A system configured for the detection of a defect in an overhead electrical cable, comprising: an overhead electrical cable comprising a fiber-reinforced composite strength member and an electrical conductor disposed around and supported by the strength member to form the electrical cable, the strength member comprising at least a first strength element having a longitudinal central axis, the first strength element comprising: a binding matrix; a plurality of reinforcing fibers operatively disposed within the binding matrix to form a fiber-reinforced composite; at least a first optical fiber embedded within the fiber-reinforced composite and extending from a first end of the strength element to a second end of the strength element, wherein the first and second ends of the strength element each comprise a planar surface and wherein the first optical fiber does not extend beyond the planar surface of the first and second ends of the strength element; and a light transmitting device operatively connected to a first end of the strength member, the light transmitting device comprising a light source that is operatively connected to a power source and is configured to transmit light having a wavelength of at least about 300 nm and not greater than about 1700 nm into the first end of the first optical fiber; and a light detecting device operatively connected to a second end of the strength member, the light detecting device comprising a light sensor that is configured to detect the light transmitted by the light source through the second end of the first optical fiber. an overhead electrical cable comprising a fiber-reinforced composite strength member and an electrical conductor disposed around and supported by the strength member to form the electrical cable, the strength member comprising at least a first strength element having a longitudinal central axis, the first strength element comprising: a binding matrix; a plurality of reinforcing fibers operatively disposed within the binding matrix to form a fiber-reinforced composite; at least a first optical fiber embedded within the fiber-reinforced composite and extending from a first end of the strength element to a second end of the strength element, wherein the first and second ends of the strength element each comprise a planar surface and wherein the first optical fiber does not extend beyond the planar surface of the first and second ends of the strength element; and a binding matrix; a plurality of reinforcing fibers operatively disposed within the binding matrix to form a fiber-reinforced composite; at least a first optical fiber embedded within the fiber-reinforced composite and extending from a first end of the strength element to a second end of the strength element, wherein the first and second ends of the strength element each comprise a planar surface and wherein the first optical fiber does not extend beyond the planar surface of the first and second ends of the strength element; and a light transmitting device operatively connected to a first end of the strength member, the light transmitting device comprising a light source that is operatively connected to a power source and is configured to transmit light having a wavelength of at least about 300 nm and not greater than about 1700 nm into the first end of the first optical fiber; and a light detecting device operatively connected to a second end of the strength member, the light detecting device comprising a light sensor that is configured to detect the light transmitted by the light source through the second end of the first optical fiber. <EOS>