Wrapping fiber cables around existing shield wires (sometimes referred to as ground wires or earth wires) is a very popular application among electric utilities; however, you can also wrap phase conductors. Wrapping fiber cables around shield wires can be performed during de-energized or live-line conditions.
Wrapped cables do not require high-strength central members because they are installed around existing high-tension wires. Each cable can have 60 fiber strands, and two fiber cables (total of 120 fibers) can be wrapped on a single shieldwire. Fiber wrapping is not possible around bundled cables. You can install large aircraft warning balls on wrapped conductors to make them easier to spot.
Fiber is wrapped around power lines with proprietary machines, which travel along the conductor and deploy the cable in a helical manner. This machine can be pulled by rope from ground level, by helicopters or towed by a motorized tug. Wrap installation rates run about 1 to 2 miles per day, depending on the number of structures per mile.
Phase conductor wrap installations require insulators to isolate or protect fiber cables that are exposed to full electrical potential from ground potential. This construction worker is wrapping a fiber cable around a fiberglass standoff to protect the fiber cable from damage by the post insulator hardware.
Helicopters are sometimes used to expedite installations. They can save time spotting equipment, moving equipment from ground level to the top of structures and from one structure to another, and moving personnel from one structure to another
