NS201

All Dielectric Self Supporting

Fibre Optic Cabling for Installation
on Distribution Assets
February 2008
 SUMMARY
Network Standard NS201 is Ausgrid’s specification for the design and installation of Aerial
All Dielectric Self Supporting Fibre Optic Networks.

ISSUE
For issue to all Ausgrid and Accredited Service Providers’ staff involved with the design and
construction of underground sub-transmission lines forming part of Ausgrid’s network, and
for general reference by field, technical and engineering staff.

Ausgrid maintains a copy of this and other Network Standards together with updates and
amendments on www.ausgrid.com.au.
Where this standard is issued as a controlled document replacing an earlier edition, remove
and destroy the superseded document.
DISCLAIMER
As Ausgrid’s standards are subject to ongoing review, the information contained in this
document may be amended by Ausgrid at any time.
It is possible that conflict may exist between standard documents. In this event, the most
recent standard shall prevail.
This document has been developed using information available from field and other sources
and is suitable for most situations encountered in Ausgrid. Particular conditions, projects or
localities may require special or different practices. It is the responsibility of the local
manager, supervisor, assured quality contractor and the individuals involved to ensure that a
safe system of work is employed and that statutory requirements are met.
Ausgrid disclaims any and all liability to any person or persons for any procedure, process or
any other thing done or not done, as a result of this Standard.
Note that compliance with this Network Standard does not automatically satisfy the
requirements of a Designer Safety Report. The designer must comply with the provisions of
the WHS Regulation 2011 (NSW - Part 6.2 Duties of designer of structure and person who
commissions construction work) which requires the designer to provide a written safety
report to the person who commissioned the design. This report must be provided to Ausgrid
in all instances, including where the design was commissioned by or on behalf of a person
who proposes to connect premises to Ausgrid’s network, and will form part of the Designer
Safety Report which must also be presented to Ausgrid. Further information is provided in
Network Standard (NS) 212 Integrated Support Requirements for Ausgrid Network Assets.

INTERPRETATION
In the event that any user of this Standard considers that any of its provisions is uncertain,
ambiguous or otherwise in need of interpretation, the user should request Ausgrid to clarify
the provision. Ausgrid’s interpretation shall then apply as though it was included in the
Standard, and is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into with any person
disputing the meaning of the provision published in the Standard or the accuracy of
Ausgrid’s interpretation.
 Network Standard
NS201
All Dielectric Self Supporting Fibre Optic Cabling for Installation
on Distribution Assets
February 2008

CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Scope ............................................................................................................... 1
1.3 References and other relevant standards........................................................ 1

2 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................... 2

3 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS........................................................................ 2
3.1 Abbreviations ................................................................................................... 2
3.2 Definitions......................................................................................................... 3

4 REGULATORY ISSUES .............................................................................................. 4

4.1 Asbestos........................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Environment ..................................................................................................... 4
4.3 Council ............................................................................................................. 4
4.4 Roads and Traffic Authority.............................................................................. 4
4.5 Other Notices ................................................................................................... 4

5 TYPICAL AUSGRID POLE CONSTRUCTION ............................................................ 5

6 EXCLUSIONS.............................................................................................................. 5
7 POLE CLASSIFICATIONS........................................................................................... 6
7.1 Normal Shared Use Poles................................................................................ 6
7.2 Special Shared Use Poles ............................................................................... 6
7.3 Defective and Condemned Poles .................................................................... 7

8 MINIMUM CLEARANCES............................................................................................ 7
8.1 ADSS Minimum Clearances from Aerial Fixed Attachments ........................... 7
8.2 ADSS Minimum Clearances from Ground ....................................................... 8

9 ADSS MATERIALS SELECTION................................................................................. 9

9.1 Cable Selection ................................................................................................ 9
9.2 Fibre Optic Cable Markings.............................................................................. 9
9.3 ADSS Splice Enclosures.................................................................................. 9
9.4 Pit Construction.............................................................................................. 10
9.5 UGOH Construction ....................................................................................... 10
9.6 ADSS Fitting Selection................................................................................... 11
9.7 ADSS Pole Attachments ................................................................................ 14
9.8 Cable Coils ..................................................................................................... 15
9.9 Vibration Dampers ......................................................................................... 17
9.10 Cable Downleads ........................................................................................... 17
9.11 Abrasion Protection........................................................................................ 17
9.12 Cross Arms..................................................................................................... 17
9.13 Concrete and Steel Poles .............................................................................. 18
9.14 Fibre Optic Warning Notice ............................................................................ 20

