Lightning Test Method for Optical-Fiber Overhead Ground Wires

Abstract

The lightning test method with a single lightning component C was found to be inappropriate to simulate the lightning effect on optical-fiber overhead ground wires (OPGWs). This study establishes a multiple lightning current test system, including intermediate current component B and continuing current component C, to investigate the lightning test method for OPGWs. The lightning characteristics and damage performance of OPGWs with different test conditions under multiple sequential lightning currents were experimentally evaluated via visual inspection and infrared temperature measurement. The test results indicated that the lightning damage of OPGWs was not only related to the parameters of the applied lightning current but also the experimental method. The lightning erosion degree and surface temperature of OPGWs increased as the transfer charge of current component C increased. When the transfer charge was approximately 200 °C, the surface temperature exceeded 3600 °C. Moreover, as the discharge gap increased from 5 cm to 6 cm, the temperature decreased, and the lightning damage degree, particularly the number of broken strands, decreased accordingly. The research on the lightning test method in this paper may provide experimental support and a theoretical basis for a proper evaluation of the lightning protection performance OPGWs and the study of the lightning effect mechanism.