OPGW Cable Designs | Central & Stranded Stainless Steel Tube | Optical Ground Wire Solutions

■ Common Designs of OPGW

Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) is an advanced fiber optic cable used primarily as a grounding wire, but it also provides high-speed connectivity between high-voltage power lines. Each typical OPGW design caters to unique operational conditions and environments. 

■ OPGW with Central Stainless Steel Tube

The central design (OPGW Typical Designs of Central Stainless Steel Tube) here features a stainless steel tube that houses the optical fiber, surrounded by one or two layers of aluminum cladding steel (ACS) wires or a mix of ACS and aluminum alloy (AA) wires. This construction supports power communications, relay safety, and automatic data transfer over high-voltage lines (66kV - 500kV). One major advantage is its reduced weight, permitting the replacement of existing grounding wires without the risk of exceeding the limits of the tower's load capacity.

■ OPGW with Stranded Stainless Steel Tube

This model (OPGW Typical Designs of Stranded Stainless Steel Tube) incorporates a central stranded stainless steel tube filled with multiple fiber optic units. The tube itself is surrounded by two to three layers of ACS wires or hybrids of ACS and aluminum alloy (AA) wires. It's optimal for new overhead high-voltage lines (66kV - 500kV) due to its better mechanical and electrical handling performance.

■ OPGW with Central Aluminum-Covered Stainless Steel Tube

This type (OPGW Typical Designs of Central Al-covered Stainless Steel Tube) incorporates a stainless steel tube that is aluminum-clad on the outside, secured by ACS or mixed wires. This aluminum covering contributes to superior fault current handling and increased resistance to lightning strikes. The corresponding design for high-voltage power lines (110kV+) is especially recommended for coastal and chemically reactive zones, where significant levels of fault currents can occur.

■ OPGW with Aluminum Tube

This OPGW system (OPGW Typical Designs of Aluminum Tube) is outfitted with an aluminum tube containing the optical fibers, which is then secured with ACS or mixed wires on the outer side. This construction offers very low weight and becomes lighter again after the integration of the optical fiber. Additionally, even less-thick aluminum wire results in a low impedance design. This is the ideal type of OPGW for overhead high-voltage applications, especially in coastal areas where one needs to prioritize corrosion resistance as well.

■ OPGW with Compressed Wires for Lightning Resistance

This OPGW system (OPGW with Compressed Wires Typical Designs of Lightning Resistant Central Stainless Steel Tube) is outfitted with a central stainless steel tube containing optical fiber and is then secured with compressed ACS or mixed wires. This construction uses improved weatherproofing and offers both better lightning resilience and load handling. It is best for high-voltage power lines (110kV+) in regions with active lightning due to its added durability against the elements.

■ OPGW with Optical Phase Conductor (OPPC)

In OPPC systems (OPGW Typical Designs of OPPC), lightning protection and ground connection are provided by a central phase conductor wire filled with the optical fiber as opposed to the earlier systems, where a separate grounding wire is employed alongside a dedicated conduit for the optical fiber. The outer layers are also made of ACS or aluminum alloy (AA) wires. The distinguishing feature of OPPC is its streamlined design with fewer structures occupied. This is especially effective for high-voltage overhead power lines (110kV+).

■ Conclusion

• Central Stainless Steel Tube

  This base product (%s) has very low weight and is suitable for replacing the existing grounding wire with almost zero deviation from the actual pitch and weight limits. 

• Stranded Stainless Steel Tube

  This OPGW version is the most workable outside the aforementioned systems and is best for new overhead high-voltage power lines (66kV - 500kV). 

• Central Aluminum-Covered Stainless Steel Tube

  The external aluminum cladding allows the system to contribute good electrical performance and also offers corrosion resistance, which is ideal for high-voltage power lines (110k+) in corrosive areas. 

• Aluminum Tube

  Uses very high conductivity and very low weight (especially recommended for standard high-voltage overhead lines (110 k+) and very low condensation zones). 

• Lightning-Resistant Design

  Weather-resilient and practically work-free (highly recommended for hot and storm-prone areas) and offers extra reliability. 

• OPPC

  Unmatched in considerations outside the power requirement and eliminates the need for a separate targeting sphere as well as restrictive coating.

■ OPGW Cable Production

We have covered the most prominent OPGW types and their expected applications. Please apply for a specially marked product for a more detailed inquiry if needed.

James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication. 

Specializes in Optical Fiber communications,  FTTH Solutions, 

Fiber optic cables,  ADSS cable, and ODN networks.

james@zion-communication.com

+86 13777460328