10 CABLE CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES................................................................... 20

10.1 Cable Stringing Sheaves................................................................................ 20
 10.2 Route Survey ................................................................................................. 20
10.3 Pole Preparation ............................................................................................ 21
10.4 Cable Stringing Techniques ........................................................................... 21
10.5 Sag and Tension ............................................................................................ 21
10.6 Relocating Assets .......................................................................................... 21
10.7 Cable Care ..................................................................................................... 22
10.8 Make Ready Work.......................................................................................... 22
10.9 Types of Make Ready Work........................................................................... 22

11 RECORDING OF NETWORK ASSETS..................................................................... 22

11.1 Recording Of Other Organisations’ Installations............................................ 23
 1 February 2008

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose
This document provides an overview of the minimum requirements that are to be
used when constructing an All Dielectric Self Supporting (ADSS) circular fibre optic
cabling system attached to Ausgrid assets.
An optical cable network must provide a very high service level for continuity of both
internal control networks and other services. Installation must be carried out by
experienced personnel in a professional manner in order to minimize the risk of
subsequent failure.

1.2 Scope
The intent of this document is to provide a general guide to the technical issues that
must be addressed in the design and construction of an ADSS communications
network on Ausgrid assets. It is neither practical nor possible to cover every issue
that may arise during a network rollout. In the event that clarification is required the
reader must contact the Manager, Engineering Standards and Research.

1.3 References and other relevant standards

NUS174C Environmental Handbook for Construction and Maintenance

NUS100 Field Recording of Network Assets

NEG TC01 All Dielectric Self Supporting (ADSS) Cable on Poles - Design Guidelines
Planning and Design Standards for Electrical Network Telecommunications
NS203
Assets
NS204.2.1 Communications Pits – Specifications and Installation Guidelines

AS7000 Overhead Line Design

ENA NENS National guidelines for safe approach distances to electrical and
04-2006 mechanical apparatus

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February 2008 2

2 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
Design and construction shall:
 comply with all relevant provisions of applicable legislation, regulations and
industry codes of practice including any relevant Codes;
 comply with any other Australian Standards at the time relevant to the
telecommunications industry and the electricity industry;
 comply with such other codes, procedures or standards as agreed between the
Parties from time to time; and
 comply with Ausgrid documents including but not limited to Network Standards,
Network Management Plan and Electrical Safety Rules as relevant and
appropriate.
 be aware of and reference NEG-TC01, All Dielectric Self Supporting Cable on
Poles – Design Guidelines

3 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.1 Abbreviations
ABC Aerial Bundled Cable
ADSS All Dielectric Self Supporting cable
AS Australian Standards
CMEN Common Multiple Earth Neutral
EPR Earth Potential Rise
ES Electrical Standard
GIS Geographic Information System
HFC Hybrid Fibre Coaxial cable network
HV High Voltage
IM Integral Messenger
kN kilo Newton
kV kilo Volt
LFI Low Frequency Induction
LV Low Voltage
NS Network Standard
WH&S Work Health and Safety
PE Photo Electric (Cell)
PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
UGOH Underground to Overhead transition structure
XLPE Cross-linked polyethylene

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3.2 Definitions
ADSS All Dielectric Self Supporting fibre optic cable which is
nonconductive, self supporting and is capable of being
erected under tension between supports. It does not
require a separate catenary.
Catenary A separately constructed strength member attached to a
pole to which communications equipment and cable may
be attached. This also includes that part of an integral
bearer cable which is used to support wires and cables
which are enclosed in a cover or sheath.
Down Traffic Side The side of the pole on the far side of the on-coming traffic
(of a pole) (with pole and on-coming traffic on same side of road).
Earth Potential Rise The potential with respect to remote earth potential to
which a location rises due to the flow of current in the
earth.
High Voltage High voltage is normally more than 1,000 volts AC or 1500
volts DC
Hybrid Fibre Copper Telco network cable consisting of copper co-axial and
fibre optics.
Low Voltage Low voltage is normally more than 50 volts AC or 120
volts ripple free DC but is not more than 1,000 volts AC or
1500 volts DC.
Low Frequency Induction The generation of induced voltages in conductors
inductively coupled to a power line due to 50 Hz currents
flowing in the power line and using the earth as a return
path.

