Fiber Optic Cable
All-Dielectric and Optical Ground Wire Cables for Power Grid Communication, Plus Underground, Submarine and FTTH Fiber Cables
IEC 60794 · IEEE 1138 · ITU-T G.652/655/657 | ADSS Span up to 1,000m | OPGW for 110kV – 550kV Transmission Lines | 2 – 144 Core Configurations | Exported to 138 Countries | Quote & Datasheet Response
Fiber optic cables for power lines are fiber optic cables installed on towers or poles of overhead transmission lines.
ZMS manufactures and wholesales various types of fiber optic cables. Mainly including ADSS / OPGW / OPPC power fiber optic cable, optoelectronic composite cable, direct buried fiber optic cable, mining flame retardant fiber optic cable, underwater fiber optic cable, rodent-proof fiber optic cable, non-metallic fiber optic cable, temperature measurement fiber optic cable, power fiber optic cable fixture, and other products.
Our Fiber Optic Cable Products
OPGW Optical Ground Wire, also called optical fiber composite overhead ground wire. The structure generally adopts aluminum tube type, aluminum frame type, and (stainless) steel tube type structure. The structure of the multicore OPGW optical fiber cable is to sleeve multiple 250μm optical fibers into a tube made of stainless steel. The casing is surrounded by aluminum-clad steel wire (AS wire), and the outer layer is wrapped with aluminum alloy wire (AA wire) and twisted into a cable.
OPGW Optical Cable Features:
- It has the dual functions of ground wire and communication optical cable, eliminating the cost of repeated erection and maintenance.
- Installed on the top of the power overhead line tower, no need to consider factors such as hanging points and electrical corrosion.
- During the transformation of the old line, the outer diameter and tensile weight of the optical cable can be better matched than the other ground wire.
- Large transmission capacity, high communication quality and good reliability.
- Have good mechanical and electrical properties.
- Good safety performance, long service life, not easy to be destructive shooting.
Standards: IEC 60794-4 IEEE 1138
Key Parameters: Applicable to 110kV–550kV, number of cores 2–48+
ADSS Fiber Optic Cable is also called all-dielectric self-supporting optical cable. All-dielectric, that is, the optical cable uses all-dielectric materials. Self-supporting refers to the strength of the optical cable itself that can withstand its own weight and external load. ADSS optical fiber cables mainly include PE/AT two kinds of sheaths, and the span (gauge) of the two optical cables is from 100 m to 1500 m.
ADSS Optical Cable Features:
- ADSS optical cable has a different structure from overhead line conductors. Its tensile strength is borne by armed rope. The elastic modulus of armed rope is more than half that of steel, and its thermal expansion coefficient is a fraction of that of steel, which determines ADSS The sag of the optical cable is more sensitive to external load changes.
- Strong ability to withstand severe weather (high winds, icing, etc.).
- The outer sheath of ADSS optical cable is made of AT or PE material, and it runs in a strong electric field, and there is an electric corrosion problem.
- The ADSS optical cable has a certain degree of resistance to pressure and can withstand the greater grip strength of the tensile clamp.
- The ADSS optical cable will vibrate due to wind. Smooth and stable horizontal wind blows to the optical cable, wind vibration will occur, and fatigue damage will occur at the hanging point.
Standards: IEC 60794-4 IEEE 1138 ITU-T G.652D
Key Parameters: Span 100–1,000m, number of cores 2–144
OPPC Fiber Optic Cable (Optical phase Conductor, OPPC for short). It is a new type of special optical cable for power communication systems. When used in power distribution network systems, it can avoid conflicts with the outside world in terms of frequency resources, routing coordination, and electromagnetic compatibility. It is a new type of optical cable with dual functions of power transmission and communication. Mainly used for voltage levels below 110kV, suburban power distribution network, rural power grid.
OPPC Optical Cable Features:
- Replace one or more of the traditional transmission wires with a stainless-steel tube light unit, so that the steel tube light unit and (aluminum clad) steel wire and aluminum (alloy) wire are twisted together to form OPPC.
- Use OPPC to replace one phase in the three-phase power system to form a transmission line composed of two wires and one OPPC.
- To use a seamless stainless-steel tube optical fiber protection design, the tube is filled with fiber paste to effectively protect the optical fiber.
- The optical fiber can obtain a better excess length in the stainless-steel tube.
- The inner aluminum-clad steel wire mainly plays the role of providing the tensile strength of the optical cable.
- The main function of the outer aluminum wire is to provide the current carrying capacity of the circuit and also provide a part of the mechanical strength.
Key Parameters: Applicable to <110kV custom core numbers
The FTTH drop cable is located at the user end. It is usually a small diameter, low fiber count fiber optic cable with a limited unsupported span. It can be installed overhead, underground, or buried.
Structural Features
- Non-metal reinforced, low-smoke halogen-free flame-retardant polyolefin sheath, butterfly-shaped drop optical cable.
