LAS VEGAS -- At the FTTH Conference, OFS announced the launch of its gel-free PowerGuide ShortSpan DT All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) cable. The company says the cable enables faster deployment and helps lower installation costs through reduced cable preparation time, increased span length capability and flexible buffer tubes for ease of routing and management within closures, as compared to similar gel-filled product.
According to the company, the cable's 100% gel-free construction allows for light duty attachment hardware costing on average 40 percent less per pole than comparable gel-filled cables on a typical 250 foot span due to lower loaded tension. Additionally, compared to similar gel-filled cables, up to 60% less labor per dead-end location can be realized by utilizing hardware not requiring reinforcing rods.
"Totally dry cables have been field-proven in both aerial and underground installations for nearly a decade, so this is a natural extension to an existing technology," said Timothy Pillow, Senior Vice President Global Marketing & Sales for OFS. "The introduction of a totally gel-free ADSS cable is a significant milestone in the industry with OFS leading the way to help our customers continue to speed FTTH deployments and improve deployment economics. The PowerGuide ShortSpan DT cable enables our customers to extend their service reach and to cost-effectively serve remote rural locations."
The light duty, all-dry cable meets the IEEE 1222 Standard for ADSS cable, which addresses the needs of those using all-dielectric, self-supporting fiber optic cable on overhead or in underground facilities. For more information, visit www.ofsoptics.com.