Fiber optic cable intrusion detection sensors work by utilizing changes in light transmission through optical fibers to detect unauthorized entries or breaches. This paper sets out how the power sector can capitalise on these advances after first considering the challenges and limitations of cable condition monitoring with existing technology. Strengthening the resilience of networks against environmental factors and aging infrastructure is a primary. Radiation absorption excites an orbital electron to a higher energy level. Radiation absorption creates electronic excited states that are trapped by localized defects for extended periods of time.