ADSS cable and OPGW cable are often used in power utilities and telecommunications nowadays.In this article, some differences between ADSS and OPGW cables will be discussed.

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ADSS cable and OPGW cable are often used in power utilities and telecommunications nowadays.In this
article, some differences between ADSS and OPGW cables will be discussed.
What are OPGW and ADSS Cables?
All-dielectric Self-supporting (ADSS) cable is a type of fiber optic cable that is strong enough to
support itself between structures without using conductive metal elements.The cable is designed
for aerial transmission and distribution power lines environments. As its name indicates, there are
no metallic components and the cable does not require a support or messenger wire, so
installation is achieved in a single pass.

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Optical ground wire (OPGW), also known as optical fiber composite overhead ground wire is a
dual-functioning cable performing the duties of a ground wire and also providing a path for the
transmission of voice, video, or data signals.The cable is designed to be installed on transmission
and distribution lines. The fibers are protected from environmental conditions (lightning, short
circuit, loading) to ensure the reliability of signal transmission.
ADSS VS.OPGW Cables
ADSS or OPGW, when dealing with outdoor fiber cabling, might be tough sometimes due to the
difference in cabling designs, features, environment, cost, and applications.Let's take look at the

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main differences between them.
Structure
ADSS cable structure is mainly composed of central strength member, stranded loose tube, water
blocking material, aramid yarn, and sheath. ADSS cable structure consists of 2 types: single jacket
and double jacket.
OPGW cable structure is mainly composed of an optical fiber unit (stainless steel tube,
aluminum-clad stainless steel tube) , and metal mono-filament (aluminum-clad steel, aluminum
alloy) peripheral reinforcement. There are 4 OPGW cable types: ACS (Aluminum clad stainless
steel tube), stranded tube, central tube, and ACP (Aluminum clad PBT).
Features
ADSS cable can be installed without shutting off the power, large span lengths, good
performance of tensile strength, lightweight and small diameter.
OPGW cable provide stainless-steel optical fiber unit with layer stranding structure, aluminum
alloy wire and aluminum clad steel wire armored, coated with anti-corrosive grease between
layers, heavy load capacity and long span installation.

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Installation Position
The installation position is inconsistent - If the wires need to be rewired or replaced due to aging,
it is more suitable to use OPGW cables than ADSS cables.Unlike OPGW optical cables, ADSS
cables are more suitable for installation in the power distribution and transmission environment
where the live wire is placed.
Installation Cost
The installation cost of OPGW cable is relatively high, and a lot of money needs to be invested at
one time; while the installation cost of ADSS cable is relatively low, because it does not need to
replace the electrical transmission line, and can also achieve free switching.
Applications
OPGW cable is used in the electric utility industry, transmission and distribution of power lines
( i.e., 500KV, 220KV, 110KV voltage grade lines), voice, video, data transmission, SCADA networks,

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ariel ground wires, and dark fiber leasing.
ADSS cable is used for telecommunications by power utilities, telcos, and private network groups,
distribution and high voltage transmission lines, conductors, outdoor aerial self-supporting
installation, enterprise OSP networks, broadband, FTTX networks, railways, long-distance
communication, CATV, CCTV, computer networks system, ethernet LAN Network, outside plant
campus backbone, etc.
Conclusion
ADSS cable is cheaper than OPGW cable and easy to install.However, OPGW cable has high
voltage transmission efficiency, and can also be used for telecommunication transmission data to
achieve the purpose of high-speed data transmission.Sun Telecom provides all ADSS and OPGW
cable products and solutions to the global market.