An optical ground wire (also known as an OPGW or, in the IEEE standard, an optical fibre composite overhead ground wire) is a type of cable that is used in overhead power lines. Such cable combines the functions of grounding and communications. An OPGW cable contains a tubular structure with one or more optical fibres in it, surrounded by layers of steel and aluminium wire. The OPGW cable is run between the tops of high-voltage electricity pylons. The conductive part of the cable serves to bond adjacent towers to earth ground and shields the high-voltage conductors from lightning strikes. The optical fibres within the cable can be used for high-speed transmission of data, either for the electrical utility’s own purposes of protection and control of the transmission line, for the utility’s own voice and data communication
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