Make Ready Work The work which is required to be carried out prior to or at
the time when equipment is being attached to a pole in
order to ensure compliance with the requirements of this
document or the requirements of other relevant
authorities.
Normal Shared Use Shared use of a pole under conditions which comply with
this document and do not unduly stress the pole. This
does not include poles which are specifically listed as
Special Shared Use poles.
Pole Pole owned by Ausgrid.
Project Manager The person managing the design and construction of the
relevant ADSS project.
Special Shared Use Shared use of poles of a type specified by Ausgrid and as
defined in this document.

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4 REGULATORY ISSUES

All work carried out on Ausgrid’s network and/or its poles must be in accordance
with Ausgrid’s Electrical Safety Rules.
Design and construction must comply with all relevant provisions of applicable
legislation, regulations and industry codes of practice as well as any relevant
Australian and International Standards, as detailed in Standards Clause and Work
Health and Safety Clause of the Design and Deployment Agreement.

4.1 Asbestos
All materials and equipment used for construction of Ausgrid’s assets are to be free
from asbestos and / or asbestos related products. Suppliers are expected to comply
with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) together with the Work Health and
Safety Regulation 2011 (NSW) and confirm in writing that all products supplied to
Ausgrid contain no asbestos related materials.

4.2 Environment
ADSS project plans shall consider the environmental impacts of the proposed
installation and satisfy the requirements of the Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act 1979. An Environmental Impact Assessment may be required
before works can commence. Refer to NUS174 – Environmental Procedures, for
further information regarding environmental issues. Alternatively, contact Ausgrid.

4.3 Council
Relevant local councils must be informed, in writing, with a minimum of 40 days
notice, of any Ausgrid plans to construct aerial communications infrastructure.
Councils must be asked to advise if special zoning or consent requirements apply to
the proposed works in the relevant area.

4.4 Roads and Traffic Authority

The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) must be informed of any works that may
cause interruption on an RTA controlled road, and the appropriate permits must be
obtained prior to the commencement of works.

4.5 Other Notices

Some projects may require prior consultation and notices with other authorities
including: Rail Infrastructure Corporation, Australian Rail Track Corporation and
TransGrid.

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5 TYPICAL AUSGRID POLE CONSTRUCTION

The majority of the Ausgrid poles are desapped or treated hardwood poles with
some poles being of a spun concrete construction with internal metal strength
members.
In addition to the power network assets, the poles are also used for supporting a
number of other types of equipment such as public street lighting, special lighting,
supporting road and street signs and traffic signal equipment. There may also be
other private and public communications networks which can utilise both copper and
optic fibre based cables. In addition there are a number of HFC networks which
involve stranded cable, fibre optic cable, co-axial cable and network components.
Some poles support mobile phone transmitter units, which emit high frequency
electromagnetic radiation and may require disconnection prior to working on the
pole1. Refer to the owner of the installation using the 24-hour number attached to
the equipment.

6 EXCLUSIONS

This Network Standard describes the requirement for the aerial communications
systems deployed with cable that is circular in cross-section and entirely non-
conductive (all-dielectric). Excluded are cabling systems that contain conductive
cable components such as metallic armouring, integral bearer wires or metallic
catenary supports.
This Network Standard does not describe the requirements for ADSS to be installed
in areas of extreme pollution. ADSS must not be installed without prior consultation
with Ausgrid in areas where there is a perceived risk that extreme pollution may
cause the outer sheath of the cable to become conductive and be subject to
electrical tracking or other electric field effects.
Some specific pole types will require modifications to the normal attachment to the
pole to facilitate safe access and operation of the power system equipment such as
air break switches, pole mounted transformers.
Service poles should not be used for main communications lines.

1
Refer to NS102, Working on Poles with Mobile Phone Transmitter Installations

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7 POLE CLASSIFICATIONS

Not all poles within the area serviced by Ausgrid are owned by Ausgrid2. The Project
Manager is responsible for confirming the ownership of any pole. Plans from
Ausgrid’s GIS may provide an indication of those poles owned by Ausgrid.
Poles proposed to be used for the construction of the communication network can
be classified as being one of three types, i.e.
 Normal Shared Use
 Special Shared Use
 Defective and Condemned poles.
During the route planning and design process the classification for each pole along
the desired route (i.e. Normal, Special or Condemned) shall be determined.

7.1 Normal Shared Use Poles

Normal Shared Use poles are those where the conditions of this document have
been met and pole calculations have confirmed that a pole of a certain height and
residual strength can support the additional loads applied by the proposed
attachments.

