FAQ

FAQ

Aircraft cable rigging is the precise process of installing, tensioning, and securing control cables and systems within an aircraft. This involves setting up the cable runs from the cockpit controls to the flight surfaces (such as ailerons, rudders, and elevators), using components like pulleys, fairleads, and turnbuckles to ensure smooth, responsive, and safe operation. While the name "aircraft cable" is specific, the principles and components of rigging are broadly applicable to many heavy-duty applications beyond aviation, including industrial lifting, stage rigging, and various overhead and underground cable projects.
Rigging aircraft cables requires specialized tools to ensure safety and precision. The most critical tool is a tensiometer, used to accurately measure and set the cable tension to the manufacturer's specifications. Swaging tools, such as Nicopress tools, are essential for securely terminating cable ends by crimping sleeves and terminals. You will also use turnbuckles for fine-tuning cable length and tension. Proper technique involves following the manufacturer’s rigging manual, correctly routing the cables through pulleys and fairleads to prevent friction, and applying safety wire or clips to all turnbuckles and connections to prevent them from loosening. These same principles of precise measurement and secure termination are fundamental to all our overhead and underground cable laying projects.
The most common causes of failure are improper tensioning and inadequate corrosion protection. If a cable is too loose, it can vibrate, chafe, and jump off pulleys, leading to premature wear. If it is too tight, it can put excessive stress on the cable and the airframe structure, causing fatigue failure. Another major factor is corrosion, especially in galvanized carbon steel cables. Regular inspection for broken strands and proper application of anti-corrosion coatings are vital for system longevity. This is why our company focuses on providing high-quality, durable equipment and tools that are designed to meet stringent industry standards for all types of environments.
Cable rigging is the specialized process of using wire ropes, slings, and other hardware to lift, pull, and securely move heavy loads. In the context of power line projects, it is a critical practice for safely and efficiently managing the tensioning and stringing of overhead conductors and the laying of underground cables. Proper cable rigging ensures that equipment is handled without damage, loads are balanced, and personnel are protected from potential hazards, thereby preventing costly accidents and project delays.

Safety is paramount in any rigging operation. Key best practices include:

  • Pre-use Inspection: Always conduct a thorough visual inspection of all rigging equipment—including slings, wire ropes, and hooks—before each use to check for wear, corrosion, or damage.

  • Working Load Limit (WLL): Never exceed the manufacturer's specified Working Load Limit (WLL) for any piece of equipment. Overloading is a primary cause of equipment failure.

  • Understanding Sling Angles: Be aware that the angle at which a sling is used directly impacts its load-bearing capacity. Smaller angles increase tension and reduce the sling's effective capacity.

  • Center of Gravity: Identify and rig the load so the lifting hook is positioned directly above the load's center of gravity to prevent tilting or swinging.

  • Proper Training: All personnel involved in rigging operations must be comprehensively trained to understand these principles, as well as proper handling techniques for the specific equipment they are using.

At Ningbo Changshi, we specialize in providing high-quality tools and equipment for cable rigging in both overhead transmission line (OHTL) and underground cable laying projects. Our product range includes a variety of specialized tensioners, pullers, cable pulling stockings, and other rigging accessories designed to meet the rigorous demands of power construction and maintenance. We offer comprehensive one-stop supply and services, ensuring our clients have the right equipment for safe and efficient operations. We are dedicated to delivering durable, reliable, and expertly-designed solutions that help you succeed in your projects.

Cable sag refers to the downward curve or dip that an overhead power line naturally forms between two support structures (towers or poles). This curvature is a crucial design element, not a flaw. It is a result of the conductor's own weight and is carefully managed to ensure the line maintains a safe clearance from the ground and other objects.

Sag is essential for the safe and reliable operation of power lines. It serves several critical purposes:

  • Reduces Tension: By allowing the conductor to curve, sag reduces the mechanical tension on the line and the supporting structures. Without sag, the conductor would be under extreme stress, making it susceptible to breaking, especially in cold weather when the conductor contracts.

  • Thermal Expansion and Contraction: Sag provides a buffer for the conductor to expand and contract with temperature changes. As temperatures rise, the conductor expands and the sag increases. As temperatures fall, the conductor contracts and the sag decreases. This prevents excessive tension in cold conditions and maintains safe ground clearances in hot conditions.

  • Wind and Ice Loads: Sag allows the line to withstand additional loads from wind and ice. The extra give in the line prevents it from snapping under the added weight and pressure.

