What are the differences between ADSS cable and OPGW?

　　ADSS optical cable (All-Dielectric Self-supporting) and OPGW optical fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire) are two types of special optical cables commonly used in power systems, mainly for grid communication needs. Their core differences lie in structure, function and application scenarios:

　　1. Structural differences

　　ADSS cable:

　　All-dielectric structure: composed of fiber bundle, aramid yarn (or glass fiber) reinforcement layer and outer sheath, without metal components.

　　Self-supporting design: Provides tensile strength through high-strength materials such as aramid yarn, directly suspended from the power tower without additional support.

　　OPGW cable:

　　Composite structure: The outer layer is aluminum wire or aluminum alloy wire (as ground wire), and the inner part is wrapped with a fiber optic unit (stainless steel tube protects the fiber).

　　Metal wire integration: It has both the lightning protection function of the ground wire and the communication tranSMission function, and needs to be erected synchronously with the power line.

　　2. Functions and application scenarios

　　ADSS cable:

　　Non-conductive: All-dielectric design, suitable for communication transformation of existing transmission lines, can be installed live without power outage.

　　Applicable scenarios: medium and low voltage power grids, short-distance communication, and expansion of existing lines (e.g. below 110kV).

　　OPGW cable:

　　Dual function: as a ground wire to protect the line from lightning strikes, while transmitting communication signals.

　　Applicable scenarios: New high-voltage/ultra-high-voltage transmission lines (e.g. above 220kV) require a long-distance, high-reliability communication backbone network.

　　3. Mechanical and electrical properties

　　ADSS cable:

　　Anti-electromagnetic interference: non-metallic structure, suitable for strong electric field environment.

　　Limited mechanical strength: relying on the tensile properties of aramid yarn, it is vulnerable to damage in extreme weather (such as icing).

　　OPGW cable:

　　High mechanical strength: Metal wires can withstand high tension (e.g. lightning strikes, wind loads).

　　Conductivity risk: Electromagnetic interference needs to be reduced by optimizing the fiber optic unit design, such as grounding.

　　4. Installation and maintenance

　　ADSS cable:

　　Flexible installation: without power outage, suitable for complex terrain (such as mountainous areas).

　　Maintenance cost: Regular inspection of aramid yarn aging is required, with a lifespan of about 15-20 years.

　　OPGW cable:

　　Synchronous erection: It needs to be installed together with the power line, and may require power outage construction.

　　Low maintenance requirements: The metal structure is corrosion-resistant and has a lifespan of more than 25 years, but it needs to be repaired with power lines.

　　5. Cost and investment

　　ADSS cable:

　　Low initial cost: suitable for short-term, small-scale communication needs.

　　Long-term high cost: may require frequent replacement due to aging.

　　OPGW cable:

　　Initial investment is high: it needs to be designed in collaboration with power lines.

　　Low comprehensive cost: long lifespan, high reliability, suitable for long-term planning.

　　summary comparison table

　　Select Suggestions

　　Priority ADSS: If you need to quickly deploy communication on existing lines or avoid power outages during construction.

　　Priority OPGW: If a new high-voltage line is built, it is necessary to consider lightning protection and communication, and to pursue long-term reliability.