EQUIPMENT FOR ENABLING AN INTERFACE WITH OPTICAL FIBERS IN AN OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL CABLE

Abstract

Equipment components for terminating and / or splicing overhead electrical cables that have optical fibers attached. These components allow access to the optical fibers for connection to interrogation devices or telecommunications equipment. They also allow the optical fibers to pass through terminations and splices without damaging them.

Description

EQUIPMENT FOR ENABLING AN INTERFACE WITH OPTICAL FIBERS IN AN OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL CABLE frQQL jn / eznz / a / Yi Field of invention This disclosure relates to the field of overhead power cables and, in particular, to the equipment components used to install and support overhead power cables for the transmission and / or distribution of electricity. This disclosure relates specifically to equipment components that allow optical fibers to pass from the overhead power cable through the equipment for subsequent connection to interface equipment such as interrogation equipment or telecommunications equipment. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 illustrates a portion of an overhead electric transmission line. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a termination apparatus assembled according to the prior art. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a termination device assembled and crimped according to the prior art. Figures 4A to 4B illustrate overhead electric cables that include optical fibers coupled to a reinforcing member. The figure of disclosure. The figure of disclosure. The figure of disclosure. The figure of disclosure. Polish! Polish! Polish! Illustrate a device for termination in accordance with a modality of the present. Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a termination apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 10A to 10C illustrate a termination apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 illustrates a termination apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 12A and 12B illustrate a grip assembly according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figures 13A to 13C illustrate a termination apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 14A to 14C illustrate a spacer clip that is useful in a termination apparatus according to this disclosure. Figure 15 illustrates the use of a spacer clip in a termination apparatus in accordance with this disclosure. Figures 16A to 16B illustrate a termination apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 17A and 17B illustrate a termination apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 18A and 18B illustrate one modality of a splice assembly according to this disclosure. Figure 19 illustrates an exploded view of a set of slices according to a modality. Figures 20A and 20B illustrate one modality of a splice assembly according to this disclosure. Figures 21A and 21B illustrate one modality of a splice assembly that incorporates an optical fiber ring. Figures 22A and 22B illustrate one modality of a splice assembly according to this disclosure. Figures 23A to 23D illustrate a splice assembly incorporating a coil system and a method for constructing the splice assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed description of the invention Figure 1 illustrates a portion of an overhead electric transmission line 100 for the transmission of electricity. Overhead electric transmission and distribution lines are constructed by raising electric cables above the ground using support towers (e.g., pylons) such as support towers 102a / 102b / 102c. Transmission and distribution lines can span many kilometers, requiring extremely long lengths of electric cable, for example, where many cable segments are joined to achieve electrical and mechanical continuity, and numerous support towers. Some of the support towers are called dead-end towers or anchor towers, such as tower 102a. Such towers are located at termination points, for example, electrical substations or locations where the power line passes underground.Dead-end towers, such as tower 102a, may also be required when the power line changes direction (e.g., makes a turn), crosses a road or other structure where there is a high risk of damage or injury if the cable fails, or under normal conditions, at intervals along a long, straight path. In such cases, the overhead power cable must be terminated (e.g., cut), secured to the dead-end tower under high voltage, and electrically connected to an adjacent overhead power cable. As illustrated in Figure 1, power cable segment 110a is secured (e.g., anchored) to tower 102a using a dead-end termination device 120 (e.g., a tension clamp) and is electrically connected to an adjacent power cable segment 110b via an electrical jumper 104. Power cable segments 110a / 110b are insulated from the support tower 102a by an insulating rope 106. frQQL jn / eznz / a / Yi Another termination structure is called a splice. While the length of a single overhead cable segment may cover several thousand feet, an electrical network may require several hundred miles of electrical cable. To span these distances, utility operators often need to splice (i.e., join) two shorter cable segments. Therefore, one or more splices may be placed between two dead ends of an overhead cable installation. The splice functions as a mechanical joint that holds the two wire ends together and as an electrical joint that allows electrical current to flow through the splice. As illustrated in Figure 1, a splice 150 operatively connects electrical cable segment 110c to electrical cable segment 110d to form a mechanical joint and a continuous electrical path. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of an assembled termination apparatus (e.g., a dead end) according to the prior art for use with a bare overhead electric cable such as the dead end 120 in Figure 1. The termination apparatus 220 illustrated in Figure 2 is similar to that illustrated and described in PCT Publication No. WO 2005 / 041358 to Bryant and in U.S. Patent No. 8,022,301 to Bryant et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in full. The termination apparatus 220, as illustrated in Figure 2, is extensively characterized and includes a gripping assembly 221 and a connector 222 for anchoring the termination apparatus 220 to a dead-end structure, for example, a tower as illustrated in Figure 1, with a fastener 223 disposed at a proximal end of the termination apparatus 220. At the distal end of the termination apparatus 220, opposite the fastener 223, the termination apparatus 220 is operatively connected to an overhead electric cable 210 that includes an electric conductor 211 (for example, comprising conducting strands) surrounding and supported by a strength member 214, for example, a fiber-reinforced composite strength member. The gripping assembly 221 firmly grips the reinforcing member 214 to secure the overhead electric cable 210 to the termination apparatus 220. As illustrated in Figure 2, the gripping assembly 221 includes a compression-type fitting (e.g., a wedge-type fitting), specifically a collar 224 having a lumen 225 (e.g., a hole) that surrounds and secures the strength member 214. The collar 224 is disposed in a collar housing 226, and as the electric cable 210 is tensioned (e.g., pulled over support towers), friction develops between the strength member 214 and the collar 224 as the collar 224 is driven further into the collar housing 226.The conical (outer) shape of the collar 224 and the matching inner funnel shape of the collar housing 226 increase compression on the strength member 214, ensuring that the strength member 214 does not slip out of the collar 224 and thus that the overhead electric cables 210 are secured to the termination apparatus 220. As illustrated in Figure 2, an outer sleeve 227 is arranged over the gripping assembly 221 and one end of the electrical cable 210. The outer sleeve 227 includes a conductive sleeve body 228 to facilitate electrical conduction between the electrical conductor 211 and a bridge