OPGW Stainless Steel Tube Fiber Optic Cable

The OPGW Stainless Steel Tube Fiber Optic Cable features one or more stainless steel tubes filled with optical fibers and jelly, providing excellent fiber protection and mechanical strength. This type of cable is specifically engineered for use in overhead power lines, where it serves as both a lightning grounding wire and a communication medium. It is especially suited for corrosive or extreme environments such as coastal areas or industrial zones.

1. Structure & Design

• Optical Unit:

  • Optical fibers are housed inside one or more hermetically sealed stainless steel tubes

  • Filled with water-blocking jelly to prevent moisture ingress and fiber micro-bending

  • Tube can contain 12 to 96 fibers, depending on configuration

• Stranding Layer:

  • Stainless steel tubes are stranded with Aluminum-Clad Steel (ACS) and/or Aluminum Alloy wires

  • Provides excellent tensile strength and electrical conductivity

• Outer Construction:

  • Compact, corrosion-resistant

  • Optional anti-corrosive coatings for high-salt or polluted environments

• Outer Diameter: Typically 10–20 mm, depending on fiber count and strand design

• Compliance Standards: IEEE 1138, IEC 60794-4-10, GB/T 7424.4, and utility-specific specs

2. Applications

• Overhead transmission lines (medium, high, and ultra-high voltage)
• Power grid communication backbone
• SCADA and real-time monitoring systems
• Coastal or chemically aggressive environments
• Long span installations across mountains, rivers, or valleys

3. Advantages

• Stainless steel tube offers superior mechanical and corrosion protection for optical fibers
• Long-term stability even under severe environmental conditions (corrosion, salt, chemical exposure)
• Compact and lightweight while maintaining high tensile performance
• Designed for 20–30 year service life with minimal maintenance
• Integration with power line infrastructure saves cost and space
• Customizable fiber count, structure, and metal strand ratio to meet grid design needs

4. FAQs

• Q1: What environments is the stainless steel tube OPGW best suited for?
  It is ideal for coastal regions, industrial zones, and high-pollution areas where corrosion resistance is critical.
• Q2: How many fibers can the stainless steel tube hold?
  Each tube typically supports 12–24 fibers, and multiple tubes can be combined for up to 96 fibers.
• Q3: Does it provide electrical grounding like other OPGW cables?
  Yes. It functions as both a ground wire and a communication line, meeting all grounding and lightning protection requirements.
• Q4: Can it be installed on long spans or in rugged terrain?
  Absolutely. Its high tensile strength makes it suitable for spans over 800 meters in mountainous or river-crossing installations.
• Q5: What’s the difference between this and aluminum tube OPGW?
  Stainless steel tubes offer better corrosion resistance, but are heavier. Aluminum tubes are lighter but less resistant to harsh environments.