Talk:Optical ground wire

I notice this article was speedy deleted once already.

I don't have time to work on it, but optical groundwire (OPGW) is a widely recognized type of fiber optic cable. The IEEE has a standard for it: IEEE 1138 Standard Construction of Composite Fiber Optic Overhead Ground Wire (OPGW) for Use on Electric Utility Power Lines

Google Scholar turns up 327 unique hits on the term "OPGW".

If someone really feels they need to delete this article again, please drop a note on my talk page. --A. B. (talk) 06:13, 8 January 2007 (UTC)

The optical fiber itself is an insulator and protects against power transmission line and lightning induction, external noise and cross-talk The data signal transmits through laser light pulses, so induction wouldn't disrupt it anyway. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.198.33.252 (talk) 12:02, 16 September 2008 (UTC)

What's in a name?
Most people call this "optical groundwire" if they don't use "OPGW".

"Optical fiber composite overhead ground wire" may appear in a few IEEE references, but not even anyone on the IEEE joint working group that writes the standards calls it that in everyday conversation or writing -- just OPGW or optical groundwire.

A few previously used terms that were either trademarks or fell out of favor:
 * OPT-GW
 * FOGW
 * FOG-W

Also, similar products used in some postion other than the groundwire position:
 * Telecom rope
 * Optical phase conductor
 * Optical messenger

--A. B. (talk) 12:35, 11 January 2007 (UTC)


 * Agreed A.B. I'll consequently move the article. Cedars (talk) 02:46, 10 November 2009 (UTC)

I thought this was a useful orientation to the subject, even without references. Just the sort of thing I need to get started from an RFQ coming across the desk for "OPGW" when I don't know any anything about it. Should not be deleted. —Preceding unsigned comment added by ArthurOJr (talk • contribs) 19:34, 6 August 2009 (UTC)

This thing is still being hawked?
Fringe technology at best. Notable, hardly. It is claimed this is in use "60,000 km worldwide"? It sounds "big" given it would wrap around the earth a few times, but that is barely the line miles of a dozen electric utility distribution circuits combined, or something that would feed the needs of several counties or a very small country at best. Perspective is what is needed here. 74.143.69.4 (talk) 06:13, 10 October 2012 (UTC)
 * No, 60,000 km was how much was *added* to service in 2000. It's quite main-stream. --Wtshymanski (talk) 14:01, 10 October 2012 (UTC)

Add photo
Please add a photo showing wire guts and nearby objects for scale. Jidanni (talk) 01:03, 1 March 2020 (UTC)