plate 229. An inner sleeve 230 (e.g., a conductive inner sleeve) can be placed between the conductor 211 and the conductive body 228 to facilitate electrical connection between the conductor 211 and the conductive body 228. The conductive body 228 can be made of aluminum, and the bridge plate 229 can be welded to the conductive body 228, for example. The jumper plate 229 is configured to join a connector plate 231 to facilitate electrical conduction between the electrical conductor 211 and another conductor, e.g., another electrical cable (not illustrated) that is in electrical communication with the connector plate 231. The connector 224 includes a fastener 223 (e.g., an eyebolt) and mating threads 232 of the gripping element arranged at one end 233 of the gripping element of the connector body 234. The mating threads 232 of the gripping element are configured to operatively engage with the mating threads 235 of the connector in the collar housing 226 to facilitate movement of the connector 224 against the collar 224, pushing the collar 224 into the collar housing 226 when the threads 235 and 232 are engaged and the connector 224 rotates relative to the collar housing 226. This strengthens the compressive grip of the collar 224 on the reinforcing member 214, further securing the overhead power cable 210 to the termination device 220.The fastener 223 is configured to be attached to a culvert structure, for example, a culvert tower, to secure the termination apparatus 220, and therefore the electrical cable 210, to the culvert structure. See Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a termination device, similar to the termination device in Figure 2, which has been crimped (e.g., compressed) onto an overhead power cable. The termination device 320 includes a connector having a fastener 323 extending outward from a proximal end of an outer sleeve 327. A bridge plate 329 is integrally formed with the outer conductive sleeve body 328 for electrical connection to a bonding plate (e.g., see Figure 2). As illustrated in Figure 3, the outer sleeve body 328 is crimped onto (e.g., over) two regions of the underlying structure, namely, the crimped sleeve body region 328a and the crimped sleeve body region 328b.The crimped sleeve body region 328a is generally located over an intermediate portion of the underlying connector (for example, see Figure 2), and the crimped sleeve region 328b is generally located over a portion of the overhead electric cable 310. The compressive forces placed on the outer sleeve body 328 during the crimping operation are transferred to the underlying components, i.e., to the connector below the crimped region 328a and to a portion of the overhead electric cable 310 below the crimped region 328b, to permanently secure the termination of apparatus 320 to the electric cable 310. The termination device described in detail in Figures 2 and 3 can be used with various configurations of bare overhead power cables. The termination device illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 is particularly useful with overhead power cables that have a fiber-reinforced composite strength member. For example, a compression wedge gripping element, for instance, having a collar arranged in a collar housing (e.g., Figure 2), allows gripping a fiber-reinforced composite strength member under high compressive force without significant risk of fracturing the composite material. frQQL jn / eznz / q / Yi Figure 4A illustrates an overhead electric cable 410A that includes a resistance member 414A made from a fiber-reinforced composite material. The electric cable 410A also includes a conductor 411A comprising a first layer 412Aa of conductor strands that are helically wound around (e.g., twisted around) the resistance member 414A. A second layer 412Ab of conductor strands is wound around the first layer 412Aa. The conductor strands can be made from conductive metals such as copper or aluminum, and for use in overhead electric cables they are normally made from aluminum, i.e., pure aluminum or aluminum alloys.Conductive metals, for example, aluminum, may not have sufficient mechanical properties (e.g., sufficient tensile strength) to be self-supporting without excessive sagging when placed between support towers to form an overhead power line for the transmission and / or distribution of electricity, as illustrated in Figure 1. Therefore, the resistance member 414A physically supports or reinforces the electrical conductor 411A when the overhead power cable 410A is strung between support towers under high mechanical stress. The strength member 414A illustrated in Figure 4A is a fiber-reinforced composite strength member comprising, for example, a plurality of reinforcing fibers arranged in a bonding matrix. As illustrated in Figure 4, the strength member includes a high-strength section 415A (for example, an inner section) comprising substantially continuous, high-strength reinforcing fibers (for example, carbon fibers) arranged in a polymeric bonding matrix (for example, a thermoset or thermoplastic bonding matrix). An insulating layer 416A (for example, an outer layer) surrounds the inner section 415A to prevent galvanic corrosion that may result from intimate contact between the carbon fibers and the aluminum. For example, the insulating layer can be made from an electrically insulating polymer such as a thermoplastic material.Alternatively, or in addition to a polymer layer, the insulating layer may include substantially continuous reinforcing glass fibers in a polymer bonding matrix, for example. An overhead power cable of this configuration is available under the registered trademark ACCC® (CTC Global Corp., Irvine, CA) and is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,368,162 to Hiel et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, the resistance member may include an aluminum layer, for example, disposed between the insulating layer 416A and the first conductive layer 412Aa. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 10,395,794 to Meyer et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such fiber-reinforced composite strength members may include a single fiber-reinforced composite strength member (e.g., a single rod) as illustrated in Figure 4A. Alternatively, the composite strength member may be composed of a plurality of individual fiber-reinforced composite strength members (e.g., individual rods) that are operatively combined (e.g., twisted or braided together) to form the strength member as illustrated in Figure 4B. Examples of such multi-element composite strength members include, but are not limited to: the multi-element aluminum matrix composite strength member illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,245,425 of frQQL jn / eznz / a / Yi McCullough et al.; the multi-element carbon fiber strength member illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,015,953 to Tosaka et al.; and the multi-element strength member illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 9,685,257 to Daniel et al. Each of these U.S. patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other configurations and materials (e.g., other fibers and / or matrix materials) may be used for the fiber-reinforced composite strength member. Returning to Figure 4A, the electrical cable 410A also includes at least one optical fiber associated with it. As illustrated, the cable 410A includes two (for example, a plurality of) optical fibers, specifically optical fibers 417Aa and 417Ab, which are embedded within the strength member 414A. More specifically, optical fiber 417Aa can be characterized as being embedded within the high-strength inner section 415A, and optical fiber 417Ab can be characterized as being embedded between the inner section 417A and the insulating layer 417A. It will be appreciated that such optical fibers can be associated with the electrical cable 410A by placing them in other positions, such as arranged on the outer surface of the reinforcing member 414A, for example, between the reinforcing member 414A and the first conductive layer 412Aa. Referring to Figure 4B, a similar 410B overhead power cable