Preview and key definitions
OPPC (Optical Phase Conductor)
L’OPPC (Optical Phase Conductor) is a composite optical cable incorporating optical fiber units directly into the phase driver of a power line. He plays both the role of driver for the transmission of electricity (Replacing traditional aluminum drivers or aluminum-acier cables) and that of optical data transmission support. It is mainly used in networks where simultaneous energy and data transmission is necessary.
Main Features
Double function : Simultaneously ensures the transport of the three -phase current and the optical transmission.
Integrated structure : optical fibers are incorporated into the interior of the driver, Without independent support structure.
Applications : Modernization of medium and low voltage distribution networks, Integration of renewable energies (ex. : Photovoltaic parks).

ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting)
L’ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) East an optical cable entirely dielectric and self -supporting. To structure, devoid of metal components, allows it to be suspended between the pylons without requiring metal support associated with electric lines.
Main Features
Without metal components : Composed only of Aramid fibers, fiberglass (FRP) and polyethylene (PE), He is insensitive to electromagnetic interference.
Independent installation : can be fixed to existing power lines without interruption of service.
Applications : Extension of communication networks on existing high voltage lines, Interregional long distance transmission.
OPGW (Optical Ground Wire)
The opgw (Optical Ground Wire) is a composite fiber cable integrated in the guard cable (earthen thread) airlines. It combines the functions of protection against lightning and transmission of optical data, which makes it a privileged solution for high and very high voltage lines.
Main Features
Double protection : The outer layer in metal wires ensures mechanical resistance and lightning protection, while the internal optical fiber unit ensures data transmission.
High reliability : lifespan that can exceed 30 ans, Resistance to extreme environmental conditions.
Applications : New high -voltage electricity transport infrastructure, Modernization of intelligent networks.

Comparison of structures and materials
Oppc structure
Conductive layer
The outer layer consists of aluminum steel wires (ACS) or aluminum alloy, with a section designed according to the current capacity (ex. : 240 mm² ou 300 mm²).
Optical fiber unit
Optical fibers (monomodes or multimodes, Generally G.652D or G.655) are integrated either in the center of the driver, either in a helical layer, Protected by a stainless steel or aluminum tube.
Insulation layer (optional)
Some models incorporate reticulated polyethylene insulation (XLPE) To limit electrical losses.
Materials benefits
The aluminum driver offers excellent conductivity.
The stainless steel tube protects optical fibers against thermal dilation.
ADSS structure
Reinforcement
Consisting of aramid fibers or reinforced plastic of glass fibers (FRP), It ensures traction resistance ≥ 100 kN.
Loose tube
Optical fibers are placed in loose tubes in PBT (Polybutylene Téréphtalate) filled with gel blocking humidity, which reduces mechanical constraints.
Protective layer
Double layer design : An inner layer of water -repellent material and an external layer in AT/PE resistant to arc traces (UV resistant polyethylene).
Materials benefits
Its entirely dielectric design prevents electrical corrosion.
Suitable for environments with high electric field, like the high -voltage lines of 500 kV.

Structure de l’OPGW
Layer of twisted metal wires
Made up of aluminum steel threads (AS) or aluminum alloy, with a section generally between 50 et 150 mm².
Optical fiber unit
Integrated into a stainless steel tube or in an aluminum structure, containing 12 et 144 optical fibers, Filled with gel blocking humidity.
Anticorrosion
Some models increase the proportion of aluminum steel wires (until 60 %) To improve corrosion resistance in salt environment.
Materials benefits
Aluminum steel wires combine electrical conductivity and mechanical resistance.
Suitable for large -range facilities (≥ 1000 meters).
Comparison of cable structures
Components | OPPC | ADSS | OPGW |
Driver | Aluminum alloy torus (AA-1350) | No driver(Fully dielectric cable) | Aluminum steel torus (AACSR) |
Optical fiber unit | Stainless steel tube (diameter 3,0-5,0 mm) | Loose tube with reinforcement in aramid | Aluminum or stainless steel tube (double seal) |
Insulation layer | XLPE (thickness 3 has 15 mm) | None (Direct chickens) | None (The metal tube offers natural shielding) |
Structure externe | Double extrusion PE with anti-UV formula | HDPE Gaine + anti-trace coating | Aluminum steel torus + anticorrosion coating |
Comparison of key technical parameters
Setting | OPPC (Typical value) | ADSS (Typical value) | OPGW (Typical value) |
Section | 70-400 mm² | N/A | 50-300 mm² |
External diameter | 12-35 mm | 10-20 mm | 12-30 mm |
Electric resistance in direct current (20℃) | 0,25-0,06 Ω/km | N/A | 0,3-0,08 Ω/km |
Tension nominale | 36-245 kV | 1-35 kV (Veriman conductors tension) | 72-550 kV |
Short-circuit current capacity | 10-40 the (1 s) | N/A | 20-100 the (0,5 s) |
Tensile strength (RTS) | 70-150 kN | 15-50 kN | 80-200 kN |
Operating temperature range | -40℃ to +80 ℃ | -40℃ to +70 ℃ | -50℃ at +85 ℃ |
Optical attenuation (1550 nm) | ≤0,22 dB/km | ≤0,23 dB/km | ≤0,21 dB/km |
Minimal curvature radius | 20× cable diameter | 15× cable diameter | 25× cable diameter |
Mechanical and environmental performance
Traction resistance and arrow characteristics
OPPC
Truption resistance depends on the driver himself, which leads to a more important arrow (requires installation with tensioner). Typical scope ≤ 500 m.
