
How does conductor sag impact overhead line clearances, and what are the modern solutions?
2025-08-13Conductor sag is the vertical displacement of an overhead line between two support points (towers or poles). It is a critical factor in maintaining minimum clearance distances to the ground, buildings, and vegetation. Sag is primarily influenced by the conductor's weight, the span length, and crucially, the temperature. As the conductor heats up due to electrical load or ambient weather, it expands, causing the line to sag more.
Our professional answer:
Maintaining proper overhead line clearances is paramount for safety and operational reliability. At Ningbo Changshi, we recognize that sag is a major challenge, especially with increasing temperatures. Our equipment, including tension stringing machines and hydraulic pullers, is engineered to ensure precise conductor tensioning during installation, minimizing initial sag. Furthermore, we offer a range of products designed for modern applications, such as our advanced conductor tension meters and sag measurement tools, which help engineers monitor and maintain optimal clearances throughout the line's lifespan. We also support the use of High-Temperature Low-Sag (HTLS) conductors, which are specifically designed to minimize thermal expansion and sag, thus improving system capacity and safety.