is illustrated. As noted above, the 410B power cable includes a 414B reinforcing member having a plurality of reinforcing elements (e.g., the 414Ba reinforcing element) that are combined (e.g., helically wound) to form the 414B reinforcing member. In this case, one or more optical fibers, such as the 417Bb optical fiber, are associated with the 410B power cable, for example, arranged between individual reinforcing elements in addition to, or as an alternative to, integrated optical fibers such as the 417Ba optical fiber. As with the cable illustrated in Figure 4A, optical fibers can be placed in other positions along the cross-section of the 410B power cable. In any of the above configurations, the optical fibers are typically arranged along the entire length of the electrical cable. The optical fibers can be arranged in a substantially linear fashion or they can be non-linear; for example, they can be twisted or wrapped around the reinforcing member. Such optical fibers can be used for communications (e.g., for data transfer) and / or they can be used to interrogate (e.g., to inspect) the electrical cable to determine its condition, i.e., as an interrogation element. For example, Brillouin time-domain optical reflectometry (BOTDR) can be used to evaluate the temperature of the electrical cable and / or the stress state of the reinforcing member along the cable's length.An example of optical fibers being used in an overhead power cable for interrogation purposes is illustrated in International Patent Publication n.sWO 2019 / 168998 by Dong et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Regardless of the function of the optical fibers, it will be necessary to access at least one end of the fibers, for example, to reliably introduce light (e.g., coherent light from a laser) into the ends of the optical fibers, and to detect and / or analyze the light emanating from the same end or from an opposite end of the optical fibers. However, as can be seen in Figures 2 and frQQL / n / cznz / q / Yi 3, when the overhead electric cable terminates in a dead end (e.g., using a termination device described above, the end of the reinforcing member, and therefore the ends of the optical fibers, can no longer be accessed to pass a signal at one end of the optical fibers and / or to detect a light signal emanating from one end of the optical fibers. One object of this disclosure is to provide equipment such as a termination device for use with an overhead electric cable that allows access to said optical fibers associated with the electric cable, even after the overhead electric cable has been installed, e.g., after a section of the overhead electric cable has been laid and terminated. Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of a termination device (e.g., a dead end) for use with an overhead power cable that allows access to one or more optical fibers from outside the device. As illustrated in Figure 5, the dead end 520 includes a gripping assembly 521 that clamps a strength member 514 of an overhead power cable 510, for example, so that the power cable 510 can be securely clamped under very high tension. Similar to the termination device illustrated in Figure 1, the gripping assembly 521 can be characterized as a compression wedge, which in particular has a collar 524 and a collar housing 526 configured to receive the collar 524 within the housing 526. The gripping assembly 521 includes a gripping assembly channel 537 (for example, an elongated groove or notch) arranged along an external surface of the gripping assembly 521, particularly along an external surface of the clamp housing 526. The channel 537 is configured (for example, by size and shape) to secure one or more optical fibers, such as optical fiber 517, within the channel 537, for example, to contain and protect optical fiber 517 between the gripping assembly 521 and an internal surface of the conductive sleeve body 528. As illustrated in Figure 5, the gripping assembly channel 537 runs along the outer surface of the gripping assembly 521 (for example, of the collar housing 526) from one end of the gripping assembly 521 to the opposite end of the gripping assembly 521.Characterized another way, the channel 537 is arranged along at least that portion of the gripping assembly 521 that is in direct contact with the conductive sleeve body 528. Furthermore, the channel 537 of the gripping assembly is arranged substantially linearly along the gripping assembly 521. Although a linear configuration is easier to manufacture and implement, it will be appreciated that the channel 537 can be nonlinear if desired; for example, it can be arranged helically around the gripping assembly. In either case, the channel 537 allows the conductive sleeve body 528 to be crimped onto the gripping assembly 521 (see Figure 3) with the optical fiber 51 experiencing little or no compression so that the optical fiber 517 is not damaged. A 522 connector is operatively attached to the gripping assembly 521 and includes a connector body 534. The connector body 534 includes a connector body channel 538 arranged along (for example, formed in) an external surface of the connector body 534. As with the gripping assembly channel 537, the connector body channel 538 is configured (for example, sized and formed) to ensure, for example, to contain and protect, one or more optical fibers, for example, the optical fiber 517, within the channel 538. The connector body channel 538 is arranged along at least that portion of the connector body 534 that is in direct contact with the conductive sleeve body 528 and may be arranged along the entire length of the connector body 534.As with the grip assembly channel 537, the connector body channel 538 can be arranged along the connector body 534 in a substantially linear manner as illustrated in Figure 5 or it can be arranged along the connector body 534 in a non-linear manner. The connector 522, for example, the connector body 534, may include connector body threads, and the collar housing 526 may include connector mating threads that engage with (for example, are threaded together with) the collar housing threads to secure the collar housing 526 to the connector 522, for example, as illustrated in Figure 2 above, although other means of securing the gripping assembly 521 to the connector 522 are contemplated. Furthermore, a gripping device and a connector may be integrally formed, i.e., as a single unit. To enable the termination apparatus 520 to be secured to a tower (see Figure 1), the termination apparatus includes a fastener 523, for example, which is operatively attached to or integrally formed with the connector body 534, as illustrated in Figure 5. A gasket 539 can separate the fastener 523 from the outer sleeve 527 to reduce the ingress of moisture and other foreign matter into the termination apparatus 520. As illustrated in Figure 5, the fastener 523 is a hook (for example, having a single closed loop). However, other types of fasteners are contemplated, including a clevis-type fastener having two prongs with openings that allow a pin to be inserted through the prongs. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 2,668,280 to Dupre and U.S. Patent No. 6,338,590 to Stauske et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As noted above, an outer sleeve 527 has a conductive sleeve body 528 that defines a cavity and is positioned over the gripping assembly 521 and over the connector body 534. The outer sleeve 527 can be crimped (e.g., compressed) onto the underlying structure, e.g., over the connector body 534 and over the electrical cable 510 as illustrated in Figure 2. The termination apparatus 520 illustrated in Figure 5 also includes a strain relief guide 540 configured to contain and redirect the optical fiber from the electrical cable 510 to the gripping assembly channel 537. In this respect, the strain relief guide 540 illustrated in Figure 5 has a conical shape, for example, of the cone or funnel type. The strain relief guide 540 can be made from a flexible material, such as an elastomeric material. The strain relief guide 540 is configured to ensure that the optical fiber 517 is not subjected to small-radius bends that could damage or otherwise impair the efficiency of the optical fiber 517. Optical fiber 517 extends from the termination apparatus 520 through a fiber outlet opening 541. The fiber outlet opening 541 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to allow one or a plurality of optical fibers to pass through the opening 541. A connection can therefore be made to optical fiber 517, such as a connection to an OTDR, BOTDR, or similar interrogation device, or to a telecommunications device. frQQL jn / eznz / a / Yi Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a connector and gripping assembly according to one modality, for example, that can be used in the termination apparatus illustrated in Figure 5. The gripping assembly 621 is secured to a strength member 614 using a collar arrangement 624 and collar housing 626. An optical fiber 617 is wound around the strength member 614 and can be used for interrogation (i.e., as a sensing element) and / or for telecommunications (e.g., data transfer). The optical fiber 617 is arranged within a channel of the gripping assembly 637a that extends along the gripping assembly 621, i.e., along the length of an outer surface of the collar housing 626.The collar housing 626 includes a plurality of gripping assembly channels 637a / 637b / 637c that can accommodate a plurality of optical fibers, or can be used with a single optical fiber, for example, for alignment purposes. Similarly, the connector 622 includes a connector body channel 638 arranged linearly along the surface of the connector body 634. The optical fiber extends 617 from the connector 622 through a fiber exit opening 641. Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a termination apparatus according to this disclosure. The termination apparatus 720 includes a gripping assembly 721 in the form of a collar 724 and a collar housing 726 that is secured to the strength member 714. In this embodiment, one or more optical fibers 717 extend through the collar 724 with the strength member 714. In this regard, the connector body 734 includes a port 742 (for example, a hole) that extends longitudinally through the connector body 734, including a first flange 743a that may be integrally formed with the connector body 734. The gripping assembly 723 includes a second flange 743b that is secured to the first flange 743a by a plurality of flange bolts, such as flange bolt 744a.Optical fibers 717 extend through the connector body port 742 and through a fiber exit opening 741 arranged across the second tab 743b so that one end of the optical fibers 717 is accessible. In this embodiment, the optical fibers 717 can be inserted through the opening 741 before the flange 743b is secured to the flange 743a using bolts 744a. A grommet (e.g., a rubber grommet) can be used to reduce bending stress on the optical fibers 717 as they exit the opening 741. The preceding configurations illustrate a termination device in which the optical fibers extend through and / or around the gripping assembly and connector body and exit the termination device near the gripping end. Alternatively, the termination device may be configured to direct the optical fibers out of the termination device at a location between the electrical cable end and the gripping assembly, i.e., so that the optical fibers do not pass through or around the gripping assembly or connector. Furthermore, it may be desirable to splice the optical fibers (e.g., a fusion splice or a mechanical splice) to one or more connecting optical fibers within the termination device, for example, to seal splices within the termination device. Figure 8 illustrates one embodiment of this type of termination apparatus 820. The termination apparatus 820 includes a gripping assembly 821 and a connector 822 having an integrated clamp 823 hQQi / n / cznz / zj / Yi formed substantially as described above, with the exception of the optical fiber channels and openings described with respect to Figures 5-7. As illustrated in Figure 8, the end of the electrical cable 810, i.e., the electrical conductor 811, is separated from the front end of the gripping assembly 821, which defines a working space 845 (e.g., limited by the conductive sleeve body 828) through which force is transmitted, with member 814 extending to the gripping assembly 821. Each optical fiber, such as the optical fiber 817a associated with and extending from the electrical cable 810, is operatively connected to a second optical fiber 817b.The connection can be made using a splice, such as a fusion splice 846. The second optical fiber 817b is operatively connected to an optical fiber ferrule 847, which is disposed at least partially through a port (e.g., an opening) in the conductive sleeve body 828. For example, the optical fibers 817b and the ferrule 847 can be provided as a pre-built device configured for this purpose. The ferrule 847 illustrated in Figure 8 is also configured to connect to an optical fiber jumper 848, for example, on an opposite side of the ferrule. Although described herein as a ferrule 847, the ferrule can be any device that provides a path (e.g., an operative light signal path) through the sleeve body 828. For example, the ferrule 847 can comprise a splice box.The 847 plug may also include a cable connector, for example, a strain relief grip that reduces stress on the optical fiber 817b and provides a liquid-tight seal around the optical fiber. The 848 jumper includes a suitable fitting 849 and an armored cable 850 containing optical fibers. The fitting 849 is configured to operatively engage with the 847 plug, for example, to connect optical fibers 817b to optical fibers in the armored cable 850. An insulator string 851 may be operatively connected to the armored cable 850 if voltage reduction on the optical fibers is desired and / or to prevent tracking. The termination apparatus illustrated in Figure 8 can provide several advantages, particularly in terms of the installation of the termination apparatus 820, including the operational connection of the optical fiber 817a to the outside of the termination apparatus. For example, once the optical fiber 817a is separated from the end of the reinforcing member 814, the reinforcing member can be cut to its final length. The gripping assembly 821 (e.g., the collar and collar housing) can then be attached and secured onto the reinforcing member 814 following standard procedures. The loose optical fiber 817a can then be fusion-spliced ​​to the second optical fiber 817b, which is pre-connected to the optical fiber sleeve 847. Optionally, protective tubes can be placed over the optical fibers to protect them within the working space 845.The termination device can then be assembled; that is, the outer sleeve 827 can be placed and crimped onto the electrical cable 810 and the connector body 834. It is worth noting that these steps can be performed on the ground; for example, it is not necessary to perform the steps while the overhead electrical cable is fixed (but not tensioned) at the top of a tower. The assembled termination assembly can then be raised to the tower junction point and attached to its insulator string. See Figure 1. At that point, the prefabricated fiber optic jumper 848 can be connected by inserting it into the fiber optic connector 847 before or after tensioning the electrical cable. Figures 9A and 9B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a termination apparatus 920. The termination apparatus 920 is substantially similar to the termination apparatus illustrated in Figure 8, with the exception of the configuration of the outer sleeve 927. As illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B, the conductive sleeve body is constructed from two portions 928a and 928b. The two portions 928a / 928b are configured to operatively join at a location 928c that is disposed above, or adjacent to, the working space 945 where the optical fibers 917a and 917b are located. At the joining location 928c, the two portions of the conductive sleeve body operatively fit together, for example, in the form of a lap joint, as illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B.After