Splicing and terminating OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) cables are highly critical processes that directly impact the long-term optical performance, mechanical integrity, and electrical continuity of the installed system. Precision, environmental protection, and specialized expertise are paramount.

I. Critical Considerations for Splicing OPGW:

• 1. Specialized Splice Enclosures (Joint Boxes):

  • Purpose: These enclosures are designed to house and protect the delicate optical fiber splices from environmental factors (moisture, dust, extreme temperatures), mechanical stress, and vibration. They also provide strain relief for the OPGW cable.

  • Key Features: Must be robust, hermetically sealed, UV-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. They must also accommodate the specific OPGW cable diameter and fiber count, and often include grounding provisions.

• 2. Fusion Splicing Technology:

  • Purpose: The standard method for joining optical fibers in OPGW. Fusion splicers precisely align and fuse the fiber ends using an electric arc, creating a low-loss, high-strength connection.

  • Equipment: High-precision fusion splicers specifically designed for single-mode fibers. Requires clean environment, power source, and skilled technicians.

• 3. Fiber Preparation Tools:

  • Purpose: Essential for stripping the fiber coating, cleaning the bare fiber, and cleaving (cutting) the fiber end to a precise angle, all critical for low-loss splices.

  • Equipment: Fiber strippers, cleavers, alcohol wipes, lint-free tissues.

• 4. Optical Loss Budget:

  • Consideration: Each splice introduces a small amount of optical loss. The total cumulative loss of all splices and the cable's attenuation must remain within the optical power budget of the communication system to ensure signal quality.

• 5. Protection of Splices:

  • Purpose: After fusion, the bare fiber splice must be protected.

  • Method: Typically achieved using heat-shrink splice protectors or mechanical protectors, which are then organized within splice trays inside the enclosure.

• 6. Grounding and Shielding:

  • Purpose: Maintaining the electrical continuity of the OPGW's metallic components across the splice point, providing grounding and lightning protection.

  • Method: Splice enclosures often incorporate electrical continuity clamps or bonding braids to connect the metallic components of the OPGW across the joint.

II. Critical Considerations for Terminating OPGW:

• 1. Specialized Termination Hardware:

  • Purpose: To securely anchor the OPGW cable at the tower or substation, transfer mechanical tension, and transition the optical fibers to indoor or outdoor communication equipment.

  • Types: Preformed dead-ends (helical grips), suspension clamps, down-lead clamps, and specific hardware for guiding the OPGW from the top of the tower to the splice enclosure or entry point.

• 2. Mechanical Strength:

  • Consideration: Termination hardware must be rated to withstand the full design tension and potential environmental loads (wind, ice) on the OPGW cable, ensuring it remains securely attached to the structure.

• 3. Fiber Management:

  • Purpose: At the termination point, the optical fibers are carefully separated from the metallic components of the OPGW and routed into a Fiber Optic Distribution Panel (FODP) or other communication enclosure.

  • Method: Requires careful breakout kits, protective tubes, and proper slack management to prevent tight bends or stress on the fibers.

• 4. Electrical Grounding:

  • Purpose: Ensure the metallic components of the OPGW are effectively grounded to the tower structure and ultimately to earth, providing critical lightning protection.

  • Method: Proper bonding and grounding connections at every tower and substation entry point.

• 5. Environmental Protection:

  • Consideration: Outdoor termination points and fiber optic patch panels must be robust, weatherproof, and designed to protect the optical connections from moisture, UV radiation, and physical damage.

III. Overall Importance:

The quality of splicing and termination directly impacts the overall performance and longevity of the OPGW system. Poorly executed splices can lead to high optical losses, while inadequate terminations can compromise both mechanical integrity and electrical grounding. Our company not only supplies the specialized OPGW installation tools but also provides guidance on best practices for splicing and termination, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of your OPGW network.