Considerations for fault current testing of optical ground wire

Assumptions concerning span length and termination procedures in fault current testing of optical ground wires are examined. Peak component temperatures were measured for both 10 m and 60 m spans. The cable temperature decay time was measured and is compared with a numerical model of convection and conduction losses. A numerical model is developed to predict the peak cable tension following a hit. This model can be used to establish appropriate initial cable tensions to simulate full-span faults. The issue of dynamic stresses in the form of cable whipping is reviewed. Various cable termination procedures were tested