FAQ

FAQ

The materials used for power poles and towers are chosen for their durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness. The most common materials are:

  • Lattice Steel: This is the most common material for high-voltage transmission towers. It consists of a framework of steel sections bolted or welded together. Lattice towers are strong, lightweight for their load-bearing capacity, and can be easily transported in pieces for assembly on-site.

  • Tubular Steel: Used for both poles and towers, tubular steel is gaining popularity, especially in urban areas. These structures are made from hollow steel tubes and offer a more streamlined, aesthetically pleasing design with a smaller footprint.

  • Concrete: Concrete poles are known for their high durability, resistance to fire and corrosion, and long lifespan. They are heavier than steel poles, which can make transportation and installation more challenging.

  • Wood: The oldest and most traditional material, wood poles are still widely used, especially for lower-voltage distribution lines. They are lightweight and inexpensive but require treatment to prevent rot and insect damage.

We offer tools and accessories for working with structures made from all of these materials, ensuring our customers have the right equipment for any project.

The materials used for power poles and towers are chosen for their durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness. The most common materials are:

  • Lattice Steel: This is the most common material for high-voltage transmission towers. It consists of a framework of steel sections bolted or welded together. Lattice towers are strong, lightweight for their load-bearing capacity, and can be easily transported in pieces for assembly on-site.

  • Tubular Steel: Used for both poles and towers, tubular steel is gaining popularity, especially in urban areas. These structures are made from hollow steel tubes and offer a more streamlined, aesthetically pleasing design with a smaller footprint.

  • Concrete: Concrete poles are known for their high durability, resistance to fire and corrosion, and long lifespan. They are heavier than steel poles, which can make transportation and installation more challenging.

  • Wood: The oldest and most traditional material, wood poles are still widely used, especially for lower-voltage distribution lines. They are lightweight and inexpensive but require treatment to prevent rot and insect damage.

We offer tools and accessories for working with structures made from all of these materials, ensuring our customers have the right equipment for any project.

While often confused, transmission towers and distribution poles serve very different functions in the power grid:

  • Transmission Towers are large, tall structures, typically made of lattice or tubular steel, used to carry high-voltage power over long distances. These lines move bulk electricity from generating stations to substations and are designed for high efficiency and minimal loss.

  • Distribution Poles are shorter, more numerous, and are found in neighborhoods and urban areas. They carry lower-voltage power from substations to homes and businesses over short distances. These are commonly made of wood, concrete, or steel.

Ningbo Changshi provides equipment for both types of infrastructure. Our overhead line equipment is utilized for the large-scale construction of transmission lines, while our overhead tools and accessories are also used for the electrical construction and maintenance tasks related to smaller distribution poles.

The electricity transmission process is a precisely engineered journey that ensures power is delivered safely and efficiently from the point of generation to the end-user. It involves a continuous flow through a series of interconnected stages:

  1. Generation: This is the initial step where electricity is produced at power plants. This can be from traditional sources like coal and natural gas or from renewables such as wind and solar.

  2. Step-Up Transformation: Power plants generate electricity at a relatively low voltage. To minimize energy loss over long distances, the voltage is dramatically increased (stepped up) using large transformers.

  3. Long-Distance Transmission: The high-voltage power then travels through the main "highways" of the grid—the overhead transmission lines (OHTL) and major underground cables. This is where our OHTL wire cable conductor tension stringing equipment is critical. Our pullers and tensioners are used to string the massive conductors with the perfect tension and sag, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the line.

  4. Step-Down at Substations: As the power nears its destination, it enters substations where the voltage is lowered (stepped down) to a level suitable for local distribution. Our tools and equipment for electrical construction and maintenance are vital for keeping these complex facilities in optimal condition.

  5. Local Distribution: From the substations, the power is carried on a final network of smaller overhead lines or underground cables that branch out into neighborhoods and industrial areas. This stage relies heavily on our underground cable laying equipment to install cables safely and efficiently in urban environments.

