ezSPAN® ADSS Cables for Long-Span Network Installations

Prysmian's ezSPAN® All-Dielectric Self-Supporting ADSS cables deliver reliable self-supporting performance up to 1,200 feet (365 meters). Each ezSPAN ADSS cable is custom-engineered for its specific application, accounting for the full weather load to ensure safe, dependable performance throughout its lifetime. The flexible buffer tubes simplify mid-entry, preparation, and routing within splice closures. These cables combine flexible buffer tubes with gel water-blocking technology, making ezSPAN robust, user-friendly ADSS cables for network deployment.

PLP Attachment Hardware Considerations

• Dead-ends indicated are Limited and Medium Tension dead-ends. The Limited Tension dead-end is rated for up to 1,000 lbs of long-term tension and 2,500 lbs of short-term tension. The Medium Tension dead-end is rated for up to 2,000 lbs of long-term tension and 4,000 lbs of short-term tension. For higher tension ratings, use Semi-high or High Tension dead-ends.
• Limited Tension dead-ends are suitable for spans up to 600 feet.
• C1E1 designates the use of a thimble clevis and extension link (recommended).
• Aluminum suspension is intended for in-line support with a maximum angle change of 20° and a span limit of 600 feet.
• Spans greater than 600 feet and up to 1,200 feet require reinforcing rods (SSR).
• The “S” designation refers to an anchor shackle and eye-nut (recommended).
• Vibration dampers may be required, depending on site conditions.
• Aluminum support is intended for in-line support with a maximum angle change of 20° and a span limit of 600 feet.

Resources

• Fiber Outdoor Ordering Guide
• Color Code Guide for Fiber Optic Specifications
• Fiber Code Addendum
• International Standards and Fiber Products Table

Part Numbers

Prysmian’s ADSS part numbers include the Maximum Rated Cable Load (MRCL), which creates a wide array of potential numbers that are engineered to order. There are too many variations to list here. Please consult your Prysmian sales representative for further details on specifying your ezSpan ADSS cable. You may also complete our ADSS questionnaire at the end of the ezSpan Product Datasheet to provide the necessary information for quoting.

Key Features 

• All-dielectric design allows for safe, reliable aerial self-supporting installation for communication and power transmission networks, with typical span lengths up to 1,200 feet (365 meters).
• Long Span, Safe Strain, Zero Strain and Track Resistant cables are also available.
• Flexible buffer tubes enable easy mid-span entry and simplify routing, storage, and cable preparation within splice closures, especially for FTTx network distribution needs.
• Up to 12 fibers per buffer tube, available in single or dual jacket constructions, support up to 144 fiber counts and enable easier termination and mid-span fiber access.
• Greater than 12 fibers per tube available in ezPlan ADSS cables, simplifying deployment with a single-size attachment hardware through 144 count.
• Features a gel-filled, water-blocking design that resists moisture ingress, while aramid yarns add strength and durability for demanding installations.
• Aramid yarns or alternatively fiberglass rovings, as strength members of the cable, inherently provide significantly improved resistance to rodent chews from squirrels, rats, mice, groundhogs and others.
• Supports industry standards, including IEEE 1222, ANSI/ICEA 640, IEC, RUS, and is OHSAS 18001 and ISO 9001/14001 certified for quality and safety assurance.
• Available with bend-insensitive fiber options (G657.A1 and G657.A2 single-mode) to facilitate installation where tight bends are required.
• Designed for fast and safe field preparation with features such as a ripcord for swift outer jacket removal and swellable binders to speed cable prep.
• Engineered for operation under full weather load to ensure dependable performance over its lifetime, minimizing network outages
• Made in U.S.A.

Applications 

Prysmian ezSPAN® ADSS cables are ideal for self-supporting aerial deployments in diverse environments, providing robust connectivity for utility and telecommunication networks where overhead direct attachment is preferred. These ADSS fiber optic cables are especially valued for installations that require little or no support infrastructure modification and where high reliability and resistance to environmental factors are critical.​ 

• Utility Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Networks
• Point-to-Point (P2P) Networks
• Municipal Networks and Connected Anchor Institutions (CAI)
• Transit railroad networks for streetcar, interurban and commuter rail networks utilizing catenary
• Access networks
• FTTH (Fiber To The Home)
• PON (Passive Optical Network)
• Sensing networks for power transmission and distribution lines
• Broadband public and private communication networks​
• Fiber Deep and HFC overbuilds with limited permitting and clearance on existing poles

Why ADSS Cables From Prysmian? 

Prysmian’s ADSS fiber optic cables combine decades of engineering expertise with advanced material science to deliver superior reliability and ease of installation. Every ezSPAN® ADSS cable is custom-engineered to handle site-specific loading conditions, moisture, temperature changes, and mechanical stress, ensuring peace of mind and maximizing network uptime. Prysmian’s meticulous review of your stated span lengths, NESC loading conditions, and installed sag ensures our engineered designs will deliver the utmost reliability and lifespan in the field. Trusted by utilities and network operators, Prysmian cables meet stringent global standards and are supported by technical resources for seamless deployment.​

FAQs

What is the ezSpan® ADSS Cable? 

The ezSpan® ADSS Cable is an all-dielectric, self-supporting fiber optic cable designed for aerial deployment in utility and telecom networks.​

What does “ADSS” mean? 

“ADSS” stands for All-Dielectric Self-Supporting, indicating a non-metallic cable design that can span long distances without additional support wires.​ ADSS cables can be installed in the power space above the neutral, or within the NESC 40-inch worker safety zone, offering unique advantages over traditional “strand and lash” fiber-optic cables. ADSS offers reduced make-ready, permitting and attachment fees. Because it is self-supporting, ADSS cables must have the proper amount of strength elements (aramid and fiberglass) to maintain tensile strength during installation and operation in challenging environments. In the United States, the NESC classifies regional loading conditions as light, medium, and heavy. In addition to span length, engineers must account for these loading conditions and sag to properly design the cable.

Where is ADSS cable typically used? 

ADSS cable is typically used in aerial installations along utility poles or transmission lines for telecommunications, SCADA, and broadband networks.​ ADSS is often used in private rail networks where catenary poles are available, and also in municipal networks for connected anchor institutions (CAI). 

What makes ezSpan® ADSS different from other fiber optic cables? 

Prysmian ezSpan® ADSS cables offer a few additional design criteria that may not be found elsewhere. 

First, ezSpan can be made with SafeStrain (standard) or ZeroStrain designs. In ADSS cables, there is a tolerance for up to 0.20% of strain on the optical fibers per IEEE-1222. To eliminate strain completely, Prysmian ZeroStrain designs ADSS cables with sufficient aramid strength yarns to prevent fiber breaks from static fatigue during normal operation. 

Second, Prysmian also offers ezPlan designs of ezSpan ADSS, which greatly simplify the bill of materials for a typical ADSS project. By adjusting the number of fibers per tube, ezPlan cables can maintain the same cable outside diameter up to and including 144 fibers. That change means the hardware used for all fiber counts is the same, reducing complexity and the need to order more hardware to meet minimum quantities. 

Lastly, Prysmian is one of the few manufacturers offering track-resistant jackets. Track-resistant cables are used near high-voltage lines, typically 115 kV to 275 kV, and are designed to withstand dry-band arcing and corona discharge. These phenomena can degrade standard polyethylene fiber optic cable jackets over time. While this feature is more common with Prysmian’s Long Span ADSS for use on high-voltage lattice towers, ezSpan cables can also come with track-resistant jackets.

Where can I find product specifications and ordering information? 

Product specifications and ordering information are available in the Product Datasheet and the Fiber Outdoor Ordering Guide.​