OPGW Cables

Tratos OPGW Cables (Optical Ground Wire) combine electrical grounding, lightning protection, and high-speed data transmission into a single cable designed for use in overhead power line infrastructures. These hybrid cables ensure both system resilience and optical connectivity, offering critical dual functionality for modern utilities and telecom providers.

Tratos high-performance hybrid OPGW conductors combine their extensive experience and expertise in the supply of innovative hybrid designs of HTLS conductors and optical fibre transmission systems.

Designed for High Voltage Infrastructure and Communication Integration

Installed along the top of high and medium-voltage transmission towers, Tratos OPGW cables function as earth wires (also known as ground wires, shield wires, static wires, or skywires) while embedding optical fibres within. This dual-purpose design facilitates the creation of robust communication backbones without the need for additional line infrastructure, ideal for new and existing medium and high-tension networks.

Advanced Hybrid OPGW Designs for Demanding Environments

Tratos’ latest generation of hybrid OPGW designs feature a stranded central carbon fibre/glass/aluminium composite strength member instead of the traditional steel centre. This allows a greater volume of aluminium to be included without any weight penalty, this can be further increased by the used of shaped trapezoid aluminium and the current carrying capacity increased by the use of high-temperature zirconium-aluminium (TAL) alloy wires. Encasing the hybrid stranded carbon composite strength members in a seamless, jelly-filled aluminium sheath provides triple protection, allowing for the inclusion of optical fibres in an enclosed, protected environment. This ensures enhanced mechanical integrity and installation safety.

Conventional Metal OPGW Options Still Available

Tratos also provides a full range of traditional OPGW designs using all-metal constructions. These include jelly-filled aluminium or stainless-steel tubes housing the fibres, surrounded by AAAC, AAC, or ACSR strands, depending on the customer’s requirements. These conventional designs are suitable for networks where the limitations of traditional metal-only specifications are still acceptable. 

Optical Capacity and Fibre Types

Tratos OPGW cables can accommodate from 8 up to 148 optical fibres, offering substantial data capacity. Fibre types include:

• Single-mode optical fibre (ITU-T G652/D)
• Non-zero dispersion-shifted single-mode (ITU-T G655)

These fibres enable low-loss, long-distance transmission essential for smart grid applications, video surveillance, and real-time monitoring.

• Multimode fibres are available on request.

Complementary Technologies: OPPC and ADSS

In addition to OPGW, Tratos manufactures:

• Optical Phase Conductors (OPPC), where the hybrid fibre core replaces a steel strength member
• All Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) Cables are ideal where electrical isolation is critical and no ground current path is desired.

Both systems expand the deployment flexibility for fibre-optic communication across varied transmission line topologies.

Tratos is also able to supply the innovative TRATOS Skywrap, an Optical attached cable, which is the ideal solution when access to the overhead line is problematic due to environmental or terrain conditions. 

Benefits of Tratos OPGW Cables

• Support for multiple optical fibres
• Enhanced tensile strength to withstand snow, ice, and wind
• Minimal sag during normal and fault conditions
• Smallest dimensions and lightest weight per fault current rating
• Compatibility with existing pylons and stringing techniques
• Tratos can tailor the design of these cables to meet the specific characteristics of the overhead transmission lines with which they are used.

Engineered for Stability, Efficiency, and Durability

All Tratos overhead cable designs, including OPGW, are engineered for mechanical stability during installation. Conductor lay lengths are optimised to maintain axial neutrality, avoiding corkscrewing or recoil when unwound from drums.

Standards and Customisation

Tratos manufactures OPGW cables in compliance with international standards and can adapt designs for specific national or utility-based requirements. Custom constructions and fibre configurations are available upon request, ensuring compatibility with unique project needs and environmental challenges.