7.2 Special Shared Use Poles

Where a nominated pole does not meet the conditions of a Normal Shared Use
pole, it will be classed as a Special Shared pole. In the case of Special Shared Use
poles all applications will be subject to the conditions described in this document
and steps shall be taken to demonstrate that the pole will not be unduly stressed by
the addition of ADSS apparatus.
A pole is a Special Shared Use pole if it is of uncertain condition or in an
unbalanced or highly loaded condition. The following would also be considered as
Special Shared Use Poles:
 staked pole, (refer to NS145 Pole Inspection and Treatment Procedures, a
reinforced (nailed or splinted) pole, a pole with the original foundation
supplemented with a structural support system).
 limited life pole, (refer to NS145 Pole Inspection and Treatment Procedures,
for definition).
 stayed pole, (where a stay wire or wires are used between the pole and a
support point to adequately counter the resultant conductor tension).
 stay pole, (an additional pole providing suitable leverage to which a stay wire is
attached to counter conductor tension).
 steel pole supporting overhead mains
 steel street lighting column
 pole supporting electrolysis drainage cables or associated equipment
 pole supporting public transport conductor or associated equipment
 pole on which a strained configuration is employed (Tension Structure)

2
Common-Use Pole. Refer to NS145. A pole belonging to another public utility or authority,
on which Ausgrid’s wires are attached. The pole is mainly used to carry conductors belonging
to the owner of the pole.

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The installation of ADSS fittings on Special Shared use poles may require the
relocation of existing plant, or the construction of additional overhead infrastructure,
such as a cross arm or stand-off bracket.
It is recommended to avoid locating ADSS terminations on Special Shared Use
poles.

7.3 Defective and Condemned Poles

From NS-145, “Pole Inspection and Treatment Procedures”, August 2006:
Defective / condemned poles can be identified in the following manner:
 Defective Poles – A single 75mm wide highly visible orange band secured
around the pole at least 2.4m above ground but below 3m, encircling the whole
pole, marked with Black “X X X”s
 Condemned Poles – A single orange band as above, plus a permanently
marked “X” painted 1.8 m above ground on opposite sides of the pole with
slashes ‘/’ ‘\’ at least 500 mm long, using white paint.
Condemned poles must be removed from service or stabilised without undue delay.
If you find a pole you consider to be dangerous, you must report it immediately to
the Ausgrid Supervisor/Contract Officer/Customer Service Office to ensure
appropriate action is taken.
In the case of a condemned pole the Project Manager shall organise that the pole
be replaced as part of the Make Ready Work program prior to installation of any
further infrastructure.

8 MINIMUM CLEARANCES

8.1 ADSS Minimum Clearances from Aerial Fixed Attachments

The Ausgrid Electrical Safety Rules sets out the minimum safe working distances
from live exposed conductors. In all cases the latest revision of the Electrical Safety
Rules must be observed.
The table below shows the minimum clearances of the aerial cabling system from
other overhead plant at the closest point in the span, with conductors at maximum
sag:

ADSS below the conductors up to and Minimum clearance at

including 33kV maximum sag
Below conductors lowest point at max sag for
300 mm
cables attached to the same poles
Below conductors lowest point at max sag for
500 mm
cables attached to separate poles
Above conductors at minimum sag 200 mm

Notes:
1. For voltages 66kV and above, the cable manufacturer shall be asked to advise
as to the cable placement, which minimises electric field effects, based upon the

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February 2008 8

overhead electricity construction. The cable manufacturer may suggest the use
of an anti-tracking cable sheath and/or corona coils.
In considering the point of attachment for ADSS cables, the designer, Project
Manager and installer shall consider:
 Electrical Safety Rules
 The minimum clearances 8.1 and 8.2 of this Network Standard.
 Aim to maximize above ground clearance
 The visual amenity of the installation.
 Risk of damage to the ADSS cable during tree trimming.
 Access requirements for future repairs and maintenance of the ADSS cable
and other aerial plant.
 The mid-span clearance of the cable considering the sag of ADSS and
overhead conductors
Please also refer to NEG TC 01, ADSS Cables on Poles – Design Guidelines.

