Design and installation of optical groundwire from a transmission utility perspective

Effective communication has fast become the means for a reliable electric power delivery system. The faster you can locate trouble on your system, the sooner you can correct the problem and return the system to normal. The installation of fiber optics has greatly enhanced the ability to transmit data necessary to detect trouble on the transmission grid. Santee Cooper has installed two types of fiber, both the all dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) cable and the optical ground wire (OPGW) cable for communications and relaying. From a transmission line design engineer's perspective, the OPGW installation is the more prudent choice.