IEEE initiates standard-making process for key smart grid fiber-optic components

PISCATAWAY, USA: IEEE, the world's largest professional association advancing technology for humanity, announced the formation of three working groups to develop technology standards that will assure improved performance by key fiber-optic components in the Smart Grid.

Proposed standard IEEE P1591.1 – Standard for Testing and Performance of Hardware for Optical Groundwire (OPGW) – provides numerous processes and procedures for hardware that will be used with OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) cables. It covers construction, mechanical and electrical performance of the hardware as well as test requirements, environmental considerations, and acceptance criteria for qualifying the hardware.

The standard enables the best use of OPGW by assuring that users will have complete and accurate information about the types of hardware, specifications for hardware and acceptance testing for qualifying hardware. It will simplify procurement practices and standardize testing to assure product quality.

Proposed standard IEEE P1591.2 – Standard for Testing and Performance of Hardware for All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) Fiber Optic Cable – will address the lack of a hardware standard that has resulted into ADSS cable failures caused by using hardware incorrectly.

The proposed standard will standardize testing and other aspects of hardware to be used with ADSS systems, which in turn will simplify procurement and assure product quality.

Proposed standard IEEE P1591.3 – Standard for Qualifying Hardware for Helically-Applied Fiber Optic Cable Systems (WRAP Cable) – will address mechanical and electrical performance, test requirements, environmental considerations, and acceptance criteria.

WRAP cable is designed to be helically wrapped around a conductor or other messenger on overhead power facilities and will be a major component in the Smart Grid.