The amount of sag in a power line is influenced by several key factors:

  • Conductor Weight: Sag is directly proportional to the weight of the conductor. Heavier conductors will naturally have more sag.

  • Span Length: The distance between two support structures (the span) has a major impact. Sag is directly proportional to the square of the span length. A longer span will result in significantly more sag.

  • Conductor Tension: Sag is inversely proportional to the tension in the conductor. Increasing the tension will decrease the sag, and vice-versa. Our advanced conductor tension stringing equipment is designed to achieve the precise tension required for a specific sag.

  • Temperature: Temperature is one of the most dynamic factors. An increase in temperature causes the conductor to expand, leading to a greater sag.

  • External Loads: Factors like wind pressure and ice accumulation add weight and force to the conductor, increasing the sag.

Sagging conductors is a precise and critical process during power line construction. The goal is to set the correct tension to achieve the specified sag under various load and temperature conditions. We use specialized tools for this, which are part of our extensive range of overhead line stringing equipment.

Common methods include:

  • Sag-Tension Charts: These charts provide the required sag for a specific span length at a given temperature and tension, helping installers achieve the correct setup.

  • The Dynamometer Method: A dynamometer is used to directly measure and control the tension being applied to the conductor, ensuring it meets the design specifications. This is the most accurate method.

  • The Target Method: Installers use physical targets or sights mounted on the towers to visually align the conductor to the correct sag.

  • The Return Wave Method: This method involves introducing a wave into the conductor and timing its return. The time it takes for the wave to travel down and back is used to determine the sag and tension.

As a prominent manufacturer, Ningbo Changshi provides a comprehensive range of high-quality overhead and underground line equipment to ensure every project is completed with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

Answer: Cable pulling is the process of installing new electrical cables from one point to another, often through conduits, ducts, or trenches. This process is a critical step in both overhead transmission line (OHTL) and underground cable laying projects, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. Proper planning and the use of specialized equipment are essential to prevent damage to the cable, maintain its integrity, and ensure the safety of the installation crew.

Answer: The primary risks are related to damaging the cable itself, which can lead to system failure and costly repairs. Common problems include exceeding the maximum pulling tension, which can stretch or damage conductors, and improper handling around bends, which can cause the cable jacket to tear or the core to be over-bent. Environmental factors like extreme temperatures can also affect cable flexibility. Using the right cable pulling equipment, such as winches with tension monitors, high-quality cable rollers, and proper lubrication, is crucial to mitigate these risks.

Answer: A safe and efficient cable pull requires a comprehensive set of tools and machinery. Key equipment includes:

  • Cable Puller / Winches: Used to apply controlled pulling force, often with data monitoring to ensure tension limits are not exceeded.

  • Cable Rollers: Placed along the route to reduce friction and protect the cable from dragging on the ground or sharp edges.

  • Cable Drum Jacks / Stands: These support the cable drums, allowing the cable to unwind smoothly and in a controlled manner.

  • Cable Pulling Socks / Grips: Devices that attach to the end of the cable to distribute the pulling force evenly without causing damage.

  • Conduit Rods / Snakes: Used to clear a path and guide a pulling line through underground ducts.

  • Swivel Links: Connect the pulling line to the cable grip, preventing twisting and torsion of the cable during the pull.

At Ningbo Changshi, we offer a comprehensive range of these tools and equipment for both OHTL and underground projects, ensuring a one-stop solution for all your cable installation needs.

When pulling multiple conductors simultaneously, the pulling tension must be carefully managed to prevent damage to the cables. There is no single, fixed tension value; it is a calculation that depends on several critical factors, including the conductor material, size, and the type of pulling equipment used.

Key Considerations for Multiple Conductors:

  • Conductor Material: The maximum allowable tension is directly tied to the conductor material. For copper, a common industry guideline is a maximum stress of 0.008 lbs per circular mil (or 5 kg/mm²), while for aluminum, it is typically 0.006 lbs per circular mil (or 3 kg/mm²).

  • Pulling Device: The type of pulling device dictates the maximum allowable tension. A pulling eye or an engineered end fitting attached directly to the conductors can handle higher tensions than a basket-type grip, which relies on the cable's outer jacket. The manufacturer's specifications for the pulling device must always be followed and not exceeded.

  • Derating Factor: A critical point for multiple conductors is that the pulling tension may not be evenly distributed among all cables. It is often recommended to apply a derating factor, such as a 20% to 40% reduction, to the total calculated tension for simultaneous pulls to account for this uneven stress and minimize the risk of damage.

