
What factors affect conductor tension?
2025-08-10Conductor tension is not constant and is affected by several environmental and physical factors:
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Temperature: As the temperature increases, the conductor expands, causing a decrease in tension and an increase in sag. Conversely, a drop in temperature causes the conductor to contract, increasing tension and reducing sag.
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Ice and Wind Loading: The weight of ice accumulation on the conductor and the force of wind acting on it significantly increase the overall load, which in turn increases the tension.
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Conductor Weight: The inherent weight of the conductor material per unit length is a primary factor in determining tension and sag.
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Span Length: The distance between support structures. Longer spans naturally result in greater sag and require careful tension management.