An optical ground wire (also known as an OPGW or, in the IEEE standard, an optical fiber composite overhead ground wire) is a type of cable that is used in overhead power lines. Such cable combines the functions of grounding and telecommunications. Application OPGW is mainly applied in communication line of newly constructed high voltage transmit electricity system with 35 KV or above, or replacement of existing ground wire of previous overhead high voltage transmit electricity system. OPGW is primarily used by the electric utility industry, placed in the secure topmost position of the transmission line where it “shields” the all-important conductors from lightning while providing a telecommunications path for internal as well as third party communications. It is best suited to applications with moderate to low span ut increasing fibre strain. Installed at the top of high-voltage and extra-high-voltage transmission lines, OPGW cables provide lightning.
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