being positioned together, the two portions 928a and 928b can be joined by crimping or a similar technique to provide a strong physical bond and an electrical pathway through the conductive sleeve body. An advantage of the configuration illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B is that the optical fibers 917a and 917b can be spliced ​​or otherwise worked in working space 945 before sleeve portion 928b is coupled and joined to sleeve portion 928a. Figures 10A to 10C schematically illustrate another embodiment of a termination device 1020 that is similar in construction to the termination device illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B. In this embodiment, the two mated conductive sleeve body portions 1028a and 1028b are configured to join at a location 1028c that is disposed over the connector 1022, leaving the entire working space 1045 exposed (e.g., readily accessible) before the sleeve portion 1028b is mated to the sleeve portion 1028a. See Figure 10B. As with the termination apparatus illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B, this construction may allow the optical fibers 1017a and 1070b to be spliced ​​or otherwise worked before the sleeve portions 1028a / 1028b are coupled and joined or otherwise secured together. Figure 11 illustrates a further embodiment of a termination apparatus similar to those illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B and in Figures 10A to 10C. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, the conductive sleeve body portion 1128a includes an end portion having an increased outside diameter 1128d to receive one end of the sleeve portion 1128b inside. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 9A through 11, the conductor sleeve body, for example, the outer sleeve, is segmented (e.g., split or bifurcated) to facilitate access to the optical fibers and related components prior to final assembly of the termination apparatus. It should be noted that modifications to the illustrated embodiments are possible within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the two parts of the conductor sleeve body may be joined using threaded bolts or other mechanical fasteners. Furthermore, in each of the illustrated embodiments, the conductor sleeve body is segmented along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. However, the outer sleeve may be segmented along a longitudinal axis, for example, in a clamshell configuration. Figures 12A and 12B illustrate one embodiment of a gripping assembly according to this disclosure, wherein Figure 12A is a perspective view and Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view. For example, the gripping assembly illustrated in Figures 12A and 12B can be used in the embodiments illustrated in Figure 5 and Figure 6. The gripping assembly includes a collar 1224 and a matching collar housing 1226. The collar housing 1226 includes two gripping assembly channels 1237a and 1237b that are configured to secure one or more optical fibers therein, as illustrated in Figure 5 and Figure 6. Although illustrated to comprise two such channels, the collar housing may include one or any number of such channels. According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a termination apparatus is constructed with a through-the-window port in the conductive sleeve body to allow access to the optical fiber(s) through the window port, for example, so that the optical fiber can be handled through the window port. The window port can be sealed from the environment using a window port cover, for example, a removable window port cover. Figures 13A to 13C illustrate different views of an example of such a termination apparatus. The termination apparatus 1320 securely holds an overhead electrical cable 1310, for example, in a manner illustrated above with respect to Figures 8 to 11. The outer sleeve 1327 includes a conductive sleeve body 1328 that is positioned over and surrounds the gripping element 1321 and the connector 1322.A window port 1354 is formed through the conductive sleeve body 1328 to allow access to the optical fiber 1317 within the conductive sleeve body 1328. In this way, the termination apparatus 1320 can be fully assembled in the field, and the optical fiber 1317 can be accessed through the window port for manipulation, for example, to place the optical fiber through a sleeve 1356. This allows access to the optical fiber after the window port cover 1355 is replaced over the window port 1354, for example, using bolts or a similar fastener. Furthermore, the conductive sleeve body 1328 illustrated in Figures 13A-13C includes a dimple 1353 (for example, a notch) formed in the sleeve.This dimple 1353 is configured to prevent movement of the inner sleeve 1330 which is arranged between the conductor 1311 and the conductor body 1328 to facilitate the electrical connection between the conductor 1311 and the conductor body 1328. As illustrated in Figure 13C, the connector 1322 is formed in two sections that are operatively joined using a spacer clip 1357 disposed between the two connector sections. Figures 14A to 14C illustrate different views of this spacer clip 1457. The spacer clip 1457 is generally cylindrical in shape, for example, it has a generally cylindrical, open side wall 1460. An access slot 1461 formed in the cylindrical side wall 1460 allows access to a working space 1445, for example, where the optical fiber can be partially disposed when the termination apparatus is assembled (see Figure 13C). Button notches 1459a to 1459d are provided in the side wall to allow the spacer clip 1457 to be operatively secured to the two connector sections.The ends of the working space 1445 are partially confined by inner wall segments 1462a and 1462b, which are configured to hold the two connector segments when the termination device is assembled. The spacer clip 1457 can be made from a high-strength material such as steel, for example, stainless steel. frQQL jn / eznz / a / Yi Figure 15 illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of a portion of the termination apparatus illustrated in Figures 13A to 13C, which particularly illustrate the assembly of the spacer clip with the two connector sections. The two connector sections 1534a (grip assembly end) and 1534b (clamp end) each include a button 1563a and 1563b that is positioned within the spacer clip 1557, for example, where the buttons 1563a / 1563b are inserted through the button notches 1559a / 1559b and secured against the inner wall segments of the spacer clip 1557. In this way, the optical fiber 1517 passes through and can be manipulated within the working space 1545 defined by the spacer clip 1557. This disclosure provides for other variations of the above embodiments. For example, Figures 16A and 16B illustrate a termination apparatus 1620 that is similar in construction to the termination apparatus described above with respect to Figures 13A through 13C, for example, including a window port 1654 and a window port cover 1655. As illustrated in Figures 16A and 16B, the window port cover 1655 is semicylindrical and covers a larger portion of the circumference of the conductive sleeve body 1628. This allows the underlying port 1654 to be larger, for example, to also extend over a larger circumference of the conductive sleeve body 1628. Figures 17A and 17B illustrate a termination apparatus 1720 that is also similar in construction to the termination apparatus illustrated in Figures 13A to 13C. In this embodiment, the jumper plate 1729 is attached to the conductor sleeve body 1728 in a position between the electrical cable 1710 and the port through which the optical fiber 1717 exits the termination apparatus. As a result, electricity will flow from the electrical cable 1710 and be directed to the next cable segment by the jumper plate 1729 before reaching the optical fiber exit point, reducing the electrical potential experienced by the optical fiber 1717 and thus reducing the chance of damage or faulty readings of the optical fiber 1717. It will be appreciated that placing the jumper plate in this manner, for example, in front of the optical fiber exit point, can be applied to any of the termination arrangements described herein. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 through 17 are presented as examples of termination devices, components of termination devices, and methods for terminating an electrical cable. These embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and the embodiments are subject to various modifications. For example, the above embodiments illustrate a gripping assembly in the form of a wedge clamp, e.g., in the form of a collar disposed in a collar housing. However, the gripping assembly may take other forms, such as a crimp-style gripping assembly, wherein the force member is placed in a tube and the tube is radially crimped (e.g., compressed) onto the force member. An example of this style of gripping assembly is illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 6,805,596 to Quesnel et al. (AFL), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The gripping assembly illustrated by Quesnel et al.It is integrally formed with a connector and comprises a steel tube to receive the reinforcing member inside. An aluminum sleeve is placed between the reinforcing member and the steel tube, and then the steel tube is crimped onto the reinforcing member. frQQL jn / eznz / a / Yi The preceding methods are directed at termination devices that allow the exit of optical fibers, for example, so that the optical fibers can be selectively isolated and interrogated or used for telecommunications purposes. As described in Figure 1, many electrical transmission and distribution lines also include splices where two segments of electrical cable are joined electrically and mechanically, for example, at a location between two support towers. Many of the concepts described above for the exit of one or more optical fibers from a termination device can be applied to a splice to ensure the continuity of the optical fiber across the splice. Figure 18 illustrates one embodiment of a splice assembly according to this disclosure. The splice assembly 1820 electrically and mechanically joins two overhead electric cable segments 1810a and 1810b. The electrical connection is facilitated by a conductive sleeve body 1828 that is in electrical contact with each cable segment 1810a / 1810b so that electricity can pass from one cable to the other through the conductive sleeve. Inside the splice assembly 1820, the two cable segments 1810a and 1810b are mechanically joined by a connector 1822. Specifically, the connector 1822 mechanically joins two gripping assemblies 1821a and 1821b that hold the resistance members 1814a and 1814b of the cable segments 1810a and 1810b, respectively.As illustrated in Figures 18A and 18B, an optical fiber segment 1817c joins an optical fiber associated with the electrical cable 1810a to an optical fiber associated with the electrical cable 1810b, for example, through optical fiber plugs 1847a and 1847b. As illustrated in Figure 18A, the conductor sleeve body 1828 is formed using two segments 1828a and 1828b that are split longitudinally along a portion of the conductor body's length, for example, in a dovetail shape. In this way, the interior of the splice 1820, including the optical fibers, can be accessed and manipulated after the two cable segments 1810a and 1810b are mechanically joined. Subsequently, the two conductive body segments 1828a and 1828b can be assembled to complete splice assembly 1820. In another embodiment, the splice assembly may include a spacer clip arrangement similar to the spacer clip arrangement illustrated in Figures 13 to 15 above. Figure 19 illustrates an exploded view of such a splice assembly. The splice assembly 1920 mechanically and electrically joins two electrical cable segments 1910a and 1910b. A conductor sleeve 1928 provides an electrical connection between the cable segments 1910a and 1910b. The gripping assemblies 1921a and 1921b are secured to the electrical cable segments 1910a and 1910b respectively, i.e., by gripping them on their respective resistance members. Each of the grip assemblies 1921a and 1921b includes a button 1963a and 1963b that is configured to be attached inside the spacer clip 1957, for example, by passing it through button notches in the spacer clip 1957. See Figures 14 to 15.Thus, as with the termination arrangements described above with respect to Figures 13 to 15, the spacer clip 1957 advantageously provides a working space for handling optical fibers within the splice assembly 1920, for example, through a window port as illustrated in Figures 13A to 13C. frQQL jn / eznz / a / Yi Figures 20A and 20B illustrate an additional embodiment of a splice assembly that incorporates window ports for accessing and / or routing optical fibers. The splice assembly 2020 includes two window ports, 2054a and 2054b, through the conductor body 2028, allowing access to the interior of the splice assembly. Window ports 2054a and 2054b are located on opposite sides of a connector 2022 that joins gripping assemblies 2021a and 2021b. Window ports 2054a and 2054b are also located near the ends of electrical cable segments 2010a and 2010b to allow easy access to optical fibers extending from the electrical cables.As illustrated in Figure 20, a segment of optical fiber 2017c is operatively connected to the optical fibers extending from the electrical cables 2010a and 2010b, for example, using a fiber splice, and is routed through window ports 2054a and 2054b to avoid passing through the gripping assemblies and connector. As with the termination apparatus described above, removable window port covers 2055a and 2055b cover and seal window ports 2054a and 2054b and allow access to the interior of the splice assembly during and after splice assembly. Figures 21A and 21B illustrate another embodiment of a splice assembly that incorporates an optical fiber ring to allow optical fibers to pass through the interior of the splice assembly. Figure 21A illustrates the optical fiber ring 2165. The ring 2165 is generally round and includes at least one, and preferably more than one, optical fiber retention notch 2166a on its circumference. The retention notch 2166a is configured, for example, to be sized and shaped to hold an optical fiber passing through the notch 2166a. The retention ring 2165 can be fabricated from an elastic material such as a high-temperature elastomer. As illustrated in Figure 21B, a plurality of rings 2165a to 2165d can be placed around the gripping assemblies 2121 a and 2121 b, for example, at opposite ends of each gripping assembly.Therefore, rings 2165a to 2165d are sized and shaped to fit snugly, for example, by friction, over the outside of the gripping assemblies. Optical fiber notches are then positioned to allow one or more optical fibers to pass over gripping assemblies 2121a and 2121b and through the splice, while reducing the possibility of damaging the optical fibers. Figures 22A and 22B illustrate another embodiment of a splice assembly according to this disclosure. The splice assembly 2220 mechanically and electrically joins two cable segments 2210a and 2210b. Specifically, the connector 2222 mechanically joins two gripping assemblies 2221a and 2221b that clamp the strength members 2214a and 2214b of the cable segments 2210a and 2210b, respectively. The connector 2222 includes two portions 2222a and 2222b that are threaded together by matching threads 2267a and 2267b arranged on the two connector portions 2222a and 2222b. A threaded portion 2267b associated with the connecting portion 2222b is configured to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis to engage the threaded portion 2267a in the connecting portion 2222a. That is, the threaded portion 2267b is configured to rotate and engage the threads 2267a without requiring the entire connector portion 2222b to rotate as well. As illustrated in Figure 22B, the optical fiber segment 2217a associated with cable 2210a is operatively spliced ​​to the optical fiber 2217c associated with electrical cable 2210b, and the optical fiber 2217b is operatively spliced ​​to the optical fiber 2217d. The splices, for example, fusion splices, are contained within