Centraltype Aluminum Tube OPGW

APPLICATION

OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) is designed for overhead power transmission networks that require grounding, lightning protection, and fiber-optic communication. It integrates optical fibers into the overhead earth wire, allowing the cable to provide both electrical protection and a reliable communication link.

OPGW is suitable for high-voltage and extra-high-voltage transmission systems, especially for long-distance, intercity, and cross-country power projects where power transmission and telecommunications infrastructure need to be combined.

DESCRIPTION

The OPGW cable uses a central aluminum tube to house and protect the optical fiber unit. The tube is surrounded by one or two layers of stranded metallic wires, which may consist of aluminum-clad steel wires, aluminum alloy wires, or a combination of both.

The cable configuration can be selected according to the required mechanical strength, electrical characteristics, short-circuit capacity, transmission-line design, and installation conditions.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

• Provides grounding, lightning protection, and fiber-optic communication in a single overhead cable.
• Good resistance to corrosion and harsh outdoor environments.
• Stranded construction provides reliable mechanical strength and good resistance to vibration fatigue.
• Optical fibers are protected inside the aluminum tube for stable and reliable signal transmission.
• Designed to withstand the thermal effects associated with short-circuit currents on overhead transmission lines.
• Suitable for long-span and long-distance transmission line applications.

STANDARDS

OPGW cables can be manufactured and tested according to applicable international standards, including:

• ITU-T G.652 — Characteristics of single-mode optical fibers.
• ITU-T G.655 — Characteristics of non-zero dispersion-shifted single-mode optical fibers.
• EIA/TIA-598 — Optical fiber and cable color coding.
• IEC 60794-4-10 — Aerial optical cables along electrical power lines — family specification for OPGW.
• IEC 60794-1-2 — Optical fiber cables — basic test procedures.
• IEEE 1138 — Standard for testing and performance of optical ground wire for electric utility power lines.
• IEC 61232 — Aluminum-clad steel wires for electrical purposes.
• IEC 60104 — Aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy wires for overhead line conductors.
• IEC 61089 — Round wire concentric lay overhead electrical stranded conductors.

CONSTRUCTION

The typical OPGW construction consists of the following components:

1. Aluminum-Clad Steel Wires / Aluminum Alloy Wires
   Provide mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and protection for the internal optical unit.
2. Central Aluminum Tube
   Provides a protective enclosure for the optical fibers and helps maintain the integrity of the fiber unit.
3. Optical Fibers and Fiber Gel
   The optical fibers provide high-speed communication, while the gel helps protect the fibers against moisture and environmental effects.
4. Glass Yarn
   Provides additional mechanical protection and helps improve the overall structural stability of the cable.
5. Aramid Yarn
   Provides additional tensile strength and mechanical protection where required by the cable design.
6. Aluminum Protective Layer
   Provides additional protection for the internal components and contributes to the overall cable structure.

CORE IDENTIFICATION

Optical fiber cores are identified using standardized color coding to ensure easy identification during installation, splicing, maintenance, and testing.

For multi-fiber configurations, the fiber cores can be arranged and identified according to the applicable fiber-optic color-coding standard. Different fiber counts and configurations can be provided according to project requirements.