Optical Ground Wire
OPGW Cable
Composite overhead ground wire with embedded optical fibers — power + data in one cable
OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) combines the function of a traditional overhead ground wire with embedded single-mode optical fibers, allowing utilities to lay protection-grade ground wire and high-bandwidth communication links in a single installation. OPGW is mandatory for modern smart grids and is the backbone of many telecom networks across power transmission corridors.
Key features
- Aluminum-clad steel (ACS) outer wires for ground wire function
- Stainless steel tube housing 12 / 24 / 36 / 48 / 96 single-mode fibers
- Short-circuit current handling up to 100 kA²·s
- ITU-T G.652D / G.655 fiber options
- Long-span capability up to 800 m
- Lifetime > 30 years
Typical applications
- Lightning protection on 110 kV / 220 kV / 500 kV transmission lines
- High-bandwidth backbone for utility SCADA and telecom
- Smart grid backhaul
- Cross-border power transmission projects
Common OPGW Configurations
Custom sizes available on request — send us your project specification.
| Model | Fiber Count | Cross Section (mm²) | Overall Diameter (mm) | Approx. Weight (kg/km) | Rated Tensile Strength (kN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPGW-50 | 12 / 24 | 50 | 11.4 | 415 | 55 |
| OPGW-70 | 12 / 24 / 36 | 70 | 12.8 | 530 | 75 |
| OPGW-90 | 24 / 36 / 48 | 90 | 14.0 | 650 | 92 |
| OPGW-110 | 24 / 48 | 110 | 15.2 | 780 | 110 |
| OPGW-150 | 36 / 48 / 96 | 150 | 16.8 | 1010 | 138 |
| OPGW-200 | 48 / 96 | 200 | 18.5 | 1350 | 175 |
Frequently asked questions about OPGW
Q.What fiber count should I specify?
12-24 fibers cover typical utility SCADA + voice channels. 36-48 fibers are common for telecom revenue routes. 96 fibers are used for backbone trunk lines. Tell us your application and we'll recommend.
Q.Do you support custom short-circuit current rating?
Yes. Standard ratings are 100 kA²·s, 150 kA²·s, 200 kA²·s. We'll size the ACS wire layer to match your fault-clearing requirement.
Q.Is OPGW compatible with existing tower hardware?
OPGW uses standard tension and suspension clamps for ground wires of equivalent diameter. We supply matching hardware and splice closures together with the cable.
Q.What about lead times — OPGW is more complex than other aerial cables?
Standard configurations ship in 30-45 days. Custom fiber counts or large export orders are quoted case by case with milestone production reports.
Ready to source OPGW from the factory?
Send your specs — code name / size / standard / quantity / destination port. Quote within 24 hours.