Controlling pulling tension is paramount for ensuring the long-term reliability and safety of a power line installation. Exceeding the maximum tension can lead to a range of severe problems:

  1. Cable Damage: Excessive force can stretch the conductors, damage the cable's insulation, or deform the geometry of the cable jacket. This damage may not be immediately visible but can lead to premature failure, short circuits, or reduced service life.

  2. Compromised Integrity: Maintaining proper tension ensures the cable retains its physical and electrical properties throughout its life. Over-tensioning creates stress points that could fail under future loads.

  3. Adherence to Standards: Adhering to manufacturer specifications and industry standards is essential for compliance and ensuring the installation's safety and longevity.

The total pulling tension is a cumulative force affected by numerous factors throughout the entire cable run. For better Google SEO, a comprehensive answer should mention the following search keywords:

  • Coefficient of Friction: This is the most significant factor. Using a proper lubricant can dramatically reduce friction, decreasing the required pulling force by up to 67%.

  • Route Design and Bends: Each bend in the cable path acts as a tension multiplier. The number, angle, and radius of bends have a profound impact on the total force required. A complex route with many bends will require more tension.

  • Length and Weight: The longer and heavier the cable run, the greater the force needed to overcome friction and the cable's own weight.

  • Sidewall Pressure: As cables go around a bend, they are pushed against the conduit wall. This is known as sidewall pressure, and it must also remain below the manufacturer's specified limits to avoid damage.

  • Jamming Ratio: When pulling multiple cables in a conduit, a jam can occur if the cables wedge against each other. Calculating the jam ratio (the ratio of conduit inner diameter to cable outer diameter) is crucial to avoid this.

Accurate tension monitoring is vital for a safe and successful cable pull. As a prominent manufacturer of power line tools and equipment, we can confirm that the following tools are essential for this task:

  • Dynamometers & Load Cells: These are the primary tools used to measure the pulling force in real-time. They can be attached to the pulling rope or winch.

  • Tension Meters: These devices, often with a running line design, can be installed directly on the cable to monitor tension as it is being pulled. Many modern tension meters feature wireless displays, allowing operators to monitor the pull from a safe distance.

  • Pulling Ropes and Grips: High-quality pulling ropes and grips are designed to work in conjunction with tension monitoring equipment and must have a certified load capacity that exceeds the expected pulling tension.

Using these tools ensures that the pulling tension never exceeds the safe limits specified by the cable and equipment manufacturers, protecting your investment and the integrity of the power line. We offer a wide array of equipment for overhead and underground power line projects, including the necessary tools for safe and efficient cable stringing.


Answer: As a leading manufacturer and exporter in the power industry, we at Ningbo Changshi understand the critical need for efficient and reliable power transmission. A High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) conductor is an advanced type of overhead power line cable designed to operate at much higher temperatures than conventional conductors, while exhibiting significantly less thermal sag. This is achieved by using specialized materials like advanced aluminum alloys or composite cores, which have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. The key benefit of HTLS conductors is that they can carry more electrical current without excessive sagging, allowing utilities to increase the capacity of existing transmission lines without building new towers.

Answer: The primary benefits of HTLS conductors, which our clients worldwide are leveraging, include:

  • Increased Power Transmission Capacity: They can carry up to 40% more current than traditional conductors of the same diameter, enabling a significant increase in power flow.

  • Reduced Sag: The low-sag characteristic ensures safety clearances are maintained, especially during periods of high electrical load and high ambient temperatures.

  • Cost-Effective Infrastructure Upgrades: Instead of building entirely new transmission lines, which is often difficult and expensive due to land and regulatory issues, utilities can "reconductor" existing lines with HTLS cables to boost capacity. This is an efficient and economical solution.

  • Improved Energy Efficiency: Their advanced design often results in lower electrical resistance, which reduces energy losses during transmission.

Answer: There are several types of HTLS conductors, each with a unique core material designed to reduce thermal expansion and improve performance. As a specialist in power line equipment, we manufacture and supply a wide range of tools for these cables. The most common types of HTLS conductors include:

  • ACCC (Aluminum Conductor Composite Core): Uses a lightweight and strong carbon fiber composite core.

  • ACSS (Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported): Features a steel core that is designed to be fully loaded at high temperatures without losing its mechanical strength.

  • GTACSR (Gap-Type Thermal-resistant Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced): A conductor with a gap between the steel core and the aluminum strands to allow for independent expansion.

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