Weather conditions are critical variables in OPGW stringing, capable of significantly impacting safety, efficiency, and the final quality of the installation. Understanding and mitigating these impacts is essential.

I. Influence of Weather Conditions:

• 1. Wind:

  • Impact: High winds can cause uncontrolled swinging of the OPGW cable, making it difficult to control sag and tension. It increases the risk of the OPGW touching other conductors, ground, or obstacles. It also poses a safety hazard for personnel working at height.

  • Stringing Challenge: Makes it challenging to maintain accurate sag and can induce dynamic over-tensioning.

  • Precaution:

    • Wind Speed Limits: Establish strict maximum permissible wind speed limits for stringing operations (e.g., suspend operations if wind speeds exceed 25-30 km/h or as per local regulations/project specifications).

    • Wind Meters: Utilize wind speed monitoring devices at multiple points along the span.

    • Guying: Use temporary guys on towers to increase stability in windy conditions.

    • Slower Speeds: Reduce stringing speed during moderate winds.

• 2. Temperature:

  • Impact: Temperature directly affects the sag and tension of the OPGW cable. Cables contract in cold weather (increasing tension) and expand in hot weather (decreasing tension, increasing sag).

  • Stringing Challenge: Ensuring the final sag and tension match design specifications, especially when stringing occurs at temperatures different from the target sagging temperature.

  • Precaution:

    • Temperature Compensation: Sag charts provided by OPGW manufacturers will account for temperature variations. Stringing crews must use the appropriate sag values for the ambient temperature during the operation.

    • Real-time Sag Measurement: Use optical or laser sag measurement tools to verify sag in real-time.

    • Re-sagging: For critical installations, re-sagging may be required after the OPGW has acclimatized to the ambient temperature.

    • Material Handling: Extreme cold can make some materials (e.g., plastic linings in blocks) more brittle, while extreme heat can soften them.

• 3. Ice and Snow:

  • Impact: Ice and heavy snow loads can significantly increase the weight of the OPGW, causing excessive sag and stress on the cable and towers. Fresh snow can also make ground access extremely difficult.

  • Stringing Challenge: Impractical to string during active icing conditions. Existing ice on structures can pose a hazard.

  • Precaution:

    • Avoid Stringing: OPGW stringing should generally not be performed during periods of active ice or heavy snowfall.

    • Ice Removal: If ice has formed, it must be removed from towers and existing conductors before stringing, often requiring specialized de-icing procedures.

    • Access: Ensure heavy-duty vehicles or snowmobiles are available for access in snowy conditions.

• 4. Lightning and Thunderstorms:

  • Impact: A direct strike to exposed OPGW or towers during stringing can be catastrophic, posing extreme danger to personnel and equipment.

  • Stringing Challenge: Inherent electrical hazard.

  • Precaution:

    • Suspend Operations: Immediately suspend all operations and move personnel to safe shelters at the first sign of lightning or approaching thunderstorms.

    • Lightning Detection: Utilize lightning detection systems and weather forecasts.

    • Grounding: Ensure all equipment and OPGW are properly grounded at all times when not actively being pulled to provide a path for induced or stray currents.

• 5. Rain and Humidity:

  • Impact: Reduces visibility, makes ground conditions slippery, can lead to equipment malfunctions (if not weatherproofed), and affects the integrity of some materials.

  • Stringing Challenge: Reduced efficiency and increased safety risks.

  • Precaution:

    • Waterproof Gear: Provide appropriate rain gear for personnel.

    • Weatherproof Equipment: Ensure stringing equipment is weatherproof or protected.

    • Mud Management: Use ground mats or gravel in wet, muddy areas for equipment access.

Our robust OPGW stringing equipment is designed to operate reliably in a wide range of environmental conditions, and we strongly advocate for rigorous weather monitoring and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the successful and safe completion of every project.