CentraCore OPGW Cable – High Fiber Density Optical Ground Wire

Key Features

  • Supports fiber counts up to 96 in a uniform diameter

  • Compact and lightweight for retrofit or new lines

  • Central stainless steel tube for fiber protection

  • Hardened aluminum pipe for mechanical and electrical performance

  • Color-coded fiber bundles for quick splice preparation

CentraCore OPGW cable by Telexc is a compact, dual-function overhead ground wire that combines lightning protection, fault current dissipation, and high-capacity fiber-optic communication. Designed with a central stainless steel tube inside a hardened aluminum pipe, the cable offers excellent crush resistance, thermal protection, and mechanical strength while safeguarding fibers from stress. Color-coded fiber bundles (12 fibers per bundle) simplify splicing and field handling. Its lightweight, small-diameter profile allows easy installation on new or retrofit transmission lines without affecting tower loading. CentraCore OPGW supports up to 96 fibers in a consistent cable diameter, ensuring reliable long-term performance and reducing spare part requirements for utilities.

International Standard Compliance

  • IEEE 1138 – Cable

  • IEC 60794-4 – Cable

  • TIA 598-D – Fiber

  • ASTM B415 – Aluminum Clad Steel (ACS) Wire

Construction & Materials

  • Central Fiber Core: Laser-welded, hermetically sealed stainless steel tube

  • Outer Pipe: Thick-walled aluminum for crush resistance

  • Strands: Aluminum-clad steel and aluminum alloy wires for mechanical and electrical performance

  • Fiber Grouping: Bundles of 12 color-coded fibers

Installation Guide

  1. String using conventional conductor installation methods.

  2. Ensure proper sheaves/pulleys to prevent crushing.

  3. After installation, strip the outer wires to access the central aluminum pipe.

  4. Cut aluminum pipe with a ring cutter and organize fiber bundles for splice trays.

  5. Supports sectionalized installations to reduce line losses.

Technical Parameters – CentraCore OPGW

Max Fibers Catalog No OPGW Size (in) Fault Current (kA²s) Conductor Area (mm²) Diameter (mm) Weight (kg/m) RBS (kgf) Max Ship Length Wood (m) Max Ship Length Steel (m)
48 CC-57/465 0.465 43 80.52 11.8 0.467 16,250 7,000 7,000
48 CC-29/29/465 0.465 54 80.52 11.8 0.354 10,500 7,000 7,000
48 CC-54/472 0.472 53 86.09 12.0 0.470 15,750 7,000 7,000
48 CC-27/27/472 0.472 63 86.09 12.0 0.362 10,000 7,000 7,000
48 CC-72/504 0.504 58 95.64 12.8 0.568 20,500 6,350 7,000
48 CC-32/40/504 0.504 73 95.64 12.8 0.441 13,750 7,000 7,000
48 CC-75/528 0.528 77 107.28 13.4 0.612 21,500 5,950 7,000
48 CC-38/38/528 0.528 96 107.28 13.4 0.462 13,750 7,000 7,000
72 CC-54/472 0.472 51 85.01 12.0 0.470 15,750 7,000 7,000
72 CC-27/27/472 0.472 61 85.01 12.0 0.362 10,000 7,000 7,000
72 CC-63/507 0.507 71 99.80 12.9 0.546 18,250 6,650 7,000
72 CC-32/32/507 0.507 85 99.80 12.9 0.420 11,750 7,000 7,000
72 CC-75/528 0.528 75 106.20 13.4 0.611 21,500 5,950 7,000
72 CC-38/38/528 0.528 94 106.20 13.4 0.461 13,750 7,000 7,000
96 CC-65/500 0.500 51 89.86 12.7 0.573 18,900 4,800 4,800
96 CC-30/36/500 0.500 64 89.86 12.7 0.456 12,750 4,800 4,800
96 CC-75/528 0.528 62 100.00 13.4 0.641 21,500 4,800 4,800
96 CC-38/38/528 0.528 81 100.00 13.4 0.492 14,000 4,800 4,800
96 CC-86/563 0.563 86 116.31 14.3 0.726 24,500 4,800 4,800
96 CC-34/51/563 0.563 106 116.31 14.3 0.591 17,400 4,800 4,800

Notes:

  • Data is based on Sag10™ calculations for tension & sag.

  • Values are approximate; refer to the latest datasheet for exact specifications.

  • Catalog numbers indicate standard designs; custom designs are available.

Applications

Transmission Lines

Replaces traditional shield/earth wires while supporting optical communication.

Utility Networks

Ideal for SCADA, voice, video, and data transmission.

Retrofit Projects

Small diameter and weight minimize tower loading impact.

Dark Fiber Leasing

Supports commercial telecommunication applications.

Top-of-Structure Installation

Shield wire position for grounding and lightning protection.

Product Advantages

High Mechanical Strength

Withstands wind, ice, and environmental stresses.

High Electrical Performance

High fault current capacity and reliable grounding.

Fiber Protection

Central stainless steel tube and hardened aluminum pipe secure optical fibers.

Simplified Installation

Color-coded bundles reduce splice prep and handling time.

Flexible Fiber Count

Up to 96 fibers without changing cable diameter or hardware.

FAQs

Q1: What is CentraCore OPGW cable?
A: Dual-function optical ground wire for fiber communication and transmission line grounding.

Q2: Can it replace existing shield wires?
A: Yes, suitable for retrofits and new installations.

Q3: How many fibers can it support?
A: Up to 96 fibers without changing overall diameter.

Q4: What fiber configurations are available?
A: Tight-structure and loose-tube bundles.

Q5: How is the cable installed?
A: Using standard conductor stringing, the aluminum pipe can be accessed for splicing.

Q6: Is it suitable for harsh climates?
A: Yes, designed for wind, ice, and temperature extremes.

Q7: Can the cable be sectionalized?
A: Yes, for reducing line losses and isolation purposes.

Why Choose Telexc

Proven Reliability

Telexc has decades of experience in designing and supplying high-quality Optical Ground Wires, ensuring consistent performance even in harsh environments.

High Fiber Density Solutions

Our CentraCore OPGW cables support up to 96 fibers without increasing cable diameter, reducing spare parts inventory and installation complexity.

Robust Construction

We use laser-welded stainless steel tubes inside hardened aluminum pipes with aluminum-clad steel strands, providing mechanical strength, thermal protection, and high fault current capacity.

Ease of Installation

Color-coded fiber bundles and compact cable design simplify field handling, splice preparation, and retrofit projects.

Global Standards Compliance

CentraCore OPGW meets IEEE, IEC, TIA, and ASTM standards, guaranteeing international quality and performance recognition.

Custom Solutions

Telexc can tailor OPGW designs to your fiber count, installation environment, or sectionalization requirements, offering a flexible solution for any transmission network.