LiteLinx Optical Ground‑Wire (OPGW) Solutions

Delivering Reliable Communications and Protection

LiteLinx OPGW cables sit at the top of high‑voltage transmission lines, replacing traditional ground wires. Our cables perform double duty: they safely conduct fault current to ground while housing optical fibers for high‑speed communications and sensing. With lightning protection and data transmission combined in one robust design, utilities can modernise their networks without additional pole attachments.

Why OPGW?

  • Shielding and grounding – OPGW cables protect phase conductors from lightning strikes and provide a low‑impedance path for fault currents. This function is similar to traditional ground wires but with the added benefit of embedded fibers.
  • High‑capacity communications – Fiber‑optic cores support SCADA networks, teleprotection, operational communications and dark‑fiber leasing. Our designs accommodate distributed acoustic and temperature sensing fibers for real‑time line monitoring.
  • Cost‑efficient installation – Because OPGW is installed in place of the ground wire, there is no need for separate aerial supports or easements, minimising visual impact and installation costs.

Our OPGW Family

LiteLinx offers five distinct OPGW product lines to address varying fiber counts, mechanical loads and environmental conditions. Each family includes common features such as SmartMark™ sequential length marking for easy identification, HydroShield™ water blocking with hydrogen‑absorbing compounds, and corrosion‑resistant materials.

CoreLite™ – Compact Central‑Tube OPGW

CoreLite™ is optimised for projects requiring up to 96 fibers in a small, lightweight cable. A central stainless‑steel tube protects the fibers and is surrounded by concentric layers of aluminium‑clad steel (ACS) and aluminium‑alloy wires. Optional CorroGuard™ aluminium‑clad tube improves corrosion resistance in coastal or industrial environments. CoreLite™ is ideal for new builds or retrofits where tower loading must be kept low.

Highlights

  • Fiber counts from 12 to 96
  • Cable diameters 8–18 mm and weights as low as 0.2 lb/ft
  • Rated breaking strength (RBS) up to 45 000 lb
  • Fault‑current capacity 2–20 kA (1 s)
  • 50‑year design life and operating temperature –58 °F to +185 °F

PowerCore™ – High‑Capacity Aluminum‑Pipe OPGW

For higher fault‑current requirements and simplified splicing, PowerCore™ uses multiple plastic loose tubes housed within an extruded aluminum pipe. The thick pipe increases metallic cross‑section for short‑circuit currents up to 30 kA and provides exceptional crush protection. Installation crews appreciate the ease of accessing the plastic tubes compared with steel‑tube designs. Suitable for lines carrying heavy electrical loads or requiring future fiber expansions.

Highlights

  • Fiber counts from 24 to 144 (with future designs up to 216)
  • Cable diameters 13–25 mm; weight 0.3–1.0 lb/ft
  • RBS 6,000–50,000 lb
  • Fault‑current capacity up to 30 kA (1 s)
  • Loose tubes simplify mid‑span access and splicing

FlexStrand™ – Flexible High‑Fiber OPGW

When very high fiber counts and long spans are required, FlexStrand™ delivers. Multiple laser‑welded stainless‑steel tubes (each carrying 24–72 fibers) are stranded together around a central strength member. This design supports up to 432 fibers while offering superior flexibility, allowing installation around angles and across long river crossings. FlexStrand™ provides high mechanical strength, with zero fiber strain even at 80 % of breaking load.

Highlights

  • Fiber counts from 24 to 432
  • Cable diameters 11–25 mm; weight 0.25–1.1 lb/ft
  • RBS up to 65 000 lb; MRDT up to 37 093 lb
  • Fault‑current capacity 4–30 kA
  • Stranded design improves bending performance and eliminates the need for anti‑rotation devices

HybridGuard™ – Corrosion‑Resistant Extruded OPGW

HybridGuard™ combines an extruded seamless aluminum tube with a Spiral‑Space™ or standard core. The seamless tube improves conductivity and eliminates weld seams, while the optional Spiral‑Space™ channel cushions the fibers in an oval jelly‑filled cavity, reducing strain and enabling higher fiber counts. HybridGuard™ is well suited for coastal environments and areas with aggressive industrial pollution.

Highlights

  • Fiber counts 24–96 (expandable with multiple Spiral‑Space tubes)
  • Cable diameters 12–25 mm; weight 0.3–0.9 lb/ft
  • RBS 6,000–50,000 lb
  • Fault‑current capacity 3–30 kA
  • Extruded tube resists galvanic corrosion and improves fault‑current capacity

Self‑Support – Metallic Aerial Cable

Self‑Support™ cables are designed for situations where ground wires cannot be installed—such as long river crossings or locations where a top wire is absent. This metallic aerial self‑support cable carries only optical fibers and does not conduct fault current. Its high strength and gunshot‑resistant construction ensure reliable performance over 25 years.

Highlights

  • Fiber counts of 12, 24, 36 or 48
  • Cable diameters 8–15 mm; weight 0.19–0.64 lb/ft
  • Maximum rated design tension (MRDT) 30–100 kN
  • 25‑year design life
  • Ideal for spans over ravines or rivers and areas prone to vandalism

Quality and Compliance

All LiteLinx OPGW products are manufactured to meet or exceed IEEE 1222 and related utility standards. We conduct rigorous testing for mechanical strength, thermal endurance, lightning performance and optical reliability. Our engineering team can customise designs to match specific tower loads, line voltages, fiber types and environmental conditions.

Support and Accessories

In addition to cables, LiteLinx offers a complete range of compatible hardware—suspension clamps, dead‑ends, splice closures and junction boxes—to ensure seamless installation. Our SmartMark™ system simplifies inventory management by printing sequential footage and design codes on the cable jacket. Engineering services are available to assist with sag‑tension calculations, attachment hardware selection and network planning.

Ready to Transform Your Network?

Contact LiteLinx today to discuss how our OPGW solutions can enhance the reliability, capacity and safety of your transmission lines. Our team will help you select the right product family, customise the design and provide ongoing technical support throughout your project lifecycle.