8.2 ADSS Minimum Clearances from Ground

Network Location Minimum Clearance from
Ground (mm)

Over any part of a carriageway of a primary 6500

road

Over land, other than the carriageway of a road, 6500

which is traversable by road vehicles on land (see note 2)
zoned industrial
Over any part of a carriageway of a road 6500

Over land, other than the carriageway of a road, 6000

which is traversable by road vehicles or
agricultural machinery
Over a residential driveway and any other part 5500
of a footpath

Over land which is not or should not be 5000

traversed by road vehicles or agricultural
machinery
Over deep water (> 2m depth) allowing sailing 15,000
craft* (see note 3)
above MHW
Over shallow water (<= 2 m deep) not allowing 8,000 (see note 3)
sailing craft* above MHW

Notes:
1. Some local councils and private land-holders impose minimum clearances
different from those in the above table. The Project Manager shall confirm with
the relevant authorities whether different clearances are required.
2. Over land in industrial areas, in particular driveways where LV cables exist, the
ADSS can be installed below 6500mm PROVIDED the ADSS cables are
located a minimum of 125mm higher than the LV cable.
3. *The NSW Maritime Crossing Guide must be referred to for ADSS installations
with water crossings. The installer must adhere to any clearance implied or

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mandated by this Guide. The Manager – Engineering Standards and Research

can advise Ausgrid’s nominated expert for this document. Note that alterations
may be required to existing signage should there be any change to safety
clearance.

9 ADSS MATERIALS SELECTION

9.1 Cable Selection

The cable must have an UV stabilised black outer sheath.
The cable shall be selected to match the environmental conditions and maximum
span over which it will be deployed.
Environmental impacts shall be considered in the cable evaluation. Preference
should be given to designs with cables of a smaller minimum bending radius and
outer diameter.
Where the cable is to be installed in an area known to be subject to attacks from
birds, rodents or insects, an appropriate armouring shall be selected.
Where the cable is to be installed on infrastructure carrying voltages above 33kV,
the cable manufacturer shall be provided with drawings of the overhead
construction and asked if an anti-tracking sheath is recommended for the proposed
installation.

9.2 Fibre Optic Cable Markings

The ADSS cable sheath shall be marked as follows:
AUSGRID FIBRECOUNT FIBRETYPE CABLE DESIGN CABLE TYPE METRE
MARK (a vertical line) BATCH NUMBER TICKET NUMBER MONTH/YEAR Ausgrid
FIBRE OPTIC CABLE Ausgrid FIBRE OPTIC CABLE
Note that “Ausgrid FIBRE OPTIC CABLE” shall be repeated continuously along the
sheath until the next metre mark.

An example cable marking is shown below:

9.3 ADSS Splice Enclosures

Splice enclosures must accommodate a minimum of four cable entries.
Splice enclosures may either be installed in a pit or mounted on a pole. Pit installed
splice enclosures are recommended for areas of particular environmental sensitivity.
Visual amenity must be considered when selecting pole-mounted splice enclosures.
All pole-mounted splice enclosures shall be UV stabilised.
An IP 68 rating is the minimum rating for all outdoor ADSS splice enclosures.
Splice enclosures using a grommet and gland cable sealing system, rather than
tape wrapping of the cable is the preferred type. One splice enclosure which meets

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all the Ausgrid requirements, at the time of writing this document is the Fibreguard
600 enclosure supplied by Preformed Line Products Australia.

Tape Wrapped Sealing Grommet/Gland Sealing

Tape Wrapped Sealing Grommet and Gland Sealing

9.4 Pit Construction

Refer to NS204.2.1 “Communications Pits – Specifications and Installation
Guidelines” for more detailed requirements on the specification and installation of
pits.

9.5 UGOH Construction

Refer to Ausgrid Network Standard NS127 which details maximum number of
UGOH’s on a pole (including telco UGOHs), placement, mechanical protection, etc.
Mechanical protection (i.e. top hat) shall be used at the base of the pole and also in
any other areas on the pole where the ADSS cable is exposed to damage from
physical impact. If practical, the downlead cable shall be mechanically protected.
This mechanical protection below the overhead mains is to prevent damage by pole
platforms and ladders.
Care shall be taken to ensure that the items attached to a pole cannot be used as a
means of climbing the pole.
ADSS cable may be run underground provided that it is duct installed (as opposed
to direct buried), the maximum pulling tension of the cable is not exceeded, the
cable used includes a water blocking compound and the cable is termite resistant.
UGOHs may be required for underground sections of ADSS cabling, or where a coil
or splice enclosure is to be pit installed.
The conduit elbow used to bring the duct up the pole must have a greater radius
than the minimum bend radius of the cable under load.
An UGOH construction is illustrated below.