  6. End-Use: At a final transformer located on a utility pole or ground pad, the voltage is stepped down once more to a safe level (e.g., 120V or 240V) before entering homes, offices, and factories to power appliances and electronics.

This intricate process is what makes the modern world possible, and at every critical stage of building and maintaining it, our one-stop supply of tools and equipment plays an essential role.

The primary cause of power loss in a transmission line is the inherent resistance of the conductors. This is known as resistive loss or loss. According to the principles of electrical engineering, as current (I) flows through a conductor with resistance (R), some of the electrical energy is converted into heat and dissipated into the surrounding environment.

The formula for power loss is . This equation clearly shows that the power lost is proportional to the square of the current. This is why minimizing the current is the most effective way to reduce power loss. Other, less significant technical losses include corona loss (ionization of air around the conductor) and dielectric loss in insulators.

At Ningbo Changshi, we understand that this is the most critical factor in grid efficiency. Our overhead transmission line equipment and underground cable laying equipment are designed for the precise installation of high-quality conductors, which are the main components for minimizing this resistive loss.

Reducing power loss is a key goal for utility companies worldwide. The most effective strategies include:

  1. Using High Voltage: The most impactful method is to transmit electricity at very high voltages. As per the formula , for a constant amount of power (P), increasing the voltage (V) directly decreases the current (I). Since power loss is proportional to the square of the current (I2), doubling the voltage can reduce losses by a factor of four. This is why high-voltage transmission lines are used to carry power over long distances.

  2. Using High-Conductivity Materials: The choice of conductor material is crucial. Conductors with low resistance, such as those made from aluminum alloys, reduce the R in the I2R formula, directly lowering losses.

  3. Ensuring Proper Installation: Proper installation and maintenance of conductors and equipment are vital. Our specialized tools and equipment, such as hydraulic tensioners and conductor pullers, ensure that conductors are strung with the correct tension and without damage, preventing hot spots and localized resistance that would otherwise increase power loss.

By providing our customers with the best equipment, we empower them to implement these strategies and build a more efficient and reliable power grid.

The use of high voltages for long-distance power transmission is a fundamental principle of electrical engineering aimed at solving the problem of power loss. The reason is simple and tied directly to the relationship between power, voltage, and current:

When power is transmitted at a low voltage, a very high current is required to carry the same amount of power. This high current leads to significant energy loss due to resistive heating. By using a step-up transformer to convert power to a very high voltage (e.g., 500 kV or 800 kV), the current is reduced to a very small fraction of its original value. This reduction in current, squared, results in a dramatic decrease in the power lost as heat along the transmission line. This efficiency is what makes it economically and technically feasible to supply power from distant power plants to cities and industries.

At Ningbo Changshi, our role in this process is to provide the reliable and durable OHTL equipment and accessories needed to build the massive high-voltage transmission lines that make this efficient power transfer possible.

The journey of electricity from a power plant to your home is a marvel of modern engineering, completed through a complex, multi-stage process involving a network of generation, transmission, and distribution systems. Here is the step-by-step process:

  1. Generation: This is the starting point, where electricity is created at a power plant. The power is typically generated at a relatively low voltage (e.g., 25kV).

  2. Step-Up Transformation: To transmit power efficiently over long distances, the voltage is dramatically increased by a large step-up transformer located at the power plant. This high voltage (up to 765kV) is crucial for minimizing energy loss.

  3. Transmission: The electricity is now on the "electrical superhighway." It travels in bulk over long distances via high-voltage overhead transmission lines (OHTL). This is a critical stage where the quality of equipment is paramount. Our OHTL wire cable conductor tension stringing equipment is specifically engineered for this process, ensuring that the conductors are installed with the correct tension and sag for maximum efficiency and safety over vast stretches of land.