the 2222 connector, and specifically within a hole 2269 that extends through the 2222 connector. As a result, splices connecting the optical fibers can be made before the two 2222a / 2222b portions of the 2222 connector are screwed together. Specifically, the 2217a and 2217b optical fibers can be inserted through hole 2269 in the first 2222a portion, and the 2222b optical fibers can be inserted through hole 2269 in the second 2222b portion.Once the splices are completed, the two connector portions 2222a and 2222b can be joined and threaded together with the splices contained within hole 2269. Because the threads 2267b rotate freely, coupling the two connector portions 2222a and 2222b will not cause stresses, e.g., torsional stresses, to be applied to the optical fibers or splices during the construction of splice assembly 2220 on the power line. Figures 23A to 23C illustrate a splice assembly that includes a receiving coil system configured to protect and manage an optical fiber between indoor and outdoor splicing equipment components. Figure 23A illustrates a partial cross-section of a splice assembly 2320 incorporating such a coil system 2370. The coil system 2370 comprises three components, namely, two cone fittings 2371a and 2371b located at the respective ends of the gripping assemblies 2321a and 2321b, and a pickup coil 2372 disposed between the two cone fittings 2371a and 2371b, for example, over a connector 2322. The cone fittings 2371a / 2371b are configured to guide one or more optical fibers from the strength members, for example, from the surface of the strength members, over the edge of the gripping assemblies 2321a / 2321b while maintaining a minimum bend radius on the optical fibers, to reduce the likelihood of damage to the optical fibers during assembly. Referring to Figure 23B, the cone connector 2371a comprises a bore 2372 having an inner diameter 2373id configured (for example, sized and shaped) to align the cone connector 2371 with the strength member, for example, to be positioned over one end of the strength member. A surface of inner radius 2371ir is configured to guide the optical fiber upward from the strength member while maintaining a minimum bend radius.An outer radius surface 2371o is configured to guide the filament downwards, for example, substantially tangent to the outer surface of the gripping assembly. A surface cutting feature 2375, for example, a notch, is configured to guide the optical fiber in a helix around the outer diameter of the gripping assembly 2321a while maintaining a minimum bend radius for the optical fiber. A bifurcated protrusion 2376 prevents the optical fiber from engaging with flat surfaces of the gripping assembly 2321a, such as the flat parts of the housing key. A swivel joint 2374 allows rotation of the outer radius surface 2371o with respect to the surface cutting feature 2375, enabling the outer radius surface 2371o and the surface cutting feature 2375 to align, for example, clockwise.The conical connector has an outer diameter that is small enough to fit frQQL jn / eznz / a / Yi inside the conductive sleeve 2328, but large enough to avoid stress between the conical connector 2371, the optical fiber, and the conductive sleeve 2328. Referring to Figure 23C, the receiving reel 2372 is configured to control the geometry, for example, the bend, of the optical fiber(s) to maintain a minimum bend radius. In this regard, the reel 2372 includes a clip feature 2378 for locating a splice, for example, a fusion splice to join two optical fibers. An inner diameter 2372id fits the gripping assembly, allowing the reel 2372 to be secured in place and rotate freely about its longitudinal axis. An inner lip feature 2379 is configured to position the reel 2372 at the end of the gripping assembly. A surface-cutting feature 2380 is configured to guide the optical fiber in a helix around the outer diameter of the gripping assembly, taking into account the width of the fusion splice sleeve, while maintaining a minimum bend radius.An outer diameter 2372od of the coil 2372 is small enough to fit inside the conductor sleeve 2328, but large enough to avoid strain between the coil 2372, the optical fiber, and the conductor sleeve 2328. Figure 23D schematically illustrates a method for using the reel system in accordance with this disclosure. The conductor 2311a of the electrical cable segment 2310a is cut from the reinforcing member 2314a, for example, leaving a length of the reinforcing member 2314a and the optical fiber 2317a exposed. The conductor sleeve (not illustrated) is slid onto the electrical cable 2311a. The optical fiber 2317a is separated from the reinforcing member 2314a, for example, by peeling it off the surface of the reinforcing member. A similar process is performed to strip the electrical cable segment on the opposite side and separate the optical fiber. Tapered fittings 2371a and 2371b are installed at both ends of the reinforcing members, and the optical fibers 2317a and 2317b are passed through the tapered fittings 2371a and 2371b. Next, the reinforcing elements are trimmed, leaving the ends of the 2317a and 2317b optical fibers free of the reinforcing elements. The splice assembly components, for example, gripping assemblies 2321a and 2321b and connector 2322, are installed leaving optical fibers 2317a and 2317b free. The two free ends of optical fibers 2317a and 2317b are then spliced ​​together, for example, forming a fusion splice 2346. Since the free length of the spliced ​​optical fibers 2317a and 2317b exceeds the length of the splice assembly 2310a, the optical fibers hang in a loop below the splice assembly. To manage the excess length of the optical fibers, the receiving reel 2372 is installed on connector 2322, and the fusion splice 2346 is cut into the center of the reel. The tapered fittings 2371a and 2371b are then pressed onto the ends of the gripping assemblies and the coil 2372 is rotated around the connector axis until substantially all the slack is removed from the optical fibers 2317a and 2317b. The preceding modalities illustrate the termination apparatus and the assemblies, components, and splicing methods implemented with a single-element, fiber-reinforced composite strength member. However, these modalities can also be implemented with multi-element strength members (e.g., Figure 4B), either fabricated from a fiber-reinforced composite material or from traditional materials such as steel, as in an ACSR (aluminum conductor steel-reinforced) or ACSS (aluminum conductor steel-supported) configuration. The modalities can also be implemented with a multi-element aluminum strength member, such as in an AAAC (all-aluminum alloy conductor) configuration. Furthermore, the modalities can be implemented with an OPGW (optical ground wire). Certain components of the termination apparatus and splice assemblies mentioned above can be manufactured from high-strength metals such as steel, including stainless steel. These include gripping assemblies, for example, collar and housing components, and connectors. Components requiring higher electrical conductivity, such as conductive sleeves, can be manufactured from materials such as aluminum. While various termination devices, splices, and methods for terminating and splicing an overhead electric cable have been described in detail, it is evident that those skilled in the art will devise modifications and adaptations of these methods. However, it should be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A termination apparatus for use with an overhead electric cable, comprising: a gripping assembly configured to grip a robust member of an overhead electric cable, the gripping assembly comprising a gripping assembly channel disposed along an external surface of the gripping assembly configured to secure one or more optical fibers within the gripping assembly channel; and a connector integrally formed or configured to operatively join the gripping assembly and comprising a connector body and a connector body channel disposed along an external surface of the connector body configured to secure one or more optical fibers within the connector body channel.

