This part of IEC 60794, which is a family specification, covers optical telecommunication cables, commonly with single-mode fibres to be used primarily in overhead power lines applications. The cable may also be used in other overhead utility networks, such as for telephony or TV services. Requirements of the sectional specification IEC 60794‑4 for aerial optical cables along electrical power lines are applicable to cables covered by this standard.

The ADSS cable consists of single-mode optical fibres contained in one or more protective dielectric fibre optic units surrounded by or attached to suitable dielectric strength members and sheaths. The cable does not contain metallic components. An ADSS cable is designed to meet the optical and mechanical requirements under different types of installation, operating and environmental conditions and loading, as described in Annex B.

This standard covers the construction, mechanical, electrical, and optical performance, installation guidelines, acceptance criteria, test requirements, environmental considerations, and accessories compatibility for an all dielectric, self-supporting fibre optic (ADSS) cable. The standard provides both construction and performance requirements that ensure, within the guidelines of this standard, that the mechanical capabilities of the cable components and maintenance of optical fibre integrity and optical transmissions are proper.

This standard excludes any “lashed” or “wrapped” OPAC cables.

Cables intended for installation in conformity with ISO/IEC 24702 and related standards may require the specification of additional tests to ensure their suitability in the applicable environments defined by the mechanical, ingress, climatic and chemical, and electromagnetic (MICE) classification. These tests are outside of the scope of IEC 60794 cable specifications, and MICE criteria are not part of the requirements for IEC 60794 specifications. The MICE tests may be the same as, similar to, or substantially different from, the tests required by IEC 60794 specifications. Cables manufactured per IEC 60794 specifications may or may not meet the MICE criteria. For supplemental discussion, see IEC/TR 62362.