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Know about optical ground wire (OPGW)

 


OPGW (optical ground wire) is used in the transmission line for surge communication and protection. In recent years, OPGW has replaced Power-line carrier communication (PLCC). Usually, OPGW is placed in the topmost secured position of any transmission line, where OPGW protects every important conductor against lighting. There are a number of OPGW fittings available in the market. Read the blog to explore more about OPGW.

 

What is OPGW?

 

The optical ground wire which is also called OPGW is a kind of cable which is used in the overhead power lines. These cables merge both the functions of communications and grounding. The OPGW cable consists of a tubular structure along with either one or more optical fibers inside it. OPGW cables are enclosed with layers of aluminium and steel wire. OPGW cables run in between the high voltage electricity pylons. OPGW cables' conductive part helps in bonding abutting towers to the earth ground and protects HV conductors against lighting strikes. 

 

Why is OPGW used?

 

You can call optical ground wire a "dual functioning cable". Why? The reason is that OPGW provides two purposes. OPGW is specially designed for replacing conventional shield or static earth wires located on the overhead transmission lines and offers the advantage of consisting of optical fibers that can also be used for telecommunications. Both OPGW and OPGW fittings have the capacity to withstand mechanical stresses given to overhead cables through some environmental factors like frost or wind. OPGW is also capable of tackling electrical faults which occur on the transmission line by offering a path to the ground without harming any sensitive fiber present inside the cable.

 

Why is OPGW better than other methods?

 

Optical ground wire has few advantages as the communication medium over the buried optical fiber cable. The cost of installation is lesser per kilometre as compared to a buried cable. Any communication circuit conveyed by overhead OPGW is far-fetched from any kind of accidental contact with high voltage cables located beneath, 

 

What are some benefits of using OPGW?

 

There are many benefits of using both OPGW and OPG fittings. Have a glance:

 

a) OPGW can maintain the performance of stable optical fiber even in a broad range of temperatures from -40°C to +85°C.

b) The external diameter of OPGW is minimized which helps for upgraded structure design. 

c) Offers protection to optical fibers against harsh environmental changes like short circuit currents and lightning strikes.

 

What is the installation process of OPGW?

 

OPGW installation needs extra planning as it is tough to splice OPGW cables. The length of OPGW cables bought should coordinate with spans in between the towers to avoid wastage. 

 

Different types of OPGW fittings:

 

For installation or repairing OPGW need some OPGW fittings like:

 

a) Aluminium bond

b) Tension assembly

c) Download clamp

d) Vibration dampener

e) Parallel groove clamp

 

All in all, optical ground wire offers surge communication as well as protection in any transmission line. OPGW also protects your transmission cables against lighting strikes & secures the current flow in the scenario of any cable fault. At the time of installation, you may require different OPGW fittings, for that you can reach out to any reliable supplier of OPGW fittings.

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Location: Dubai - United Arab Emirates

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