Selecting the optimal suspension and dead-end hardware for ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) cables is paramount for ensuring the long-term mechanical integrity, optical performance, and longevity of the fiber optic network. Unlike metallic conductors, ADSS requires hardware that never compromises its all-dielectric structure or compresses its optical fibers.

I. Critical Considerations for Hardware Selection:

• 1. Cable Diameter and Sag-Tension Data:

  • Consideration: Hardware must be precisely matched to the ADSS cable's exact outer diameter (OD) and the calculated sag and tension values for the specific span and environmental loading (wind, ice, temperature).

  • Implication: Mismatched hardware can lead to crushing, slippage, or localized stress, resulting in fiber attenuation or sheath damage.

• 2. Protection of the Cable Jacket (Outer Sheath):

  • Consideration: The outer jacket of ADSS cable is crucial for UV, tracking, and environmental protection. Hardware must not abrade, nick, or deform this jacket.

  • Solution: All contact surfaces of the hardware with the ADSS cable must be smooth, wide, and preferably lined with elastomeric (rubber or polymer) inserts. Preformed helical rods are designed to distribute gripping pressure over a long length.

• 3. Prevention of Concentrated Stress:

  • Consideration: ADSS cables are designed to withstand distributed loads. Concentrated stress points (e.g., from sharp edges, overtightened clamps, or improper bending) can lead to micro-bends in the fibers, causing signal loss, or eventually mechanical failure.

  • Solution: Suspension clamps for tangent poles must cradle the cable gently, allowing for free movement. Dead-end clamps must distribute the tensile load uniformly along the cable's strength members, not the jacket or fiber unit.

• 4. Minimum Bending Radius (Static):

  • Consideration: Every ADSS cable has a specified static minimum bending radius (MBR). Hardware components, especially those used for down-leads or at termination points, must ensure the cable is never bent below this radius.

  • Solution: Down-lead clamps and cable guides should have gentle curves and large radii to prevent sharp bends.

• 5. Aeolian Vibration Damping:

  • Consideration: ADSS cables are susceptible to Aeolian vibration (wind-induced oscillation), which can cause fatigue damage at support points.

  • Solution: For spans susceptible to vibration (typically longer spans, open terrain), vibration dampers (e.g., Stockbridge dampers or spiral vibration dampers) must be installed. Suspension clamps that incorporate damping features are also available.

• 6. Electrical Field Considerations (Tracking Resistance):

  • Consideration: For ADSS cables installed in the high electric field regions of power towers (especially > 35-60kV), the hardware, particularly the suspension points, must be designed to mitigate dry-band arcing and electrical tracking on the cable surface.

  • Solution: Selection of ADSS cables with "AT" (Anti-Tracking) jackets is essential for high-voltage applications. Hardware design should also minimize electrical field distortion at the attachment point, and sometimes external corona rings or grading rings are used on the cable itself at the hardware interface.

• 7. Material Compatibility and Corrosion Resistance:

  • Consideration: Hardware materials must be durable, UV-resistant, and corrosion-resistant, matching the expected lifespan of the ADSS cable in the specific environment (e.g., coastal areas).

  • Solution: Use of galvanized steel, aluminum alloys, or high-strength, UV-stabilized polymers.

• 8. Installation Ease and Reusability (for temporary hardware):

  • Consideration: While for permanent hardware, ease of installation and durability are key. For temporary stringing hardware, reusability and quick installation/removal are important.

  • Solution: Hardware designs that are intuitive to install and do not require specialized crimping or extensive tooling.

II. Types of ADSS Hardware:

• Suspension Clamps: Used at tangent (straight) poles, typically incorporating elastomeric inserts or preformed helical rods to gently support the cable.

• Dead-End (Tension) Clamps: Used at termination poles, large angle towers, or section breaks. These are designed to grip the strength members (aramid) of the cable without crushing the optical unit. Preformed helical dead-ends are very common.

• Down-Lead Clamps: Guide the ADSS cable safely down the pole from the suspension point to a splice enclosure or ground entry.

• Vibration Dampers: Attached to the cable near the suspension points to dissipate Aeolian vibration energy.

Our company provides a full array of high-quality, manufacturer-recommended ADSS suspension, dead-end, and ancillary hardware, all designed and tested to meet stringent performance requirements and ensure the long-term reliability of your ADSS fiber optic network. We can assist in selecting the optimal hardware for your specific ADSS cable and project conditions.