What Is The Difference In Performance Between ADSS Cable and Traditional Optical Cable?

There are significant differences in performance between ADSS cables (all-dielectric self-supporting optical cables) and traditional optical cables, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Structure and materials:

ADSS cable:

It adopts an all-dielectric, metal-free design, mainly made of optical fiber bundles wound around a central reinforcement, and has been protected by insulation, waterproofing, reinforcement, and sheathing. Its characteristics include full dielectric, no metal, non-conductive, small cable diameter, large pulling force ratio, low linear expansion coefficient, and wide applicable temperature.

Traditional fiber optic cable:
Typically contains metallic elements such as copper wire or other metals as transmission media or reinforcing elements. The choice of its structure and materials is related to the specific type and application scenario.

2. Electrical insulation performance and anti-electromagnetic interference ability:

ADSS cable:
Due to its all-dielectric, metal-free design, it has excellent electrical insulation properties. At the same time, since signal transmission is achieved through optical signals, it will not be affected by electromagnetic interference, ensuring the quality and reliability of communication.

Traditional fiber optic cable:
It is relatively weak in terms of electrical insulation performance and anti-electromagnetic interference ability. Especially in scenarios with complex electromagnetic environment, it may be subject to certain interference and affect the signal transmission quality.

3. Installation and construction:

ADSS cable:
Self-hoisting on power poles and towers does not require the introduction of external pull wires. The installation process is simple and does not require special installation tools and equipment, which can greatly shorten the installation cycle. At the same time, due to the small diameter and light weight of the cable, the impact of ice and wind and the load on the tower and supports are reduced.

Traditional fiber optic cable:
It needs to be laid or buried on the ground, external cables or brackets need to be introduced, and the construction period is relatively long. In addition, the requirements for terrain and environment are also relatively high.

4. Applicable scenarios:

ADSS cable:
It is especially suitable for power communication systems, including use as incoming and outgoing optical cables for OPGW system relay stations, and transmission optical cables for optical fiber communication systems in high-voltage (110kV-220kV) power networks. At the same time, it can also be used in optical fiber communication systems in distribution networks.

Traditional fiber optic cable:
Suitable for various communication scenarios, including long-distance communication, metropolitan area network, access network, etc. However, in power communication systems, traditional fiber optic cables may require additional protective measures to avoid electromagnetic interference and electrical safety issues.

5. Costs and benefits:

ADSS cable:
Cheaper than traditional fiber optic cable in many applications and easier to install. In addition, due to its excellent electrical insulation performance and anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities, it can ensure the stability and reliability of communication and reduce failure rates and maintenance costs.

Traditional fiber optic cable:
The cost is relatively high, especially if special protective measures are required. At the same time, due to the possible impact of electromagnetic interference, additional equipment and measures may be required to ensure communication quality.

To sum up, ADSS cables have significant advantages over traditional optical cables in terms of electrical insulation performance, anti-electromagnetic interference capability, installation and construction convenience, applicable scenarios, cost and benefits. These advantages make ADSS cables widely used in power communication systems.