2. The termination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gripping assembly comprises a compression wedge.

3. The termination apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the compression wedge comprises a collar and a collar housing configured to receive the collar within the collar housing.

4. The termination apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the channel of the gripping assembly is arranged on an outer surface of the collar housing.

5. The termination apparatus according to one of claim 3 or 4, wherein the connector body comprises connector body threads and wherein the collar housing comprises collar housing threads, wherein the connector body threads are configured to engage with the collar housing threads to thread the collar housing to the connector body.

6. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the channel of the gripping assembly extends from one end of the gripping assembly to a second end of the gripping assembly.

7. The termination apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the channel of the gripping assembly runs along the outer surface of the gripping assembly in a substantially linear manner.

8. The termination apparatus referred to in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the connector body channel runs from a first end of the connector body to a second end of the connector body.

9. The termination apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the connector body channel runs along the outer surface of the connector body in a substantially linear manner.

10. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an outer conductive sleeve comprising a conductive body and a cavity within the conductive body, wherein the conductive body is configured to be positioned over the gripping assembly and over the connector when the gripping assembly is operatively attached to the connector.

11. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, comprising a fastener operatively attached to the connector body.

12. The termination apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the connector body.

13. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 11 or 12, wherein the fastener comprises an eyebolt.

14. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a strain relief guide having a guide opening configured to redirect an optical fiber from an electrical cable to the gripping assembly channel.

15. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising an optical fiber opening configured to facilitate the passage of an optical fiber through the opening.

16. The termination apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the optical fiber opening is arranged at one end of the connector.

17. A termination apparatus that secures an overhead electric cable having a reinforcing member, an electrical conductor surrounding the reinforcing member, and one or more optical fibers associated with the electric cable, the apparatus comprising: a gripping assembly that grips the reinforcing member, the gripping assembly comprising a gripping assembly channel disposed along an external surface of the gripping assembly; a connector integrally formed or operatively attached to the gripping assembly and comprising a connector body and a connector body channel disposed along an external surface of the connector body; at least one first optical fiber disposed within the gripping assembly channel and within the connector body channel.

18. The termination apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the gripping assembly comprises a compression wedge.

19. The termination apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the compression wedge comprises a collar and a collar housing receiving the collar within the collar housing.

20. The termination apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the channel of the gripping assembly is arranged on an outer surface of the collar housing.

21. The termination apparatus according to one of claim 19 or 20, wherein the connector body comprises connector body threads and wherein the collar housing comprises collar housing threads, wherein the connector body threads are operatively engaged with the collar housing threads to thread the collar housing to the connector body.

22. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the channel of the gripping assembly extends from one end of the gripping assembly to a second end of the gripping assembly.

23. The termination apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the channel of the gripping assembly runs along the outer surface of the gripping assembly in a substantially linear manner.

24. The termination apparatus referred to in any of claims 17 to 23, wherein the connector body channel runs from a first end of the connector body to a second end of the connector body.

25. The termination apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the connector body channel runs along the outer surface of the connector body in a substantially linear manner.

26. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 25, further comprising an outer conductive sleeve comprising a conductive body and a cavity within the conductive body, wherein the conductive body is disposed over the gripping assembly and over the connector.

27. The termination apparatus referred to in any of claims 17 to 26, comprising a fastener operatively attached to the connector body.

28. The termination apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the fastener is integrally formed with the connector body.

29. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 27 or 28, wherein the fastener comprises an eyebolt.

30. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 29, further comprising a strain relief guide having a guide opening that redirects the optical fiber from the electrical cable to the gripping assembly channel.

31. The termination apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 30, further comprising an optical fiber opening, wherein the optical fiber passes through the opening to allow access to one end of the optical fiber.

32. The termination apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the optical fiber opening is arranged at one end of the connector.

33. A termination apparatus that secures an overhead electric cable having a reinforcing member, an electrical conductor surrounding the reinforcing member, and one or more optical fibers associated with the electric cable, the apparatus comprising: a gripping assembly that grips the reinforcing member; a connector integrally formed or operatively attached to the gripping assembly and comprising a connector body and a connector body bore extending through the connector body; and at least one first optical fiber disposed through the connector body bore.

34. A termination apparatus for use with an overhead electric cable having a central reinforcing member and an electrical conductor disposed over the reinforcing member, comprising: a gripping assembly configured to grip the reinforcing member of the overhead electric cable; a connector integrally formed or configured to be operatively joined to the gripping assembly; an outer sleeve comprising a sleeve body defining a cavity therein, wherein the sleeve body comprises an opening through it positioned to be disposed between the gripping assembly and an end of the electrical conductor when the outer sleeve is operatively crimped over the gripping assembly and the connector; and an optical fiber ferrule configured to be operatively placed within the opening to provide an optical fiber connection through the outer sleeve.

35. A gripping assembly configured for use with a termination arrangement for an overhead electric cable having a reinforcing member, an electrical conductor surrounding the reinforcing member, and one or more optical fibers associated with the electric cable, the gripping assembly comprising: a lumen disposed through the gripping assembly, the lumen being configured to operatively receive the reinforcing member of the electric cable therein; and a channel disposed on an outer surface of the gripping assembly and extending from a first end of the gripping assembly to a second end of the gripping assembly, the channel being configured to receive one or more optical fibers therein.

36. The gripping assembly according to claim 35, wherein the lumen is disposed in a collar and the channel is disposed on an outer surface of a collar housing that is configured to operatively receive the collar inside.

37. A splice assembly mechanically and electrically connecting two line segments of an overhead power line, the splice assembly comprising: a first gripping assembly operatively gripping a first line segment of the overhead power line and a second gripping assembly operatively gripping a second line segment of the overhead power line, each of the first and second gripping assemblies comprising a button at one end of the gripping assembly opposite the electrical cable segment; a spacer clip operatively joining the first gripping assembly to the second gripping assembly, the spacer clip comprising an access slot providing access to a working space within the spacer clip and comprising two button notches in a side wall of the spacer clip, wherein the buttons of the gripping assembly are positioned through the button notches and secured by the spacer clip;and a conductive sleeve body disposed over the gripping assemblies and the spacer clip, electrically connecting the conductive sleeve body a conductor of the first cable segment to a conductor of the second cable segment.

38. The splice assembly according to claim 37, comprising a window port disposed through the conductor sleeve body.

39. The splice assembly according to claim 38, comprising a window port cover that removably covers the window port.

40. The splice assembly according to any of claims 37 to 39, wherein each of the first aerial electric cable segment and the second aerial cable segment comprises at least one optical fiber associated with the aerial cable segment, wherein the optical fiber of the first segment is operatively joined to the optical fiber of the second segment within the splice assembly.

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