OPGW90 optical cable parameters

OPGW-90 is a high-density optical ground wire designed for overhead power lines, combining fiber optic communication with electrical grounding and lightning protection.

Construction and Design

The OPGW-90 cable features a central stainless steel tube housing the optical fibers, filled with water-blocking gel to protect fibers from moisture and mechanical stress during installation and operation . Around this central tube, aluminum-clad steel wires and aluminum alloy wires are helically stranded in single or multiple layers, providing mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and resistance to short-circuit currents . The compact design ensures high tensile strength, excellent sag-tension performance, and fault current rating within a smaller diameter .

Fiber Configuration

OPGW-90 supports fiber counts up to 96, with each fiber clearly identifiable through a color-coding and ring-mark system . The cable can be configured in:

• Central loose tube type: Single stainless steel tube accommodating up to 48 fibers.
• Multi loose tube type: Two or three stainless steel tubes helically stranded, supporting up to 144 fibers for very high fiber count requirements . The fibers are made of high-purity silica with germanium doping, coated with UV-curable acrylate for primary protection, ensuring low polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and stable performance .

Electrical and Mechanical Properties

• Diameter: Typically ranges from 12 mm to 14.3 mm depending on fiber count and design .
• Weight: Varies from approximately 4.6 kg/m to 11.1 kg/m depending on configuration .
• Fault current rating: Designed to conduct short-circuit currents safely, protecting the transmission line .
• Temperature range: Operation from -40ºC to +85ºC, storage from -50ºC to +85ºC, and installation from -30ºC to +85ºC .

Applications

OPGW-90 is primarily used in high-voltage transmission systems (35 kV and above), serving dual functions:

• Electrical grounding and lightning protection for overhead lines.
• Telecommunication and data transmission via embedded optical fibers . It is suitable for new installations or replacement of existing ground wires, providing a compact, lightweight solution that minimizes additional load on towers and poles .

Standards and Testing

OPGW-90 cables comply with IEEE 1138, IEC 60794-4, TIA 598-D, and ASTM B415 for aluminum-clad steel wires . Quality assurance includes type tests, final acceptance tests, and periodic qualification tests to ensure durability and performance in field conditions .

Summary

OPGW-90 is a robust, high-fiber-density optical ground wire designed for overhead power lines, combining mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and reliable optical communication. Its compact design, high fiber count, and environmental protection make it suitable for modern high-voltage transmission networks requiring both grounding and data transmission capabilities.