OPGW (optical ground wire) is a type of conductor that is
used in the construction of electric power transmission lines.
Here the conductor combines both the functions of grounding
and communications. OPGW contains a tubular structure with
one or more optical fibers in it, surrounded by layers of
galvanized steel and aluminium alloy wire. In the OPGW
system, the conductor serves as a normal ground wire
protecting the phase conductors against lightning strikes.
The optical fibers are integrated into a stainless steel tube filled
with a thixotropic jelly and hermetically sealed to provide the best
protection of enclosed fibers at any stage of the installation or
operation.