ADSS
Aramid fibers offer high resistance to traction, reducing the arrow (installation possible sans tension). Scope of 800 has 1 500 m.
OPGW
Metal tortiles ensure extremely high mechanical resistance. Scope of 1 000 has 2 000 m, adapted to complex terrain such as rivers and gorges.
Resistance to environmental conditions
Resistance to wind vibrations
The opgw, heavier (environ 500-800 kg/km), is less affected by wind vibrations. ADSS requires the installation of vibration shock absorbers.
Corrosion resistance
L’OPPC, With its aluminum layer, is sensitive to acid corrosion (acid rain). OPGW improves its corrosion resistance thanks to aluminum steel wires. L’ADSS, metal -free, offers the best resistance to chemicals.
Resistance to frost and bad weather
The opgw, heavier, is more subject to the accumulation of ice and requires a specific design to resist it. L’ADSS, with a reduced diameter, limits the risk of snow and frying.
Comparison of environmental adaptability
Environmental challenge | Solution OPPC | Solution ADSS | Solution OPGW |
High temperature (> 80°C) | High temperature optical gel (Resistance up to 120 ° C) | Risk of softening of the PE sheath (Limit of 70 ° C) | Aluminum tube design for thermal dissipation (Resistance up to 85 ° C) |
Cold extreme (< -40°C) | XLPE Basse Température (elasticity module retention rate > 85%) | Gel resistant PE material (certified in 50396) | Special aluminum alloy (elongation > 15%) |
Forte corrosion saline | Galvanized steel soul + double gaine pe (Salin fog test > 5000 h) | Silicone coating + Electric traces resistant sheath | Aluminum steel structure + Anticorrosion fat filling |
UV exposure | UV stabilized sheath with 2,6 % carbon black (lifetime > 30 ans) | Triple coextrusion sheath (UV absorber + reflective layer) | Natural shielding by the aluminum layer (No additional protection required) |
Ice accumulation (> 20 mm) | Preformed shock absorber (limits the amplitude of oscillations < 1 m) | Low arrow design (Supported ice load < 15 mm) | High resistance steel soul (Supported ice load > 30 mm) |
OPPC : Adapted to environments with high mechanical loads (ex. : Large mountain rails), But thermal stability must be taken into account (temperature elevation under continuous load of 100-120 ° C).
ADSS : Avoid in high electric field zones (ex. : on the outskirts of conversion stations). It is recommended to use an AT sheath and limit exposure to a field < 25 kV/m.
OPGW : First choice for areas subject to thunderstorms, But requires the installation of parafudres to reduce the risk of secondary overvoltage.

Electrical performance and safety
Electromagnetic compatibility (CEM)
OPPC : The driver being under tension (ex. : 10 kV), Rigorous insulation is necessary to avoid any electromagnetic interference affecting fiber optics.
ADSS : Entirely dielectric structure, does not generate any current induced even under an electric field of 500 kV, thus offering the best security.
OPGW : Works like a guard cable without potential difference, But we must monitor the thermal effects induced by short-circuit currents.
Resistance to short-circuit currents
OPPC : The short-circuit current crosses the driver, requiring a stable thermal capacity calculation (ex. : A driver of 240 mm² can support 40 To/ 1 Seccoid).
OPGW : Short-circuit current is supported by external metal wires, with high resistance capacity (until 60 the).
ADSS : Non -driver, It is not affected by the impact of short-circuit currents.
