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.
