How to make a ground wire connector for optical fiber cable and its price

A ground wire connector for OPGW is typically assembled using a connector kit that secures the cable to towers or splice enclosures, ensuring both mechanical stability and electrical grounding.

Connector Assembly for OPGW

1. Select the Appropriate Connector Kit Use a connector kit compatible with your OPGW cable type (e.g., AlumaCore, CentraCore, MiniCore, TriCore, HexaCore, PentaCore) such as the AX Series Connector Kit or wedge dead-end kits . These kits are designed to handle the mechanical tension and protect the optical fibers.
2. Prepare the Cable
   • Cut the OPGW cable to the required length, ensuring the strands are even.
   • Carefully unlay the stainless steel strands without nicking or damaging the fibers.
   • Remove any protective layers as specified by the kit instructions, taking care to avoid sharp bends or fiber breakage .
3. Install the Connector Body
   • Place the connector kit body (usually aluminum) onto the cable.
   • Attach additional components such as retaining rings, bushings, filler sleeves, and hose clamps.
   • Tighten the hose clamp to the specified torque (e.g., 40 in-lbs) and ensure set screws are properly oriented .
4. Attach to Tower or Splice Enclosure
   • For dead-end applications, connect the kit to the tower using tension clamps or wedge dead-end fittings.
   • For grounding, use downlead clamps or earthing clamps to connect the OPGW to the tower's grounding system .
   • Ensure the cable is supported to prevent excessive bending or vibration stress.
5. Vibration and Stress Management
   • Install vibration dampers or mechanical suspensions to reduce aeolian vibration and dynamic stress on the cable .
   • Verify that the cable bending does not exceed allowable limits to prevent optical loss.

Safety Considerations

• Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when handling optical fibers.
• Avoid looking directly at fiber ends if laser light may be present.
• Keep the work area clean to prevent contamination of fiber ends, which can reduce splice quality .

Price Estimate

• OPGW connector kits (AX Series, wedge dead-end, or tension clamps) typically range from $50 to $300 per unit, depending on the type, size, and manufacturer.
• Additional hardware such as vibration dampers, downlead clamps, and splice enclosures may cost $20–$150 each.
• Prices vary by supplier, quantity, and regional shipping costs, so contacting manufacturers like AFL or GL FIBER for a quote is recommended .

Summary

To make a ground wire connector for OPGW, you need a compatible connector kit, proper cable preparation, secure attachment to towers or enclosures, and vibration management. The cost depends on the kit type and additional hardware, generally ranging from $50 to $300 per connector, with extra components adding to the total. Proper installation ensures both mechanical stability and electrical grounding while protecting the optical fibers.