What Should Be Noted for Railway Transportation of OPGW?

OPGW Cable Transportation Guide by Railway:

OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) cables are precision-engineered products that combine both optical fiber communication and grounding protection functions. Due to their dual-purpose design and high value, proper handling and transportation are crucial to prevent damage and ensure long-term performance. The following guidelines outline the essential precautions for railway transportation of OPGW cables.

1. Preparation Before Transportation
1.1 Drum Inspection

Make sure each cable drum is intact, with no cracks, loose nails, or missing wooden boards.

Check that the product labels are complete and legible, including model, fiber count, cable length, weight, manufacturing date, and rolling direction arrow.

1.2 Fiber End Protection

The fiber ends must be tightly sealed with dustproof and waterproof caps to prevent moisture ingress.

Do not remove the factory-sealed ends or uncoil the cable before installation.

1.3 Moisture and Shock Prevention

Apply waterproof wrapping and shock-absorbing materials around the drum, especially for long-distance or cross-climate transportation.

Avoid exposing the cable directly to rain or sunlight.

2. Precautions During Railway Transportation

2.1 Drum Position and Fixation

Cable drums must be placed vertically and securely fixed with wooden wedges, steel belts, or ropes to prevent movement.

Horizontal placement is strictly prohibited to avoid fiber deformation or mechanical stress.

2.2 Vibration Reduction

Place rubber or foam pads under and between the drums to absorb railway vibrations.

When stacking multiple drums, use wooden separators—never stack drums directly on each other.

2.3 Safe Loading and Unloading

Use forklifts or cranes with soft lifting belts inserted through the drum axle hole.

Never hook or lift the cable directly by its body.

Keep the drum balanced and lower it smoothly to avoid impact.

2.4 Temperature and Humidity Control

Railway wagons should be clean, dry, and well ventilated.

Maintain a temperature range between -20°C and +60°C, avoiding direct sunlight or freezing conditions.

3. Packaging and Protection

3.1 External Packaging

Wrap the entire drum with waterproof kraft paper or PE film, tightly sealed to resist dust and moisture.

Secure the package with metal or nylon straps to prevent loosening during transit.

Add an iron frame reinforcement around the wooden drum to enhance structural strength and prevent deformation during long-distance railway transportation.

3.2 Safety Markings

Each drum should be clearly labeled with warnings such as “Keep Dry,” “Handle with Care,” “Do Not Lay Flat,” and “This Side Up.”

3.3 Protective Corners

Add protective corner strips under the strapping bands to prevent damage to the drum edges or cable surface.

4. Arrival Inspection and Acceptance

Check for visible damage such as cracks, tilted drums, or broken boards.

Verify cable specifications, length, and fiber parameters against shipping documents.

Record and photograph any damage or moisture signs for immediate reporting to the carrier.

5. Common Mistakes and Potential Risks

All in all, When transporting OPGW cables by railway, Hunan Jiahome always follow the principle of “Stable, Dry, Upright, and Protected.”

Stable: Securely fix all drums to prevent shifting or rolling.

Dry: Keep the cable moisture-free and well sealed.

Upright: Always transport the drums vertically.

Protected: Shield from vibration, compression, and improper handling.

Proper packaging and the addition of iron frame reinforcement around the wooden drum ensure the OPGW cable arrives safely, preserving its optical and electrical performance for reliable installation and operation in power transmission projects.