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 11 February 2008

ADSS UGOH Construction

(See NS204.2.1 Communication Pits for Communication Assets for detail)

9.6 ADSS Fitting Selection

ADSS Fittings for each pole shall be selected to match the line deviation over the
span.
Fittings must be designed for the span length over which they will be used. Note
that fitting designs typically change for ranges up to 200m, 350m and 600m.
The ADSS Hanger and Double-Yoke Hanger fittings are pictured below. Standard
fittings are used for spans up to 200m. Structural Rods are added to standard
fittings for spans greater than 200m and less than 350m. Long-span fittings are
required for spans between 350m and 600m.
The ADSS Hanger is the standard ADSS fitting for short-span (< 200m)
installations. This fitting is preferred as, when used, the ADSS cable can be
unhooked from the pole easily, and temporality relocated to an alternative position,
to facilitate access to overhead plant.

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February 2008 12

Structural Rods added

for 200m < Spans
<350m

ADSS Double Yoke Fitting – Line Deviation 60 Degrees Max

ADSS Hanger – Line Deviation 30 Degrees Max

The ADSS Support (pictured below) may be used in place of an ADSS Hanger for
short span installations; however the Hanger is the preferred fitting. With the
cushions removed, the support can be used in place of a stringing sheave, to
facilitate cable installation.

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 13 February 2008

ADSS Support – Line Deviation 30 Degrees Max

ADSS Double Termination Fitting – Line Deviation greater than 60 Degrees

ADSS Hanger Fitting – Line Deviation Max 30 Degrees, 350m < Span < 600m

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February 2008 14

ADSS Double Yoke Hanger Fitting – Line Deviation Max 60 Degrees, 350m < Span < 600m

ADSS Double Termination Fitting – Line Deviation greater than 60 Degrees, 350m
< Span < 600m
The shackles, chain and other fittings used for the long-span terminations must be
rated at 70kiloNewton. Long-span terminations must use tongue bolts, rather than
hook-bolts. Structural rods used for long-span fittings are longer than those used for
shorter spans.

9.7 ADSS Pole Attachments

For wooden pole installations, with a span of less 200m, the ADSS pole attachment
may consist of a single coach screw with a hooked end. The coach screw must be
of a length and diameter recommended by the fitting manufacturer as appropriate
for short-span ADSS installation.
Coach screws must be inserted into the pole using an approved method3.
 All steelwork, including bolts passing through timber, shall be hot dipped
galvanised to AS-1650 (Hot dipped galvanising on ferrous articles) and/or as
appropriate AS-1214 (Hot dipped galvanised coatings on threaded fasteners )
 All galvanised bolts shall be coated before installation on their threaded
section with a KOPR-KOTE anti-seize lubricant, stockcode H19942.
After tightening nuts on their bolt, the thread immediately behind the nut must be
burred to prevent loosening.
Readers are advised to make themselves aware of the specific OH&S requirements
when working on CCA (treated) poles.

3
Extract from Network Standard NS122, Pole Mounted Substation Construction

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 15 February 2008

The preferred location for pole-mounted ADSS Splice Enclosures is the down-traffic
side of the pole. However, the location shall be selected with consideration given to
the visual amenity of the installation, future access by means of a ladder or
otherwise and current or planned additions to the pole.

9.8 Cable Coils

A coil of minimum 40m length must be installed with each splice enclosure. To
facilitate repairs, relocations and future break-outs, a minimum 40m folded figure 8
coil must also be installed at least every 500 metres in urban areas and every 1000
metres in rural areas for each ADSS installation. This includes the coils co-located
with splice enclosures. When planning coil locations, it is recommended to consider
the areas most likely to be subject to cable damage such as road crossings. Coil
installation requires a double termination fitting. Coils can be conveniently located
where a double termination fitting is otherwise required.

Overhead Fibre Optic Coil Storage

NOTES
 Coils may be either pit installed or mounted on a loop bracket

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February 2008 16

 The minimum distance above ground for the bottom of the coil is 4000 mm.
The maximum height is to suit retrieval by unqualified4 staff and to suit the
available ladders
 Coil brackets for ADSS loop storage shall conform to the minimum no-load
bend radius of the cable. The bracket manufacturer should be informed of the
specification of the selected cable.
 The coil bracket shall be mounted below the splice enclosure, with
approximately 90 degrees rotation between the two fixtures.
 The coil must be suitably secured to the bracket with cable ties and the bottom
of the coil must be secured to avoid swinging in the wind.

Location of Fibre Optic and Splice Enclosure

The bottom of the coil stored on the bracket shall have a minimum 4000mm
clearance from the ground.