In -depth comparison of transmission and power supply performance
Setting | OPPC | ADSS | OPGW |
Optical weakening (1550 nm) | ≤0.22 dB/km (compensation by dynamic over-lending) | ≤0.23 dB/km (Limitation of static over-length) | ≤0.21 dB/km (advantage of metal shielding) |
Maximum scope | 1000 m (requires a spacing of shock absorbers ≤30 m) | 500 m (limited by resistance to the tensile of the aramid) | 1500 m (Supported by a high RTS steel nucleus) |
Short-circuit current capacity | 40 the (1 s, aluminum merger : 660°C) | Non applicable | 100 the (0.5 s, aluminum-acier merger >1500°C) |
Current carrying capacity (240 mm²) | 510 A (ambient temperature of 40 ° C, according to IEC 61597) | Non applicable | Non applicable |
Electromagnetic compatibility | Requires a shielding layer to limit interference due to crowns (electric field <20 kV/m) | Entirely dielectric structure, Resistance to interference (electric field >100 kV/m) | Requires protection against side effects of lightning (Earth -putting resistance <10 Oh) |
Tension d’installation | 15%-25% RTS (must be adapted to adjacent drivers) | 10%-20% RTS (avoids cracking under the constraint of the sheath) | 18%-30% RTS (control of the plastic deformation of the steel core) |
Applications
Typical OPP applications
Modernization of distribution networks
Suitable for distribution lines Average and low voltage (10 KV/35 kv) requiring simultaneous upgrading of electricity and telecommunications. For example, replacing traditional aluminum drivers with OPPS saves infrastructure and facilitating distribution automation.
Integration into renewable energies
In solar power plants and wind farms, OPPC directly integrates energy transmission and data monitoring, thus reducing the installation costs of additional cables.
Urban network extension
In urban areas with limited space, OPPC operates existing drivers to avoid repeated excavation work.
ADSS key applications
Extension of communication networks on existing lines
The ADSS can be installed directly on online lines (Like the pylons of 220 kV), thus facilitating the deployment of electrical network monitoring networks or the extension of telecom operators' backbones.
Crossing complex land
Thanks to its lightness (only 200-300 kg/km) and its ability to cover long worms, ADSS is ideal for crossing obstacles such as rivers and railways.
Environments with high electromagnetic interference
Its entirely dielectric structure allows a safe installation near high voltage stations, without risk of electromagnetic induction.
Key Applications of the OPGW
High and very high voltage new lines
As an optical guard cable, OPGW is a standard choice for the transmission lines of 500 KV/750 kv, Combining network protection and high speed data transmission.
Modernization of intelligent electrical networks
The OPGW provides a reliable communication link for intelligent electrical posts and dynamic monitoring of loads.
Transnational interconnection projects
In cross -border electrical connection projects (Like the China-Laos interconnection), The OPGW performs a double function : Lightning protection and intercontinental data transmission.

Cost-effectiveness and profitability analysis
Initial cost
ADSS cable
Benefits : Entirely dielectric structure, requiring no metal support, which makes it the most economical option to purchase (30 has 50 % cheaper than OPGW). Adapted to existing lines, its installation does not require network interruption, thus reducing time and implementation costs.
Disadvantages : Dependence on aramid fibers for mechanical resistance, which makes it sensitive to aging in extreme climatic conditions (ex. : frosted). Shorter lifespan (15-20 ans), resulting in a higher long -term maintenance cost.
OPGW cable
Benefits : Combines the functions of guard cable and fiber optics, overall cost lower than the separate installation of a guard cable + Optical fiber (Economy of about 10-20 %). Ideal for new high voltage lines (220 kV and more), installed at the same time as drivers, thus reducing redundant construction costs.
Disadvantages : Highest initial investment, requiring metal conductors and a complex structure. What's more, its installation requires a stirring, that can cause financial losses.
OPPC cable
Benefits : Directly replaces the phase driver, saving energy losses on the guard line (ex. : A line of 220 KV can save about 140 000 kwh par and). Suitable for average and low voltage networks without guard line (≤ 35 kV).
Disadvantages : Overall overall cost of approximately 50 % at the OPGW (higher cost of cable, Connection boxes and accessories). Requires specific insulation and more complex installation.
Long -term profitability
ADSS cable
Maintenance cost : Requires regular monitoring of the aging of aramid fibers. Lifetime (≈15 ans), resulting in more frequent replacement costs.
Application scenarios : Limited budget projects, short -term communication needs or complex topography zones (ex. : mountain regions).
OPGW cable
Sustainability and reliability : Corrosion -resistant metal structure, lifespan of more than 25 ans, requiring little maintenance. Suitable for high reliability networks, such as telecommunications ridges.
Energy efficiency : Works like a good driver, reducing flight currents and electromagnetic interference, which indirectly decreases the losses of the network.
OPPC cable
Specific advantages : Can integrate a defrosting system in areas subject to frost, Increased resistance to natural disasters compared to OPGW and ADS.
Energy saving potential : By replacing the classic phase driver, It reduces energy losses on the guard line, offering long -term profitability.
