead power structures without any metallic component: no messenger wire, no grounding, and installation can be done with the line energized. Everything in the cable — the FRP center, the aramid yarn strength members and the PE or AT sheath — is non-conductive.

Two international standards govern how ADSS is specified and tested: IEEE Std 1222 (IEEE Standard for All-Dielectric Self-Supporting Fiber Optic Cable) and the IEC 60794 family for optical fibre cable generic requirements. A compliant datasheet states the rated tensile strength (RTS), the maximum allowable tension (MAT) and the sag performance at the design span — ask for all three numbers before comparing prices.

Span and Tension Selection Chart

Span length drives everything: the longer the span, the more aramid yarn, the larger the cable diameter and the higher the rated tension. Typical production windows:

Design span	Typical cable OD	Typical short-term load (UTS)	Typical application
50–100 m	9–10 mm	10–15 kN	Cross-road and short distribution spans
100–300 m	11–12 mm	20–30 kN	Urban and suburban distribution poles
300–500 m	12–13 mm	30–45 kN	Rural feeders, longer pole runs
500–800 m	13–15 mm	45–70 kN	River crossings, valley spans
800–1200 m	15–17 mm	70–100 kN	Long crossings and mountain spans

These are indicative windows. The final design must come from a sag-tension calculation for the actual structures, wind and ice loads. Send the span, attachment height and climate data and we will return the exact cable design with its RTS, MAT and sag table.

PE or AT Sheath: The 12 kV Rule of Thumb

The outer sheath is chosen by the space potential (induced voltage) at the installation position on the tower:

Ordering AT where it is not needed wastes budget; ordering PE into a high-field zone shortens cable life. Confirm the tower class and space potential with the utility before ordering.

Quick Answers

Can ADSS be installed on live lines? Yes — that is one of its main advantages. The all-dielectric structure allows installation and maintenance without a power shutdown, subject to the utility’s safety procedures.

Which standards apply to ADSS? IEEE Std 1222 defines the mechanical and electrical requirements specific to ADSS; IEC 60794 covers generic optical fibre cable construction and test methods.

Why does the same span length come with different prices? Wind and ice loading change the required aramid quantity and therefore the RTS. Two 500 m spans in different climates can require different cable designs.

Send your span and get a design: ADSS product page · request a quote.