Development and field performance of a self supporting cable for use on high voltage power lines (optical cable)

A cable, code named 'Translite' has been developed and tested by Telephone Cables Limited which meets all the needs of a power utility for high voltage, long span application. Following early trials on unenergised power circuits, a cable was installed in 1987 for the first time in the UK on a live 132 kV overhead power line in conjunction with East Midlands Electricity (EME). More recently in conjunction with the South of Scotland Electricity Board (SSEB). 'Translite' cable has been successfully installed over a 400 kV route out of Hunterston nuclear power station near Glasgow. This installation was completed during November 1988 with a programme of ongoing assessment and monitoring commencing December; forming part of a formal type approval exercise with the SSEB and CEGB. Since the start of cable monitoring, cable performance has been faultless with no measurable increase in fibre attenuation.<>