- In FTTH applications, it has both low-cost and good adaptability. Meet the design requirements of various access network optical cables and the use of multiple access methods.
- The finished optical cable has excellent bending resistance, supports dense wiring, low bending additional loss under small bending radius, and high mechanical reliability.
- It is convenient for the construction and distribution of optical cables, and is easy to splice or connect.
- Suitable for indoor wiring of fiber-to-the-home projects. Both sides of the optical cable are low-smoke halogen-free outer sheaths, reinforced by glass fiber reinforced plastics.
Key Parameters: 1–12 cores (FTTH), custom-made
The structure of the GYXTW optical cable is to sheath single-mode or multimode optical fiber into a loose tube made of high modulus polyester material, and the tube is filled with waterproof compounds. The loose tube is covered with a layer of double-sided plastic-coated steel longitudinal wrap. Water material is added between the steel belt and the loose tube to ensure the compactness and longitudinal water resistance of the optical cable. Two parallel steel wires are placed on both sides, and the polyethylene (PE) sheath is used to form the cable.
GYXTW Pipeline Optical Cable Features:
- The small size and lightweight make the optical cable have good bending resistance, which is convenient for construction work.
- The steel tape armor layer enhances the side pressure and moisture resistance of the optical cable.
- Two steel wire reinforcements, good tensile performance.
- Double-sided plastic-coated steel tape (PSP) improves the moisture-proof ability of the optical cable.
- Process control and selection of high-quality materials make the optical cable have good mechanical and environmental performance.
ADSS vs OPGW – Which Fiber Cable is Right for Your Power Line?
ADSS and OPGW are the two most common fiber optic cable types for power transmission lines. The right choice depends on whether you are retrofitting an existing line or building new infrastructure, and your project’s electrical and mechanical requirements.
Comparison Items | ADSS | OPGW |
Material Composition | All-dielectric (aramid yarn strength components + aluminum-clad steel, without conductive metal layer) | Metal-clad structure (stainless steel tube or aluminum tube + aluminum-clad steel stranded wire) |
Installation Location | Suspended on the side of the tower, installed independently | Replace the original ground wire and install it at the top of the tower. |
Dual Function | Communication function only | Dual function of grounding and communication (eliminating the need for a dedicated ground wire) |
Operating Temperature Range | −40°C to 70°C | -40°C to 85°C (wider tolerance range) |
Electrical Conductivity | Non-conductive (no risk of electrolytic corrosion, but no lightning protection) | Conductive, providing lightning protection |
Typical Span | 100m–1,000m | The span is consistent with that of the line towers, with no additional span restrictions. |
Most Suitable Scenarios | Upgrade projects to add communication functions to existing power lines, and low-voltage power distribution lines | New transmission lines (which can simultaneously replace ground wires), and main lines of 110kV and above. |
Installation Complexity | Low cost, independent construction, and no impact on existing line structure. | It needs to be coordinated with the circuit design and is usually installed during the construction or major overhaul of the circuit. |
Typical Application Voltage | Applicable to all voltage levels, commonly used in renovation projects. | 110kV, 220kV, and 550kV high-voltage transmission lines |
Recommended Choice | Upgrading of mountain lines with large spans and existing lines where power outages are inconvenient for construction. | New substation transmission lines that require lightning protection |
Selection Recommendations: If your project involves building new transmission lines, OPGW is generally a more economical choice (it addresses both grounding and communication needs in a single installation). For upgrades to existing lines by adding communication functionality, the stand-alone installation of ADSS is more suitable, as it avoids interrupting line operation. Tell us your project type and voltage level, and we can provide specific selection recommendations.
Fiber Optic Cable Applications
ADSS and OPGW cables form the communication backbone of modern power grids, enabling SCADA, protection relay signalling, and grid monitoring data to travel alongside the power lines they protect. ZMS supplies OPGW cables for 110kV to 550kV transmission lines with integrated lightning protection function, and ADSS cables for retrofit and lower-voltage applications.
ZMS has supplied ADSS fiber optic cables for wind farm projects across multiple countries, supporting turbine SCADA communication and turbine-to-substation data links. ADSS cables are the preferred choice for wind farm internal communication networks due to their ease of installation on existing tower and pole structures.
OPPC cables combine power transmission and communication functions for suburban distribution networks and rural power grids, ideal for projects in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia where dedicated communication infrastructure investment needs to be minimised alongside grid electrification.
Submarine fiber optic cables support inter-island communication links, offshore platform data transmission, and real-time monitoring for offshore wind installations. ZMS submarine fiber cables are available in lightweight, single, and double armour configurations for different water depths.
Advanced Production Equipment and Process
- Aramid Yarn Stranding Machine of ADSS Cable
- Continuous Clad & Extruder
- CD400 Optical Fiber Dispersion & Strain Instrument
- Electro- Tension Meter
- Optical Time Domain Reflectometer- OTDR
Advanced equipment is a prerequisite to ensure the quality of the product. The machine company used by ZMS to produce the cables has extended its annual production capacity three times. Many advanced manufacturing equipment and measuring instruments have been introduced to companies in Switzerland, the USA, France, Japan, the UK, Italy, and other countries, and continuous technological improvements have been made to ensure leading technology and first-class product quality.
