
FAQ
ACSR conductors are a perfect example of engineering innovation, combining the best properties of two materials. An ACSR conductor consists of a central steel core for strength, surrounded by outer strands of aluminum for conductivity.
This composite design provides several key advantages:
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High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: The steel core provides exceptional mechanical strength, allowing for longer spans and reducing the number of support towers required.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Using aluminum for the conducting part of the cable is much cheaper than using copper.
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Excellent Conductivity: While not as conductive as copper, aluminum's conductivity is more than sufficient for high-voltage transmission, especially when a larger diameter is used, which helps reduce the corona effect.
Our hydraulic puller and tensioner machines are specifically designed to handle the heavy tensioning required for ACSR conductors, ensuring a safe and precise installation that meets all design specifications.
Beyond ACSR, other conductor types are tailored for specific applications, and our equipment is designed to handle them all.
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AAC (All-Aluminum Conductor): Used in short-span urban distribution networks where a high strength-to-weight ratio is less critical than conductivity.
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AAAC (All-Aluminum Alloy Conductor): Used where a balance of good strength and conductivity is needed, often for rural distribution.
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HTLS (High-Temperature Low-Sag) Conductors: These advanced conductors are designed for high-capacity lines and use a composite or alloy core to minimize sag at high temperatures.
Our full range of Overhead Transmission Line Equipment and Overhead Tools and Accessories—including stringing blocks, conductor grips, and swivels—are engineered to handle the varying diameters and mechanical properties of all these conductor types, providing our clients with the versatility they need for any project.
The statement that it's true is: Proper tensioning is critical for the lifespan and safety of a power line.
Conductor tensioning is a precise and non-negotiable part of the stringing process. The correct tension must be applied to achieve the design-specified sag and clearance. If the tension is too low, the sag will be excessive, potentially causing the conductor to contact the ground, trees, or other objects. If the tension is too high, the conductor and support structures could be overstressed, leading to premature failure, especially under heavy wind or ice loads. Our hydraulic puller and tensioner machines are designed with advanced controls to maintain a consistent, precise tension throughout the entire stringing operation, directly preventing these issues.
The statement that it's true is: Proper tensioning is critical for the lifespan and safety of a power line.
Conductor tensioning is a precise and non-negotiable part of the stringing process. The correct tension must be applied to achieve the design-specified sag and clearance. If the tension is too low, the sag will be excessive, potentially causing the conductor to contact the ground, trees, or other objects. If the tension is too high, the conductor and support structures could be overstressed, leading to premature failure, especially under heavy wind or ice loads. Our hydraulic puller and tensioner machines are designed with advanced controls to maintain a consistent, precise tension throughout the entire stringing operation, directly preventing these issues.
The statement that it's true is: The conductor's surface must be protected from damage throughout the installation process.
Any nick, scratch, or abrasion on a conductor's surface can create a weak point, compromising its strength and electrical integrity. This is especially true for overhead lines where the conductor is exposed to the elements. During installation, the conductor must not be dragged on the ground, pulled over sharp edges, or improperly gripped. Our stringing blocks, with their wide grooves and non-damaging linings, and our specialized conductor grips are all designed to handle the conductor gently, ensuring its surface remains pristine from the reel to its final position on the pole.
The statement that it's true is: A safe work zone must be established with proper grounding at all times.
Safety is the paramount concern during any electrical construction project. For conductor installation, this means establishing an "equipotential zone" by grounding all equipment, conductors, and structures. This protects workers from dangerous step and touch voltages that could occur from induced currents or a fault. Proper grounding and the use of running grounds are essential steps. We manufacture a full range of portable grounding and earthing kits, as well as other insulated tools and accessories, to ensure that our customers can create a safe working environment and protect their crews.
Tension stringing is preferred for several key reasons:
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Prevents Conductor Damage: This is the most critical advantage. By keeping the conductor suspended and off the ground, tension stringing eliminates the risk of scratches, nicks, or other surface damage that can occur from dragging the conductor over rough terrain. Such damage can significantly reduce the conductor's lifespan and ampacity.
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Enhanced Safety: The method provides greater safety for both the conductor and the crew. A controlled process reduces the risk of the conductor breaking or snapping back unexpectedly. It also minimizes the risk of the conductor making contact with energized lines or other obstacles.
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Greater Efficiency: Tension stringing is highly efficient for long spans and mountainous or difficult terrain. It reduces the need for extensive ground-level clearing and minimizes the number of joints required.
The tension stringing method requires a synchronized system of specialized equipment to function effectively. Our company, Ningbo Changshi, provides all of these essential tools.
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Hydraulic Puller and Tensioner Machines: These are the core of the system. The puller is used to pull a pilot rope, which in turn pulls the conductor, while the tensioner applies a constant back tension to keep the conductor elevated and taut. Our hydraulic machines are designed for precise control and reliability.
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Conductor Stringing Blocks: These blocks (also called "sheaves" or "travelers") are mounted on the utility poles or towers. They guide the conductor smoothly along the line, ensuring it does not get damaged during the stringing process.
