Power Lines

Since our first works in this environment in 1991 Optilan have become the UK’s largest and most experienced fibre contractor in HV environment work.

Our fibre experience includes systems installed in all HV environments up to 275kV and 400kV as well as 132kV and lower in the Distribution networks.

Our oldest competence in the Power Utility market is the splicing, testing and maintenance of fibre backbones on pylons. This general heading would include pre and post installation testing of the various cable types used including OPGW, Wrap, ADSS and all their derivatives plus ground deploy cables for maintenance works. Our field engineers have two sets of training for work in this environment, health and safety training and skill training.

Skill training

Optilan’s training school, run by our Training and Skills Manager includes a 20km fibre network which passes through a multitude of joints and ODF’s that will be encountered on an OHL network. The joints include current PLP and legacy Focas and BICC joints. The network enables us to model a whole variety of problems associated with network degradation or poor network build and teach the engineers best practice.

Health and Safety Training

The HV environment is by definition a high risk environment from a range of hazards that extend beyond the dangers of high voltage into risks from climbing, falls and even farmers. The training that Optilan’s engineers need to be able to work safely in this environment is co-ordinated by our Health and Safety Manager and includes recognised qualifications from external consultants as well as customers and site briefings.

Maintenance and Repair Options for HV fibre links

Optilan are able to provide OHL testing that produces detailed reports on the fibre condition and fault locations and consider the repair options arising for disconnected and high loss fibres. Repair options will include section replacement, section bypass, tower top repairs, clamping arrangements, canister rebuilds, glanding issues, cable and fibre management.

OHL fibre system installation and commissioning

Optilan’s experience includes the planning, supply, installation and commissioning of complete new sections of optical OPGW or Wrap. Planning will include health and safety consideration such as platforms and scaffolding and liaison with Grantors. Supply will include cable, joints and fittings. Installation will include the supply of linesmen and fibre commissioning will be undertaken by our own experienced teams. Detailed and appropriate documentation will be supplied at all stages of the process and, upon completion, maintenance services may be offered to keep the links in first class condition and operational, whatever the emergency.