An investigation of dry band arcing on optical fibre

Abstract

Communication companies are spending millions of Rands on installing optic fibre cables and links, with the purpose of increasing network bandwidth, reliability and stability. Several utilities, that combine power supply and telecommunication over the same servitudes, are confronted with quite a serious problem. The cables are being subjected to extreme electromagnetic (EM) force fields, which cause certain phenomena, damaging the fibres. The fibres that cause problems are usually installed in polluted areas or in salt rich air areas (e.g. along the coast). The purpose of this study is to determine why and where Dry-Band arcing (DBA) occurs, or where it will be most likely to occur. The simulations done showed that DBA is not supposed to happen under normal circumstances, if the cables are correctly installed. There is therefore a certain set of additional phenomena and conditions required before DBA occurs.