  4. Step-Down at Substations: As the electricity approaches a city or town, it reaches a substation. Here, a step-down transformer lowers the voltage to a level suitable for the local distribution network. Our company also provides a wide range of tools for the construction and maintenance of these substations.

  5. Distribution: The electricity is now on the "local roads." It is distributed via a network of smaller overhead lines or underground cables into neighborhoods and commercial areas. Our underground cable laying equipment is essential for projects that require power to be delivered discreetly and safely beneath the ground.

  6. Final Transformation & Delivery: Finally, the power reaches a small transformer on a utility pole or ground pad near your home or business, where the voltage is lowered one last time to a safe level (e.g., 120V or 240V) for your everyday use.

This entire process is powered by a reliable grid, and our company, Ningbo Changshi, is proud to provide the tools and equipment that build and maintain every stage of this essential infrastructure.

Transmission and distribution are two distinct but interconnected stages of the power grid, often referred to as a single system. Understanding the difference is key to understanding how electricity reaches its final destination:

  • Transmission: This refers to the bulk transfer of electricity over long distances. It operates at very high voltages and is designed for maximum efficiency. The network consists of large transmission towers and massive conductors that connect power plants to substations, acting as the primary backbone of the power grid.

  • Distribution: This is the local delivery of electricity from substations to individual customers. It operates at much lower voltages and uses smaller utility poles and a more extensive network of lines. The distribution system is the "last mile" of the grid, ensuring power is safely delivered to homes, businesses, and industrial sites.

At Ningbo Changshi, our expertise covers both stages. We offer Overhead Transmission Line Equipment for the large-scale, long-distance transmission stage, and a wide array of Underground Cable Laying Equipment and general Overhead Tools and Accessories that are crucial for the local distribution network.

Electricity pylons, also known as transmission towers, are the structural backbone of overhead power lines. They are designed to support conductors and are categorized by their specific function and design:

  • Suspension Towers/Pylons: These are the most common type and are used for straight sections of a power line. They are designed to simply "suspend" the conductors and are built to support the vertical weight of the cables and insulators.

  • Tension Towers/Pylons: These are much stronger and are built to withstand the high horizontal tension of the conductors. They are used at points where the line changes direction, at major crossings over rivers or roads, or at dead ends.

  • Dead-End/Terminal Towers: A specific type of tension tower, these are located at the very start and end of a transmission line or before a substation, where they must handle the full tension of the conductors in one direction.

  • Transposition Towers: These specialized structures are used to change the physical position of conductors on the line to balance electrical properties and reduce interference.

Our comprehensive range of Overhead Transmission Line Equipment is essential for the construction and maintenance of all these pylon types. Our hydraulic tensioners, pullers, and other tools are specifically engineered for the precise and safe installation of conductors on these massive structures.

The materials used for transmission towers are chosen for their strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The most common materials include:

  • Lattice Steel: This is the most prevalent material for high-voltage transmission towers. The lattice design—a framework of steel angles—is lightweight yet incredibly strong, providing excellent stability against wind and ice loads. Lattice towers are highly durable and are typically hot-dip galvanized for corrosion resistance.

  • Tubular Steel: Used for both poles and towers, tubular steel structures are made from hollow steel tubes. They offer a more compact, modern, and aesthetically pleasing design, making them a popular choice for urban and suburban areas.

  • Concrete: Concrete poles and structures are known for their high durability, resistance to fire, and long lifespan. They are often used for distribution and sub-transmission lines.

We provide a wide array of tools and accessories for working with structures made from all of these materials, ensuring our customers have the right equipment for any project, from small distribution lines to large-scale UHV transmission towers.

This is a common question, and understanding the difference helps clarify the structure of the entire power grid:

  • Electricity Pylon (Transmission Tower): These are the large, tall, lattice or tubular steel structures that carry very high-voltage electricity (e.g., 110kV to 800kV and higher). Their purpose is to transmit large amounts of bulk power over long distances from generating stations to substations.

