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Method of using power lines to carry optical cables

ODN and passive infrastructure knowledge brief Published 18 May 2024

Prepared for preliminary research by the GESTIONVAL ODN knowledge desk. Confirm network topology, split ratio, box or cabinet capacity, joint closure rating and loss budget against current standards and product documentation.

Optical fibers can be integrated with power lines using specialized cables like OPGW, OPPC, OPAC, or ADSS, allowing utilities to combine electricity transmission with high-speed communications.Types of Fiber-Optic Cables for Power Lines
  1. Optical Ground Wire (OPGW): Combines optical fibers with a metallic ground wire, installed at the top of transmission towers. The fibers are protected inside a sealed metal tube surrounded by steel and aluminum, making them immune to electrical interference and suitable for long-distance singlemode fiber links .
  2. Optical Power Phase Conductor (OPPC): Similar to OPGW but integrated with phase conductors, allowing fiber deployment along energized lines without affecting power transmission .
  3. Optical Power Attached Cable (OPAC): Lightweight, all-dielectric fiber cables that are wrapped, lashed, or clipped to existing power conductors. OPAC can be installed on spans over 2 km and tower heights exceeding 200 m, often using specialized equipment like SkyWrap for wrapping .
  4. All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) Cable: Non-metallic, self-supporting cables designed to withstand high tension and environmental stress. ADSS cables can be installed close to high-voltage lines without additional support structures, making them ideal for pole-sharing and aerial deployments .
Installation Methods
  • Wrapping (SkyWrap/GWWOP): The fiber cable is wrapped around the host conductor using a motorized or radio-controlled device, providing secure attachment and stress relief for the fibers .
  • Lashing or Clipping: OPAC cables can also be lashed or clipped to conductors using specialized tools, suitable for lower-voltage or shorter spans .
  • Pole or Tower Placement: ADSS cables are typically installed below power conductors in the telecom space, using standard pole hardware and lightweight designs to minimize structural load .
Safety and Operational Considerations
  • Electrical Isolation: All-dielectric cables like ADSS and OPAC are non-conductive, preventing interference with high-voltage lines .
  • Coronal Discharge Protection: High-voltage lines require special devices near towers and splices to prevent damage from electrical fields .
  • Environmental Durability: Cables are designed to withstand wind, ice, UV exposure, and abrasion from contact with conductors .
  • Splicing and Maintenance: Fiber splices are typically performed on the ground or in protected enclosures on towers, ensuring long-term reliability .
Benefits
  • Cost Efficiency: Using existing power infrastructure reduces the need for new poles or underground ducts .
  • Rapid Deployment: Aerial installation is faster than underground construction, especially in uneven or rocky terrain .
  • Dual Utility: Enables utilities to provide broadband services while maintaining power transmission, supporting smart grid and microgrid applications . In summary, integrating optical fibers with power lines is a mature technology that leverages specialized cables and installation methods to provide reliable, high-speed communications alongside electricity transmission, with careful attention to safety, environmental durability, and structural load management.

Method of using power lines to carry optical cables - GESTIONVAL ODN INFRASTRUCTURE S.L. [PDF]

Method of using power lines to carry optical cables

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary ODN and passive infrastructure research. Topology, split ratio, box or cabinet capacity, closure rating, cable type, test limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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