Environmental conditions, particularly temperature and weather loads, have a significant impact on conductor tension:

• Temperature: A conductor expands in high temperatures, increasing its length and reducing its tension, which in turn increases sag. In cold temperatures, it contracts, increasing tension and reducing sag.

• Ice and Wind: Heavy ice and wind loads place additional stress on the conductor, increasing both the tension and the sag in a given span.

To account for these variables, engineers use a concept called the ruling span, which is a calculated average span length used for sag and tension calculations across an entire section of line. By basing our tensioning operations on these ruling span calculations, our equipment helps ensure the entire line remains stable and safe, regardless of local variations in the terrain or weather.