4
As defined in the Ausgrid Electrical Safety Rules (table 5.1).

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ADSS Coil Bracket

9.9 Vibration Dampers

Vibration dampers are not required for spans less than 75m. A minimum of two
vibration dampers should be installed for each span over 75m, where the span is
not sufficiently shielded from Aeolian vibration by trees, buildings or other
structures.
For spans greater than 200m, more than two vibration dampeners may be required
per span.

9.10 Cable Downleads

Cable attached to the pole shall be secured in place with down-lead cushions
Care should be taken when tightening downlead cushions. Over-tightening cushions
can lead to cable damage.
A minimum of 2 downlead cushions must be used on each pole requiring a
downlead.

9.11 Abrasion Protection

The cable shall be protected from abrasion. Abrasion protection is required from
poles at dead ends and in locations where the ADSS may rub against installed plant
eg. at stay cables

9.12 Cross Arms

Cross arm design – Dielectric Support

Cross arms may be required in order to maintain the necessary clearance from
other structures. Applicable designs are shown below:
Note that the fitting may also be attached below the cross-arm.

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Cross arm design – Suspension Hanger

9.13 Concrete and Steel Poles

Stainless steel bands shall be used to fix ADSS fittings to steel and concrete poles.
Bands must be of a specification recommended by the ADSS fitting manufacturer,
as appropriate for the installed fitting. The minimum width for stainless steel bands
is 12mm.
Note: Engineering Standards and Research are currently investigating a method of
isolating the stainless steel bands from the galvanised pole in order to overcome
galvanic action and ‘rust’ stains.

Confirm the current status of this investigation prior to undertaking any work on steel
poles5.

5 One solution that would be satisfactory is to fabricate a gasket of 1 or 2mm thick, black
“Neoprene” (polychloroprene ) for fitting between the stainless steel band and the pole.

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ADSS Fittings, Concrete and Steel Poles

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February 2008 20

9.14 Fibre Optic Warning Notice

A fibre optic warning notice must be installed wherever fibre cable enters a fibre
optic splice enclosure, or wherever a fibre cable enters and exits a pit.
Refer to NS204.2.1 “Communications Pits – Specifications and Installation
Guidelines” for more detailed requirements on specifying and installing pits.

10 CABLE CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES

10.1 Cable Stringing Sheaves

Single wheel stringing sheaves are recommended to assist with cable stringing.
Stringing sheaves shall be selected as to match the minimum full-load bend radius
of the cable. The diameter of the stringing sheave shall be measured from the
bottom groove of the device, not the outer flanges. Unlined rollers are
recommended for ADSS cables. Stringing sheaves shall be inspected to ensure
they are free from burrs and other defects, prior to use.
On bends of approximately 90 degrees, stringing sheaves shall be installed such
that they will remain parallel to the ground during installation.
The dielectric ADSS support, with the cushion inserts removed, can be used in
place of a stringing sheave for straight sections.

10.2 Route Survey

A route survey should be conducted, to determine the appropriate cable route, type
and number of required fittings, necessary make-ready-work, required stringing
sheaves and cable installation technique. Road crossings and busy intersections
shall be avoided.
Refer to Mains Overhead NEG OH04 for design guidance for the route

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10.3 Pole Preparation

All poles should be dressed with the necessary fittings before stringing takes place.

10.4 Cable Stringing Techniques

The Project Manger shall decide the most appropriate installation technique and
drum locations subsequent to the Route Survey. The Project Manger shall consider
planned splice locations when deciding the best site to situate cable drums.
Care must be taken to avoid contact between the ADSS network under construction
and Ausgrid’s power networks (for example. there is a possibility of contact between
ADSS preformed fittings and bare LV or HV conductors during the installation of
ADSS terminations).
Where possible, it is recommended that ADSS preformed termination rods are
installed on the ground, prior to attaching them to poles. The Project Manager shall
determine if automatic reclose facilities are being used on power lines where the
ADSS is being constructed. If so, the Project Manager should consider requesting
that this facility be suspended during the construction phase.
The Project Manager shall request standard installation instructions and manuals,
for the cable and fittings used from the suppliers.