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Anti-Twisting Swivels and Conductor Grips: Swivels are crucial for preventing the conductor from twisting as it is being pulled. Conductor grips are used to securely attach the pulling rope to the conductor without causing damage.
This combination of state-of-the-art equipment ensures a safe, efficient, and damage-free installation, making tension stringing the only acceptable method for modern overhead line projects.
The true statement is: A proper pre-installation check of all equipment and the line route is mandatory for safety and efficiency.
Before a single reel of conductor is unspooled, a comprehensive inspection is necessary. This includes verifying that all our hydraulic pullers, tensioners, and other stringing equipment are in good working order and that all safety devices are functional. It also involves a detailed review of the line route to identify any potential hazards or obstacles. This proactive step prevents equipment failures, minimizes delays, and, most importantly, ensures the safety of the entire crew. Our products are designed to be reliable, and a pre-installation check guarantees they're operating at their best.
The true statement is: A pilot rope is always used to pull the heavier conductor into place, preventing damage to the conductor itself.
You never directly pull the heavy conductor with a pulling machine. Instead, a lighter, often synthetic, pilot rope is first threaded through the stringing blocks along the entire length of the line. This pilot rope is then attached to a heavier pulling rope, which in turn is connected to the actual conductor. This staged process ensures that the heavy conductor is lifted and pulled gently, preventing it from touching the ground or other obstructions and safeguarding its integrity. We provide high-quality anti-twisting pilot ropes and other ropes for this precise and damage-free process.
The true statement is: Using the correct, specialized tools is essential to maintain the integrity of the conductor and the entire power system.
The right tools are not a luxury; they are a necessity. Trying to use generic or makeshift tools can cause irreversible damage to a conductor, such as crushing, twisting, or nicking, which can lead to premature failure. Our range of conductor grips, stringing blocks, and hydraulic crimping tools are precision-engineered to handle specific conductor types and sizes. This ensures a secure connection is made without compromising the conductor's strength or electrical properties, guaranteeing the longevity and reliability of the power line.
An efficient and safe installation depends on having the right tools for the job. Essential equipment includes hydraulic pullers and tensioners for controlled conductor stringing, stringing blocks to guide the conductor and reduce friction, conductor grips for a secure hold without damage, and swivels to prevent twisting of the conductor during pulling. For underground projects, key tools include cable pulling winches and cable rollers. Our comprehensive catalog of tools and equipment provides a one-stop solution for all your overhead and underground power line needs. We recommend always using tested and certified equipment to ensure project success and worker safety.
The primary methods are categorized into overhead and underground applications, each with distinct advantages for the unique demands of a generating station.
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Direct Laying: Cables are buried directly in a trench. This method is cost-effective and provides good thermal dissipation. However, it offers less mechanical protection and makes future maintenance difficult. Our OHTL stringing equipment and underground cable laying equipment are instrumental in managing the cable drums and pulling the cables smoothly and safely during this process.
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Laying in Ducts/Pipes: This involves pulling cables through pre-installed pipes or conduits. It provides excellent mechanical protection and simplifies future cable replacement, making it ideal for crossing roads or other sensitive areas within a power plant. Tools like our cable pulling winches and cable guiding devices are essential for navigating the cable through ducts without damage.
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Laying on Racks/Trays: Cables are supported on cable trays, ladders, or racks, typically in tunnels or dedicated rooms. This is the most common method for managing a large volume of cables in a confined space. It allows for organized routing, excellent heat dissipation, and easy maintenance. Our cable rollers and drum jacks are crucial for the efficient and safe installation of cables onto these support systems.
As a leading manufacturer, we provide a complete suite of equipment to ensure safe and efficient cable installation. Our product range includes:
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Cable Pulling Winches: Powerful winches for pulling heavy cables through ducts and trenches.
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Cable Rollers and Sheaves: Essential for guiding cables and reducing friction during both overhead and underground laying.
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Cable Drum Jacks and Stands: Hydraulic and mechanical stands for safely handling and uncoiling heavy cable drums.
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Conductor Stringing Equipment: This includes tensioners and pullers, which are often adapted for the high-voltage cable installation required in and around power plants.
By using the right tools, our customers can significantly improve the speed, safety, and reliability of their cable laying projects in generating stations.
For congested areas, the "draw-in" system using conduits and duct banks is the most suitable and widely adopted method. This approach involves installing pre-laid pipes (conduits) or a series of conduits grouped into a reinforced concrete structure (a duct bank) in a trench or via trenchless methods. Cables are then "drawn in" through these conduits.
This method is superior to direct burial in urban settings because:
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It protects cables from mechanical damage from other construction and utilities.
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It allows for easy replacement, repair, and future expansion of the cable network without the need for new, disruptive excavations.
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It is perfectly suited for use in joint trenching, where multiple utilities (electrical, telecommunication, etc.) share a single, protected underground pathway, maximizing space and minimizing excavation.