Aerial cable specialist AFL has introduced a higher fibre count of up to 96 fibres for its CentraCore OPGW (optical ground wire) cable. This type of cable is designed to replace traditional static/shield/earth wires on overhead transmission lines and provide a communications pathway for telecommunications purposes.
CentraCore OPGW features a gel-filled, laser-welded, hermetically-sealed stainless steel tube inside a central aluminium pipe to protect the optical fibres from crushing forces and electrical faults. In addition, a layer of aluminium-clad steel and/or alloy wires are stranded around the central unit to provide superior protection against environmental stresses.
“CentraCore OPGW has always featured a high density of fibre, but previous maximum fibre counts were limited to 72 fibres,” said Jon Potter, product manager for AFL’s aerial cable systems. “This development pushes AFL’s capability even further so that OPGW customers can maximise data throughput and maintain a high fibre density in a lightweight, robust cable design.”
As the fibre count within CentraCore increases or decreases, the outer diameter remains constant, which allows an electric utility company to simplify and streamline its selection of hardware. Customers using 48-fiber or 72-fiber CentraCore OPGW can increase their fibre count to 96 fibres and may be able to maintain the same suspension hardware and accessories, eliminating inventory confusion while also saving time and money.