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 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.
The outer sheath is chosen by the space potential (induced voltage) at the installation position on the tower:
PE sheath — for installation spaces where the space potential is up to about 12 kV. Standard polyethylene, the economical choice for low-voltage and short distribution lines.
AT sheath (anti-tracking) — required where the space potential exceeds roughly 12 kV (typically 12–25 kV and above). The tracking-resistant compound prevents dry-band arcing from eroding the sheath in high electric fields.
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.
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.
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Typical production windows run from 50-100 m spans with 9-10 mm OD and 10-15 kN short-term load up to 800-1200 m spans with 15-17 mm OD and 70-100 kN. Longer spans need more aramid yarn, a larger diameter and a higher rated tension, and the final design always comes from a sag-tension calculation for the actual route.
The sheath follows the space potential at the installation position on the tower. PE is the economical choice up to about 12 kV. AT (anti-tracking) sheath is required above roughly 12 kV, typically 12-25 kV and above, where dry-band arcing would erode a PE sheath.
Yes. The all-dielectric structure - FRP centre, aramid yarn and PE or AT sheath - contains no metallic component, so installation and maintenance need no power shutdown, subject to the utility safety procedures.
