Project Overview
Canada’s hydroelectric resources demand long-distance, high-capacity transmission. Hydro-Québec initiated an upgrade of its 230kV and 500kV transmission corridors to strengthen both power transmission and real-time communication systems. Uni Cable supplied OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) cables and associated accessories for this project.
Product Supplied
OPGW Cable Construction:
Central stainless steel tube with 48-core single-mode optical fibers (ITU-T G.652D compliant)
Aluminum-clad steel and aluminum alloy wires for strength and conductivity
Fiber excess length design for stable transmission under tension and temperature changes
Diameter: 14.6 mm; Weight: 510 kg/km; Rated tensile strength: 110 kN
Matching Accessories:
Suspension clamps
Tension clamps
Vibration dampers
Armor rods
Applications & Solution
The OPGW provides dual functionality: serving as the earth/ground wire for lightning protection while simultaneously carrying optical fibers for SCADA, telecommunication, and smart grid integration. This reduces the need for separate fiber routes and ensures reliability in harsh climates.
Quality Inspection & Standards
IEC 60794-4-10
IEEE 1138
CSA C49.1 (Canada)
Passed fiber attenuation ≤ 0.35 dB/km at 1310 nm and ≤ 0.22 dB/km at 1550 nm
Tensile, crush, and environmental tests performed before shipment
Export & Delivery
Cables were shipped in heavy-duty steel drums (2,500 m per drum) with moisture-proof packaging. Accessories were exported together, ensuring ready-to-install kits for the Canadian utility contractor.
Uni Cable Advantage
By integrating OPGW and accessories, Uni Cable provided a turnkey solution, reducing procurement complexity. The products’ cold-weather resilience ensured reliable operation even in Canada’s sub-zero conditions.