10.5 Sag and Tension

The installation tension and sag tension is dependent upon cable properties,
environmental conditions and the line angle between consecutive structures. The
cable manufacturer will provide sag tension tables for the cable appropriate to
different installation situations. These tables shall be used to determine acceptable
sag and tension prior to, during and after installation.
Some installations will require a cable to be strung at a higher tension than normal,
in order to meet clearance requirements. For these installations, the cable
manufacturer must be advised of the desired sag, so that a cable can be specially
designed to meet the requirements.
The specified short and long term tension limits must not be exceeded at any time.
It is important to remember that the mass and coefficient of expansion for ADSS
cable is different from other cables. Therefore the preferred sag profile of the ADSS
cable must match the profile of existing overhead cabling during common
temperature conditions.
When cable is being installed close to existing overhead cabling, the Project
Manager shall take care to avoid clashing between cables under windy conditions.
The installation of ADSS cable increases the load on a pole. The Project Manager
shall consider the effects of additional loading on the pole, caused by the installation
of ADSS cable. Where necessary, the Project Manager shall arrange to carry out
pole and wind loading calculations, in accordance with AS7000 Overhead Line
Design. Refer to NEG TC03.
The cable must be tensioned at each dead-end termination. The cable shall not be
cut at the reel until all tensioning is complete.
An ADSS lashing rod used in the ADSS dead-end termination and attached to a
tensioning device can be used to tension the cable.

10.6 Relocating Assets

Any holes resulting from the removal or adjustment of overhead apparatus shall be
securely plugged, by an approved method such as inserting 14mm Preschem rods
into the hole and then plugging it at either end with CCA-treated timber plugs.

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10.7 Cable Care

The number of cable splices shall be minimised. The cable must not be cut at every
ADSS termination pole.
Cut ADSS cable shall be capped with a mastic-lined heat-shrink end-cap. If a cable
has not been capped in such a weatherproof fashion, 1m of cable shall be removed
before the cable is spliced.

10.8 Make Ready Work

This involves the movement or replacement of power network assets to ensure that
this communications network can comply with the minimum clearance requirements.
The Project Manager should consider whether Make Ready Work can be avoided
by optimising the route for the ADSS cabling.

10.9 Types of Make Ready Work

Typically the power related work may involve the following:
 Tree Trimming and Pruning
 Cable re-tensioning
 Replacement of open wire construction with ABC
 Street lighting conductor/circuits removal and installation of PE cell controlled
lights
 Pole inspection and/or replacement
 Placing conductors (bare/insulated) in conduit, normally on poles
 Cross arm raising
 Providing neutral bonds if required
 Movement/replacement of customer service leads.

11 RECORDING OF NETWORK ASSETS

Network Standard NUS100 - Field Recording of Network Assets and NS104

Network Project Design Plans, provides details of requirements which must be
followed by Ausgrid personnel, Accredited Service Providers and contractors to
Ausgrid, for recording site specific details of infrastructure and services work.
Overhead and underground infrastructure work and network additions and
alterations must be notified as completed, by the Project Manager or Supervisor.
As-built alterations to design plans must be highlighted on the plans and approved
by the Ausgrid Network Inspector or Ausgrid Project Manager/Co-ordinator.
All completed plans and field recordings, and other documents which record
network additions and alterations, including, but not limited to:
 Installation of poles for road crossings
 Installation of mid-span poles
 Installation of pits and conduits
 pillar and pillar standard relocations or replacements with different type

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 changes to services resulting from any of the above changes

 changes resulting in altered cable and conductor ratings.
must be collected, collated and checked by the Project Manager or Supervisor
responsible for the project, certified and signed as complete and returned as
indicated in Network Standard NUS100, to reach the Geographic Information
Officers for the relevant area, for updating of Ausgrid’s Geographic Information
System.

11.1 Recording Of Other Organisations’ Installations

Where other organisations’ installations are constructed on or in components of
Ausgrid’s network, or are constructed on or in sites designated for Ausgrid’s network
installations, those installations must be recorded in the relevant Ausgrid recording
systems.
Examples of other organizations’ installations which must be recorded include:
 cables in Ausgrid’s conduits
 other services in dedicated roadway sites
 other services in sites designated for Ausgrid tenure for network purposes,
such as distribution substation sites owned or leased attachments and
equipment on Ausgrid’s poles, (record in iAMS ‘Poles and Pillars’ and ‘Street
Lighting’ where relevant).

NS201
  Ausgrid.

This document must not be reproduced in whole or in part or

converted to machine readable form or stored in a computer or
imaging system without the written permission of Ausgrid.

Revision History
Initial issue: 24/11/2006
This edition 15/02/08

Document Control

Authorised By: Terry Lampard Date: 15/02/08

for Manager – Standards & Communications

Document Number: NS201

UNCONTROLLED COPY