What you should know about ADSS Cable

ADSS cables. All-Dielectric Self Supporting cables. The All-Dielectric Self Supporting (ADSS) cable is a completely non-metallic structure in which the tensile load bearing elements are integral within the circular design of the cable – usually in the form of aramid yarns or stranded glass reinfroced plastic rods.

The structure of ADSS Cable

• Typically a loose tube cable design
• Designs are application specific

The Applications of the ADSS Cable 
– Cable supports itself

• No external support or messenger wire – Uses new and existing right away
• Distribution or Transmission Lines – Designed to specific weather conditions
• NESC Light, Medium or Heavy Load

The Advantages about the ADSS Cable

• All-dielectric construction
• Eliminates bonding & grounding
• Live power line installation
• Lower costs

Key Specifications for  ADSS Cable

• Maximum span distance between poles, Longer spans require more cable strength
• Installation sag: typically 1.5%. Less sag requires stronger cables
• Line voltage: Distribution: Use HDPE jacket span / Transmission: Evaluate line voltage/spacing compatibility, HDPE or track resistant jacket
• Maximum weather loading (wind, ice, safety factors, etc): Higher winds or thicker ice requires stronger cables / Can use location to determine loading per NESC.
• Fiber count: Higher counts (>72) increase the cable diameter: Larger cable diameters have more weight & carry more weather loading
• No of fibers per tube
• Maximum sag restrictions: Any clearance considerations / Restrictions may require a stronger cable

Key Information Needed for ADSS Cable Quotation

• Fiber Count
• Maximum Span Distance
• Weather Loading: NESC Light, Medium, Heavy or Other
• Line Voltage (kV) if transmission lines are used.
  – System voltage worksheet required for > 69kV
  – Needed to consider dry band arcing and corona resistance

Key Information Needed: Assumptions can be made if not specified

• Jacket Configuration (1 or 2): 1 likely will be assumed
• Initial Installation Sag? 1.5% is typical

Additional information to consider

• Number of Fibers per Tube: 12f/t recommended for distribution spans up to 144 fibers, 4f/t recommended > 144 fibers
• Buffer tube preference for closure routing: Polypropylene < 144, PBT > 144
• Elevation changes?
• Vertical or horizontal sag limitations/clearance
• Pollution level – important in high voltage applications
• Structure type & load capability