IEC TR 62263-2024 PDF

Full title and description

IEC TR 62263:2024 — Live working - Guidelines for the installation and maintenance of optical fibre cables on overhead power lines. This Technical Report provides guidance for safe installation, live-line working techniques and maintenance of optical fibre cables installed on single- and multi-circuit overhead power lines (including OPGW, OPPC, OPAC and ADSS).

Abstract

IEC TR 62263:2024 summarizes recommended procedures, work methods and precautions for the installation and maintenance of optical fibre cables on overhead power lines. It addresses types of optical-fibre cable commonly used on transmission and distribution overhead networks (optical ground wire (OPGW), optical phase conductor (OPPC), optical attached fibre cable (OPAC), and all-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) cable) and discusses relevant electrical hazards and safety measures for live working.

General information

• Status: Published (current technical report).
• Publication date: 10 December 2024.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Technical Committee TC 78 — Live working.
• ICS / categories: 13.260; 29.240.99; 29.260.99.
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2024).
• Number of pages: 33 pages.

Key bibliographic facts above are taken from the IEC publication record for IEC TR 62263:2024.

Scope

This Technical Report covers procedures for the installation and maintenance of optical fibre cables on overhead power lines and gives guidance on live working practices specific to these cable types and configurations. It applies to single- and multi-circuit constructions in common use and focuses on precautions to protect personnel and equipment during installation, maintenance, testing and emergency work on energized lines. The report is intended as guidance rather than mandatory requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Types of overhead optical-fibre cable covered: OPGW, OPPC, OPAC, ADSS.
• Hazard identification and electrical risk assessment for live-line work on overhead cables.
• Recommended installation methods and stringing practices for different cable types and system configurations.
• Earthing, bonding and induced-voltage mitigation when working near energized conductors.
• Live-line working techniques and appropriate use of insulating tools, ladders and poles.
• Inspection, maintenance, testing and defect-detection procedures for optical-fibre cables on overhead lines.
• Personal protective equipment, training and competency requirements for live working crews.
• Emergency procedures, rescue considerations and safe work coordination between line and fibre crews.

These topics reflect the practical guidance and safety focus of the Technical Report.

Typical use and users

Primary users are transmission and distribution utilities, live-line maintenance crews, line design and construction engineers, safety managers, contractors who install or maintain overhead optical-fibre cables, training organizations and national standards/adoption committees. The report is used for developing safe work procedures, training content and for informing procurement/specification of stringing and live-line equipment.

Related standards

Relevant publications from IEC TC 78 and related committees complement this report. Examples include IEC TR 61328 (guidance for installation and stringing equipment for conductors and earthwires), IEC 61478 (live-working ladders of insulating material) and other TC 78 standards on tools, PPE and live working procedures. Users often consult these documents together when creating comprehensive live-working procedures.

Keywords

live working; optical fibre cable; overhead power lines; OPGW; OPPC; OPAC; ADSS; installation; maintenance; stringing; earthing; bonding; electrical hazards; TC 78; safety guidance.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 62263:2024 is an IEC Technical Report titled "Live working - Guidelines for the installation and maintenance of optical fibre cables on overhead power lines" that provides guidance on safe installation and maintenance practices for optical-fibre cables on energized overhead lines.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures, recommended work methods and safety precautions for installing and maintaining OPGW, OPPC, OPAC and ADSS cables on single- and multi-circuit overhead power lines, including discussion of relevant electrical hazards and risk mitigation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Utilities, live-line and stringing contractors, engineers responsible for transmission and distribution line works, safety and training departments, and standards bodies use it to develop safe work practices and training for live-line optical-fibre operations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC TR 62263:2024 was published on 10 December 2024 and supersedes the earlier IEC TR 62263:2005. The 2024 edition (Ed. 2.0) is the current Technical Report.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a Technical Report published under IEC TC 78 (Live working). It is part of a body of live-working standards and technical reports addressing tools, PPE, stringing equipment and methods; users commonly consult related IEC TC 78 standards and TRs together.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Live working; optical fibre; overhead power lines; OPGW; OPPC; OPAC; ADSS; installation; maintenance; stringing; earthing; safety. These summarize the principal focus areas of the report.