Development and field performance of a self supporting cable for use on high voltage power lines [optical cable]

A cable, code named `Translite´ has been developed and tested by Telephone Cables Limited which meets all the needs of a power utility for high voltage, long span application. Following early trials on unenergised power circuits, a cable was installed in 1987 for the first time in the UK on a live 132 kV overhead power line in conjunction with East Midlands Electricity (EME). More recently in conjunction with the South of Scotland Electricity Board (SSEB). `Translite´ cable has been successfully installed over a 400 kV route out of Hunterston nuclear power station near Glasgow. This installation was completed during November 1988 with a programme of ongoing assessment and monitoring commencing December; forming part of a formal type approval exercise with the SSEB and CEGB. Since the start of cable monitoring, cable performance has been faultless with no measurable increase in fibre attenuation