The Optical Ground Wire, better known by its acronym OPGW, is primarily used by the electric utility industry. This cable is made of a tubular structure with one or more optical fibers inside, and on the outside with steel and aluminum wires and/or tubes.
Example of an OPGW cable
This cable is placed in the secure top position of the transmission line where it "protects" the most important conductors from lightning while providing a telecommunications path, as shown in the following image:
OPGW cable application
The OPGW cable is dual-function, meaning it serves two purposes. It is designed to replace traditional static/shield/ground wires in overhead transmission lines with the added benefit of containing optical fibers that can be used for telecommunications purposes, either for the electric utility company to internally use this medium for voice and data communications, or they can be leased to third parties (internet service providers) to serve as a fiber optic interconnection between cities. Typically, OPGW cables contain single-mode optical fibers allowing for long-distance and high-speed data transmission.
OPGW must withstand the mechanical stresses applied to overhead cables by environmental factors such as wind and ice. OPGW must also be able to handle electrical faults on the transmission line by providing a ground path without damaging the optical fibers within the cable.
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