Fiber Optic Cable Catalog
ZMS FIBER OPTIC CABLE PDF
ZMS provides our partners around the world with brochures of our cable products, including aerial cables, submarine cables, control cables and other types of special cables, and more.
If you don’t know how to choose the product you need, or don’t find the cable type and size you need on this page, don’t worry. Contact us and send us your requirements, we can help you choose the right cable. You can provide us with the following information: cable voltage, conductor material, insulation and sheath material, shield type, armor type, etc. or you can provide us with cable installation environment, application requirements, etc. We will serve you wholeheartedly. ZMS cable supplier has a number of quality certifications: ISO 9000, ISO 9001, ISO14000, ISO14001, ISO18000, CE, IEC, BS, NFC, ASTM, DIN, etc.
Quality Services
Fiber Optic Cable Structure Design
If you can provide the information in the picture on the left, we can provide you with a detailed customized fiber optic cable design, including types and best price service.
Service Selection
Perfect-Mid-Sales Services
- Tension-sag calculation
- Designed drum
- Fitting and anti-vibration design
- Technical specification
- Contacting meeting of design and factory test
- Technical training and seminar
Perfect After-Sales Services
- Optical fiber and cable performance testing on-site
- Acceptance of the fitting & accessories Optical fiber splicing
- Final acceptance of completed project
- Tracking and visiting the client
About Fiber Optic Cable Accessories
ZMS is a leading cable and fiber optic cable manufacturer in China with 30 years of experience. ZMS provides one-stop R&D-production-sales logistics services to more than 100 countries around the world. ZMS optical cable passed the ISO 9001:2000 quality system certification in 2010. With a complete quality control system, excellent technical team, advanced equipment, and reliable quality, our products enjoy a high reputation in the domestic and foreign markets.
We not only produce high-quality fiber optic cable products, but also types of cable accessories. Include cable insulators, cable terminations, cable lugs, overhead line fittings, and other cable accessories made of top materials. ZMS company relies on excellent product quality, meticulous customer service, and efficient and fast delivery capabilities. We sincerely invite you to cooperate with you to achieve excellent results.
FAQ – Fiber Optic Cable for Power Lines
ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) cable contains no metallic components, making it immune to electrical corrosion in high-voltage fields, and is installed independently on the side of transmission towers without replacing existing infrastructure. OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) cable contains a metallic core that conducts electricity, allowing it to replace the conventional ground wire on a transmission tower while also carrying fiber optic communication — providing both lightning protection and communication in a single cable. ADSS is generally the better choice for retrofitting existing lines without interrupting operation, while OPGW is more economical for new transmission line construction since it combines two functions (grounding and communication) into one installation. OPGW also has a wider operating temperature range (−40°C to 85°C versus −40°C to 70°C for ADSS), making it more suitable for extreme climate conditions.
OPPC (Optical Phase Conductor) cable combines power transmission and fiber optic communication by replacing one of the phase conductors on a power line, rather than the ground wire (as with OPGW) or being installed separately (as with ADSS). OPPC is mainly used for voltage levels below 110kV in suburban distribution networks and rural power grids, where it avoids frequency interference and electromagnetic compatibility issues, and eliminates the need for a separate ground wire installation. OPPC is a good choice for rural electrification projects in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia where combining power distribution and communication infrastructure in a single project reduces overall costs.
Yes. OPGW is the preferred fiber optic solution for new transmission line construction because it combines the lightning protection ground wire function with fiber optic communication in a single installation, avoiding the cost of a separate ground wire and communication cable. ZMS supplies OPGW cables for 110kV, 220kV, and 550kV new-build transmission line projects, with aluminium tube, aluminium frame, or stainless steel tube core structures depending on the required short-circuit current capacity and lightning protection performance. Core counts from 2 to 48+ fibers are available, with custom configurations for specific project communication requirements. Contact us with your line voltage, span length, and short-circuit current rating for a technical recommendation and quotation.
Standard ADSS cable spans range from 100m to 1,000m, with the maximum achievable span depending primarily on the outer sheath material, conductor sag requirements, and local wind and ice loading conditions. PE (polyethylene) sheathed ADSS is suitable for standard spans up to approximately 500–700m in moderate climate conditions. AT (anti-tracking) sheathed ADSS, which provides resistance to electrical tracking and erosion in high-voltage electric fields, is recommended for longer spans and installations near high-voltage conductors, and can achieve spans up to 1,000m or more with appropriate strength member design. Areas with high wind loads or significant ice accumulation will require shorter spans or higher-strength cable construction. Contact us with your span length, voltage level, and local climate data for a specific cable recommendation.