OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) is a type of cable used in the telecommunications industry to transmit data through fiber optic technology, while also providing electrical power transmission in high voltage overhead power lines. OPGW cables are designed with a central tube or core, around which are laid one or more layers of steel or aluminum wires, and an outer layer of optical fibers. The construction of OPGW cables varies depending on the application and the specific requirements of the power line system.
There are three basic types of OPGW cable structures:
Central Tube: This type of cable consists of a central tube, around which are laid steel wires or aluminum alloy wires. The optical fibers are then laid in the tube. This design allows for greater flexibility and provides more space for the optical fibers.
Layer Stranding: This type of cable has several layers of steel or aluminum wires that are stranded together. The optical fibers are laid in the interstices between the wires. This design provides more strength and is more suitable for high tension applications.
Unitube: This type of cable has a single tube in which both the steel or aluminum wires and optical fibers are laid. This design provides a compact cable that is easy to install.
OPGW cables can also be classified based on their fiber count, which ranges from 12 to 288 fibers. The choice of fiber count depends on the specific application and the capacity requirements of the power line system.
