WELL Crafted

OPGW Splicing

Primarily used in the electric utility sector, Optical Power Ground Wire (OPGW) is a dual-purpose cable used by power companies on their transmission lines.

OPGW wire provides a telecommunications path for the power company to monitor and communicate critical network information, simultaneously providing grounding protection to the electric grid’s infrastructure. Splicing and testing OPGW cables requires an in-depth understanding of what differentiates this type of cable from normal telecommunications fiber optic cable.

First and foremost, additional safety procedures are required to the handle OPGW cable. Our safety protocol protects our technicians from the risk factors of working on high voltage transmission infrastructure. Celerity technicians are trained to properly don and doff all PPE, test for voltage and properly ground the cable and the splicing truck prior to all work.

We continually monitor weather conditions for the duration of any splicing activity on OPGW cable. Lightning strikes within a 50-mile radius of our work location could seriously jeopardize the safety of our workers.

Work on transmission ROWs presents unique safety challeges for accessing OPGW splices cases, often located in remote off-road locations. Traveling in our custom built fleet of 4x4 bucket trucks with environmentally controlled splicing labs, or by UTV, or our techs have safe and easy access to these OPGW splice locations. Each outfitted truck provides a safe working environment for our technicians - with customized grounding systems to reduce the risk of a potential shock.

Celerity has a long and successful track record of working with OPGW cable. Safety, experience, knowledge and the proper tools are all critical to working with OPGW cable. The composition of this specialty cable has changed dramatically over the past few decades.

We have amassed a collection of specialty fiber optic tools for each type and brand of OPGW cable. No matter the type or vintage of OPGW cable, we can safely and successfully secure it.