  • Distribution Pole: These are the smaller, more numerous structures (often made of wood or concrete) found in neighborhoods. They carry lower-voltage electricity from substations directly to homes and businesses over shorter distances.

At Ningbo Changshi, our expertise and product lines span both of these critical areas. We offer the heavy-duty overhead transmission line equipment for constructing the transmission grid's pylons and conductors, as well as the essential overhead tools and accessories used for the day-to-day maintenance and construction of the local distribution network.

An electricity substation is a crucial hub within the electrical grid that facilitates the safe and efficient movement of power. Its primary function is to transform voltage to ensure electricity can be transmitted over long distances and then safely distributed to end-users. Substations can either step up the voltage for long-distance transmission or step down the voltage for local distribution.

Beyond voltage transformation, substations serve as central control points for the power system. They:

  • Switch Circuits: Substations use circuit breakers and switches to connect and disconnect power lines, allowing utility operators to reroute power, isolate faulty sections of the grid, or perform maintenance without causing widespread outages.

  • Protect the Grid: They contain a network of protective relays and other equipment that automatically detect faults (like short circuits or overloads) and quickly isolate the affected area, preventing damage to expensive equipment and ensuring grid stability.

  • Regulate Voltage: Substations help maintain a stable voltage supply, which is critical for ensuring that all electrical devices operate correctly.

Our range of tools for electrical construction and maintenance are essential for these operations, from the initial build to ongoing inspections and repairs within the substation facility.

The construction and maintenance of a substation require a wide array of specialized tools and equipment to ensure safety and precision. While we don't manufacture transformers or circuit breakers, our one-stop supply includes a complete range of supporting equipment essential for the entire process:

  • Cable Pulling & Laying Tools: For installing power cables, especially for underground substations.

  • Conductor Stringing Tools: For connecting overhead power lines to the substation's switchyard.

  • Lifting and Hoisting Equipment: To safely move heavy components and equipment within the substation yard.

  • General Electrical Construction Tools: A variety of hand tools, safety equipment, and testing devices for a wide range of tasks, from terminating cables to working on control panels.

By providing this comprehensive range of overhead and underground tools, Ningbo Changshi supports our customers in every phase of substation projects, ensuring they have all the necessary equipment for a safe and successful job.

Substations are classified based on their role in the power grid. The two main types are:

  • Transmission Substations: These are large, high-voltage stations located near power plants or along major transmission corridors. They use step-up transformers to increase the voltage for long-distance transmission or step down the voltage to connect to the sub-transmission network.

  • Distribution Substations: These are smaller, more numerous stations located near neighborhoods and industrial areas. They take power from the transmission grid and use step-down transformers to lower the voltage to a level safe for local distribution to homes and businesses.

While types vary, the key components of almost every substation include:

  • Transformers: The most important component, used to change voltage levels.

  • Circuit Breakers: Used to interrupt current flow to protect against faults.

  • Busbars: Conductors that connect the various circuits and components within the substation.

  • Isolators: Switches used to physically isolate equipment for maintenance.

  • Insulators: Devices that provide electrical insulation for the conductors.

The electricity supply chain is a multi-stage process that ensures power is delivered from the source to the end-user. It is typically broken down into four main stages:

  1. Generation: This is where electricity is produced at power plants from various energy sources, such as coal, natural gas, nuclear, solar, or wind.

  2. Transmission: The generated electricity's voltage is increased at a substation for efficient transport over long distances via high-voltage overhead power lines or underground cables.

  3. Distribution: The electricity is then received at local substations, where the voltage is lowered to a safe level for delivery to homes and businesses through a network of smaller poles and wires.

  4. Consumption: This is the final stage where the electricity is used by consumers for lighting, appliances, and industrial processes.

At Ningbo Changshi, our tools and equipment are central to both the transmission and distribution stages of this critical process.

