AlumaCore OPGW | High-Strength Optical Ground Wire

AlumaCore Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) High-Performance Ground & Fiber Cable

Key Features

Supports high fiber counts up to 216
Aluminum pipe delivers superior crush resistance
Excellent fault current handling capability
Familiar fiber structure reduces splicing time
Optimized diameter and weight for retrofit projects

AlumaCore OPGW Cable by Telexc is a dual-function overhead ground wire that combines lightning protection, fault current grounding, and fiber-optic communication in a single, durable cable. Built around a hardened aluminum pipe core, it provides excellent crush resistance, high electrical conductivity, and reliable protection of optical fibers from mechanical and thermal stress.

Its compact diameter and optimized weight make AlumaCore OPGW suitable for both new transmission lines and retrofit projects where tower loading is limited. The cable is designed to withstand wind, ice, and temperature extremes while safely carrying short-circuit currents without affecting fiber performance. Color-coded fiber units, available in tight or loose tube configurations, simplify splicing and reduce field handling time. Installed using conventional conductor stringing methods, AlumaCore OPGW offers long-term reliability for modern power transmission and utility communication networks.

Model Numbers (Telexc)

TX-AC-96
TX-AC-144
TX-AC-216

International Standard Compliance

IEEE 1138 – OPGW design & testing
IEC 60794-4 – Optical ground wire standards
TIA-598-D – Fiber color coding
ASTM B415 / B398 – Aluminum & ACS wires

Construction & Materials

Central aluminum pipe for fiber protection and current carrying
Fiber units similar to ADSS and underground fiber cables
Aluminum alloy outer strands for conductivity and corrosion resistance
Aluminum-clad steel wires for mechanical strength
Optional multi-layer stranding based on load requirements

Material Composition

Aluminum Pipe Core
Aluminum Alloy Outer Wires
Aluminum-Clad Steel (ACS) Strength Wires

Condition	Temperature
Operation	-40°C to +85°C
Installation	-30°C to +85°C
Storage	-50°C to +85°C

Installation Guide

Install in the shield wire position on transmission towers
Use standard OPGW suspension and dead-end hardware
Observe the minimum bending radius during stringing
Perform fiber splicing using standard loose-tube practices
Verify grounding continuity after installation

Typical Designs – AlumaCore Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) 96 & 144 Fiber Designs

Max Fibers	Telexc Model	OPGW Construction	Fault Current (kA²s)	Total Conductor Area (mm²)	Overall Diameter (mm)	Approx. Weight (kg/m)	Approx. RBS (kgf)	Max Drum Length – Wood (m)	Max Drum Length – Steel (m)
96	TX-AC-528-64	AC-64/528	68	97.43	13.4	0.359	8,100	18,000	7,000
96	TX-AC-528-29/34	AC-29/34/528	81	97.43	13.4	0.281	5,440	12,000	7,000
96	TX-AC-552-74	AC-74/552	81	107.51	14.0	0.306	6,580	20,500	7,000
96	TX-AC-552-37/37	AC-37/37/552	98	107.51	14.0	0.306	5,820	9,300	7,000
96	TX-AC-571-71	AC-71/571	95	113.39	14.5	0.455	7,000	13,000	6,600
96	TX-AC-571-33/38	AC-33/38/571	110	113.39	14.5	0.455	6,000	7,000	7,000
144	TX-AC-646-86	AC-86/646	151	142.43	16.4	0.509	9,050	20,000	4,700
144	TX-AC-646-34/52	AC-34/52/646	172	142.43	16.4	0.417	6,000	13,250	5,350
144	TX-AC-724-129	AC-129/724	239	185.57	18.4	0.703	11,100	24,500	7,000
144	TX-AC-724-65/65	AC-65/65/724	292	185.57	18.4	0.530	7,800	17,250	5,800

216 Fiber Designs

Max Fibers	Telexc Model	OPGW Construction	Fault Current (kA²s)	Total Conductor Area (mm²)	Overall Diameter (mm)	Approx. Weight (kg/m)	Approx. RBS (kgf)	Max Drum Length – Wood (m)	Max Drum Length – Steel (m)
216	TX-AC-659-88	AC-88/659	154	144.65	16.7	0.516	11,250	25,000	6,300
216	TX-AC-659-39/50	AC-39/50/659	179	144.65	16.7	0.427	7,750	17,000	6,300
216	TX-AC-699-109	AC-109/699	196	165.50	17.75	0.623	13,900	30,800	6,300
216	TX-AC-699-47/62	AC-47/62/699	230	165.50	17.75	0.499	9,600	21,200	6,000
216	TX-AC-726-58/67	AC-58/67/726	277	181.48	18.4	0.6949	15,500	34,250	6,000
216	TX-AC-726-125	AC-125/726	230	181.48	18.4	0.5418	10,250	22,500	6,000

Note: Sag-Tension

SAG10 data represents standardized mechanical input values used in sag & tension calculation software such as PLS-CADD for wind, ice, and temperature loading analysis.

Applications

Overhead Transmission Lines

Installed in the shield wire position to provide grounding, lightning protection, and optical communication.

Utility Communication Networks

Supports SCADA, protection relays, grid automation, and operational data transfer.

Retrofit & Replacement Projects

Ideal for replacing existing earth wires without significantly increasing tower loading.

Telecommunication Backhaul

Suitable for voice, video, data traffic, and dark fiber leasing.

Sectionalized Grounding Systems

Used where electrical isolation or reduction of line losses is required.

Product Advantages

Superior Fiber Protection

Central aluminum pipe shields fibers from crush, vibration, and thermal stress.

High Mechanical Strength

Designed to endure harsh weather, wind, and ice loads.

Excellent Electrical Performance

Provides a reliable low-resistance path for fault currents and lightning strikes.

Easy Splicing & Maintenance

Color-coded fiber sub-units simplify splice tray organization and reduce labor time.

Installation Familiarity

Installed using conventional conductor stringing techniques.

Long Service Life

Corrosion-resistant materials ensure durability in demanding environments.

FAQs

Q1: What is the primary purpose of AlumaCore OPGW?
It provides grounding and lightning protection while simultaneously carrying optical fibers for communication.

Q2: Can AlumaCore OPGW replace existing shield wire?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a direct replacement for traditional static or earth wires.

Q3: Why is an aluminum pipe used instead of a bare stainless steel tube?
The aluminum pipe improves crush resistance and significantly enhances fault current capacity.

Q4: What fiber configurations are available?
Both tight-structure and loose-tube fiber units are available depending on fiber count and environmental conditions.

Q5: Does OPGW require special installation equipment?
No special equipment is required, but proper sheave sizes must be used to avoid cable damage.

Q6: Can AlumaCore OPGW be sectionalized?
Yes, it can be designed for sectionalized grounding to help reduce electrical losses.

Q7: Is AlumaCore OPGW suitable for extreme climates?
Yes, it is engineered to perform reliably in both very cold and very hot environments.

Why Choose Telexc

Engineered for Utilities

Designed specifically for power transmission environments.

Consistent Quality

Strict manufacturing and testing controls.

Flexible Configurations

Multiple fiber counts without changing installation philosophy.

Technical Support

Pre-sales design assistance and post-installation guidance.