Cost-effectiveness according to the scenarios
Optical fiber type | Scenario Optimal | Key profitability points |
ADSS | Modernization of existing lines, medium voltage distribution networks | Low initial cost, installation flexible, but higher maintenance cost. |
OPGW | New high voltage lines, Telecommunications dorsal networks | Better overall return, Ideal for reliability and longevity needs. |
OPPC | Medium voltage networks, Environment without daycare | Significant energy savings, But higher initial investment. |
Strategic recommendations
The OPGW represents the highest initial investment, But its reliability and longevity make it the most profitable option on the total life cycle. ADSS is optimal for short -term or limited budget projects.
- Favor the adss if a rapid and economical deployment is required, or to avoid power cuts (ex. : Modernization of urban networks).
- Opt for the OPGW for new high voltage lines, Because it combines guard cable functionality and optical transmission, minimizing long -term costs.
- Choosing the OPPS in medium voltage networks where energy savings and resistance to extreme conditions are priorities.
Note : The final choice depends on the network voltage level, installation conditions, maintenance capacities and regulations (ex. : environmental requirements). For example, ADSS is more suitable for electromagnetically sensitive environments (ex. : electrical posts), while the OPGW is more profitable on long distances.
Comparison of life cycle management
Management dimension | OPPC | ADSS | OPGW |
Design phase | Requires precise correspondence of the parameters of the three phases (impedance error <3%). | Calculation of spatial potential distribution (Electric erosion prevention). | Checking thermal stability of the guard cable (Resistance to short-circuit currents). |
Phase d’installation | Requires under tension interventions with isolated nacelle. | Installation sous tension possible (voltage control ± 5%). | Synchronized replacement with the guard line (Examination out or on voltage installation). |
Maintenance phase | Infrared thermography monitoring + Optical constraint sensors (double redundancy). | Periodic sheathing inspection against electric erosion (all the 2 ans). | Surveillance with lightning impact counter + Earth resistance test. |
Breakdown | 0,05 incident/100 km/an (main risk : overheated). | 0,12 incident/100 km/an (main risk : Gaking aging). | 0,08 incident/100 km/an (main risk : lightning). |
Lifetime | 30 ans (Synchronized aging of sheathing and driver). | 25 ans (limited by the degradation of aramid fibers). | 35 ans (advantage of corrosion resistance of the metal tube). |
Cable selection guide
Project requirements
For new high voltage lines, Opt for the OPGW.
For renovation projects, Choose OPPC or ADSS.
Environmental conditions
In high corrosion areas, Favor ADSS or OPGW.
In regions subject to frequent thunderstorms, OPGW is essential.
Budgetary constraints
For a limited budget, ADSS is the best choice.
For long -term investment and optimal stability, Opt for the OPGW.
Technical specifications
If a high tensile resistance (>100 kN) is required, Choose the OPGW.
If protection against electromagnetic interference is necessary, The ADSS is more suitable.
Advantages of ZMS Cable cables
Tailor -made : Adaptation to different tensions, fiber capacities and mechanical constraints.
High sustainability : Quality materials guaranteeing stable long -term operation (OPGW lifespan until 35 ans).
Excellent corrosion resistance : Suitable for extreme environments (coastal areas, high -moisture, Severe climatic conditions).
Global presence : ZMS cables are exported to more than 100 pays, meeting the needs of electric line renovation projects, renewable energy and communication networks.

Technological trends and innovations
Improvement of materials
OPPC incorporates carbon fiber composites, reducing weight while increasing tensile resistance.
The sheaths ADSS cables evolve towards better resistance to high temperatures (+90°C), Suitable for tropical climates.
Intelligent integration
The OPGW can be equipped with fiber optic sensors to monitor the driver's temperature in real time, The arrow and the impacts of lightning.
Cost optimization
Large -scale production could reduce the cost of OPPs at the ADSS level.
Innovation at ZMS Cable
Optical fiber sensor technology : ZMS OPGW incorporates monitoring systems to measure temperature and mechanical voltage, Facilitating preventive maintenance.
Cost reduction : Thanks to advanced manufacturing processes, ZMS optimizes production and improves the quality/price ratio of high performance cables.
Conclusion
OPPC cables, ADSS and OPGW offer each of the specific advantages :
OPPC : The ideal solution for the integration of electricity and telecommunications.
ADSS : An economical and flexible option for additional communication networks.
OPGW : The essential choice for high -voltage infrastructure.
Final recommendations
Electric companies : OPGW is recommended for new high voltage lines, while the OPPC and the ADSS must be assessed for modernization projects.
Telecom operators : ADSS is preferable for long distance networks, Because it minimizes interference with electrical infrastructure.
Renewable energies sector : OPPC is recommended for wind and solar parks to simplify the wiring of control systems.
This completes the comparative comparative analysis of the OPP, of the ADSS and the OPGW. For more technical details or cases, Please contact the specialized sellers of ZMS Cable or consult standards such as IEEE 1138, IEC 60794, etc.