While transmission and distribution are often grouped together, they are two distinct phases of the power delivery process, differentiated by voltage level and purpose:

  • Transmission: This is the bulk movement of electricity over long distances. It operates at very high voltages (e.g., 115kV to 765kV) to minimize power loss. The transmission network consists of large, often metallic, towers and a web of interconnected lines that move power from generating stations to substations. Our Overhead Transmission Line (OHTL) Equipment, such as hydraulic tensioners and pullers, is specifically designed for the safe and efficient construction of this high-voltage network.

  • Distribution: This is the final stage of delivery. It operates at lower voltages (e.g., below 34kV) and is a more localized network of smaller lines and poles that branch out from substations to individual customers. The distribution system is what you typically see running along neighborhood streets. Our Underground Cable Laying Equipment and general Overhead Tools and Accessories are essential for this part of the grid, which includes both overhead and underground power delivery.

By providing a one-stop supply for both types of projects, Ningbo Changshi is an essential partner for utility companies and contractors building and maintaining the entire power delivery infrastructure, from the largest transmission towers to the local distribution lines.

Electricity transmission towers, also known as pylons, are designed to support overhead power lines over long distances. While there are many variations, the two most common types are classified by their structural design:

  • Lattice Steel Towers: These are the most prevalent type for high and extra-high voltage transmission lines. They consist of an open framework of steel angles and bracing, which provides immense strength and stability while remaining relatively lightweight. The lattice design is highly efficient and can be customized to suit various terrains and load requirements.

  • Tubular Steel Poles (TSPs) or Monopoles: These towers are made from a single, tapered steel tube. They are visually more streamlined and have a much smaller footprint, making them ideal for urban areas or locations where aesthetics and limited space are a concern.

Additionally, towers can be classified by their function in the line: Suspension towers for straight runs, and Tension/Dead-end towers for turns, crossings, or line terminations. Our comprehensive OHTL Equipment supports all these tower types.

The construction of a transmission tower is a multi-stage process that requires meticulous planning, specialized tools, and a highly skilled crew. The general process includes:

  1. Foundation Work: First, the site is prepared, and the tower's foundation is laid. This typically involves excavating the ground and pouring a concrete foundation to provide a stable base. Our foundation tools and accessories are used to ensure the anchor bolts and stubs are set with precise accuracy.

  2. Tower Assembly: The pre-fabricated tower sections are delivered to the site. They are then assembled on the ground or hoisted in sections by cranes. Our hoisting and lifting equipment, including winches and gin poles, are essential for safely raising and assembling these heavy steel structures.

  3. Conductor Stringing: Once the towers are erected and the insulators are installed, the most critical step begins: stringing the conductors. Our specialized overhead transmission line equipment, including hydraulic pullers and tensioners, are used to string the heavy conductor cables from tower to tower with the exact tension and sag required for the line to operate safely and efficiently.

  4. Final Touches: After stringing, accessories like vibration dampers and spacers are installed, and the site is cleaned and restored to its original condition.

By offering a one-stop supply for all these phases—from foundation work to final stringing—Ningbo Changshi ensures our clients have the high-quality tools they need to complete their projects safely and on schedule.

While a transmission tower is a complete structure, it is comprised of several key parts, each with a specific function:

  • Foundation: The base of the tower that anchors it securely to the ground.

  • Tower Body/Legs: The main vertical structure that supports the entire tower.

  • Cross-Arms: The horizontal arms that extend from the tower body. They hold the insulators and conductors. The number and length of cross-arms depend on the voltage and number of circuits.

  • Insulators: Made of porcelain or composite materials, these are crucial for electrically isolating the live conductors from the tower body, which is grounded.

  • Conductors: The actual wires or cables that carry the electricity.

  • Overhead Ground Wire (Shield Wire): A wire located at the very top of the tower, used to protect the conductors below from lightning strikes.

All of our overhead tools and accessories are designed to work seamlessly with these components, making us a reliable partner for the construction and maintenance of power grids worldwide.

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