A Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for an ADSS cable looks authoritative: tables of numbers, references to IEC standards, a manufacturer’s stamp. But a TDS is a marketing document until you know how to read between the lines. This guide walks through every key parameter on an ADSS TDS — what it means, what the acceptable range is, and what a manufacturer might be trying to hide.
The 10 Parameters Every TDS Must Include
| # | Parameter | What It Means | Red Flag If… |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fiber type (ITU-T) | G.652D, G.655, G.657 — defines attenuation and dispersion characteristics | Only says “single-mode” without ITU-T designation |
| 2 | Fiber count | Number of optical fibers in the cable | Doesn’t match your specification or purchase order |
| 3 | Attenuation (dB/km) | At 1310 nm and 1550 nm — the optical loss per kilometer. G.652D should be ≤0.36 at 1310 and ≤0.22 at 1550 | Only lists one wavelength; values above ITU-T limits |
| 4 | MAT (Maximum Allowable Tension) | Maximum tension the cable can sustain without permanent deformation, in Newtons. Drives span capability | No MAT specified; only RTS given |
| 5 | RTS (Rated Tensile Strength) | Breaking strength of the cable in Newtons. MAT is typically 40-60% of RTS | MAT equals RTS (means no safety margin) |
| 6 | Cable diameter | Outer diameter in mm. Drives clamp selection and wind/ice loading | Significantly different from similar cables (may indicate different construction) |
| 7 | Cable weight (kg/km) | Self-weight. Drives sag, tension, and pole loading | Unusually low for the fiber count and diameter (may indicate reduced aramid yarn) |
| 8 | Jacket material and thickness | PE or AT, with wall thickness in mm. AT should be specified per IEC 62217 | “AT-type” or “tracking-resistant” without IEC 62217 reference |
| 9 | Aramid yarn specification | Denier, strand count, and lay length. The load-bearing component | Not listed; described only as “high-strength aramid yarn” |
| 10 | Applicable standards | IEC 60794 for cable construction; IEC 62217 for jacket tracking resistance | Lists only ISO 9001 (not a product standard) |
For the full engineering methodology behind the tension parameters, see our MAT calculation guide.
How to Verify Aramid Yarn Specifications
The aramid yarn specification is the single most important — and most commonly under-specified — parameter on an ADSS TDS. If the yarn is inadequate, the cable won’t survive its rated span.
What to look for:
- Denier: The linear mass density of the yarn. Typical values range from 1,500-15,000 denier cumulative per cable. Higher span = higher denier. For in-depth analysis, see our aramid yarn selection guide.
- Strand count: Number of individual yarn strands. More strands = better load distribution and redundancy.
- Lay length: The distance for one complete helical wrap. Shorter lay lengths improve torque balance but reduce tensile efficiency.
- Manufacturer: DuPont Kevlar or Teijin Twaron are industry standards. “Generic aramid” or unspecified brand is a red flag.
How to Verify Fiber Performance Data
The attenuation values on the TDS should be the cable attenuation, not the bare fiber attenuation from the preform manufacturer. Cable manufacturing (loose tube stranding, jacketing) adds 0.02-0.05 dB/km above the bare fiber spec. If the TDS attenuation matches the bare fiber spec exactly, the manufacturer is quoting fiber data, not cable data — which means the cable hasn’t been tested as-built.
Acceptable cable attenuation for G.652D:
- 1310 nm: ≤0.36 dB/km
- 1550 nm: ≤0.22 dB/km
- 1625 nm (if specified): ≤0.25 dB/km
Red Flags on an ADSS TDS
- “Equivalent to IEC 60794” — not the same as “Compliant with IEC 60794.” Equivalence claims should be backed by type-test certificates.
- MAT = RTS — means the manufacturer is not providing a safe working tension below the breaking strength. MAT should be 40-60% of RTS.
- No aramid yarn specification — the manufacturer may be using lower-cost, lower-strength yarn that won’t be discovered until the cable sags or fails.
- Attenuation exactly matching bare fiber spec — the cable hasn’t been tested as-built. Request factory OTDR test reports per drum.
- Weight significantly lower than comparable cables — may indicate reduced aramid yarn content. A 48-core ADSS for 500m spans should weigh 150-200 kg/km.
For procurement strategy, see our TDS writing guide for ADSS cable bids and our IEC 60794 procurement verification framework.
Key Takeaways
- A TDS is a starting point for verification, not a certificate of compliance. Every parameter should be backed by type-test reports and factory production data.
- The aramid yarn specification is the most critical and most commonly omitted parameter. If it’s not on the TDS, ask for it — and verify it.
- Cable attenuation should be higher than bare fiber attenuation. If the TDS matches the bare fiber spec, the cable hasn’t been tested.
- MAT should be 40-60% of RTS. If MAT = RTS, there’s no safety margin.
Need Help Reviewing an ADSS TDS?
Send us the TDS from your supplier — our engineering team will review every parameter, flag red flags, and provide a written assessment. Free, confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for ADSS cable?
A TDS is the manufacturer’s specification document listing all technical parameters of the cable: fiber type, attenuation, mechanical properties (MAT, RTS), dimensions, and applicable standards.
What is the difference between MAT and RTS on an ADSS TDS?
RTS is the breaking strength. MAT is the maximum tension the cable can sustain without permanent deformation — typically 40-60% of RTS. MAT is the design limit; RTS is the failure limit.
What are red flags on an ADSS cable TDS?
Key red flags: MAT equals RTS (no safety margin), no aramid yarn specification, attenuation matching bare fiber spec (cable not tested), and vague standard references like “equivalent to IEC.”
How do I verify the aramid yarn specification on a TDS?
Look for denier, strand count, lay length, and manufacturer brand (DuPont Kevlar or Teijin Twaron). “Generic aramid” without specifics is insufficient.
Should cable attenuation on the TDS match bare fiber attenuation?
No. Cable manufacturing adds 0.02-0.05 dB/km. If the TDS matches the bare fiber spec exactly, the cable hasn’t been tested as-built — it’s quoting fiber data.
