The key difference lies in the inner structure. A standard ground wire is a simple, concentric-lay stranded conductor, primarily made of steel or aluminum-clad steel. Its sole purpose is grounding.

An OPGW conductor, however, has a more complex, multi-layered design. While it has an outer layer of metallic strands that perform the grounding function, its core is specifically engineered to protect the delicate optical fibers. These fibers are typically housed within a hermetically sealed aluminum or stainless steel tube, which is then surrounded by the metallic strands.

This unique construction ensures that the optical fibers are safe from the mechanical stresses, environmental factors, and high electrical currents that the cable is exposed to in an overhead transmission line. Ningbo Changshi Electric Power Machinery Manufacturing Limited manufactures a variety of overhead transmission line equipment to handle the specific requirements of installing these advanced OPGW conductors, ensuring project efficiency and safety.