Overhead Transmission Line Components
Topic Coverage:
Conductors (ACSR, AAC, AAAC)
Insulators (Pin, Suspension, Strain)
Towers/Poles (Wood, Steel, Concrete)
Crossarms
Stringing Methods
I. Introduction
“When you look at transmission lines along highways, what are the main components you notice
aside from the wires?”
Objective: To understand the major components of overhead transmission lines, their materials,
functions, and installation methods.
Relevance: Each component is critical for the safety, reliability, and efficiency of power
transmission.
II. Conductors
1. Definition
Conductors carry electrical power over long distances.
Selection depends on: conductivity, tensile strength, weight, sag, and cost.
2. Common Types
a. AAC
Made of pure aluminum strands.
Advantages: Light weight, good conductivity, corrosion resistant.
Disadvantage: Low tensile strength → short spans only (urban areas).
b. ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced)
Aluminum strands wrapped around a steel core.
Advantages: High tensile strength, longer spans, widely used for transmission.
Disadvantage: Susceptible to corrosion in the steel core if not protected.
c. AAAC (All Aluminum Alloy Conductor)
Made of aluminum alloy.
Advantages: Higher strength than AAC, corrosion resistant, lighter than ACSR.
Application: Coastal areas and corrosive environments.
Engagement Question:
Why is ACSR more widely used for long-distance lines compared to AAC?
(Answer: because of its higher strength and ability to span longer distances.)
III. Insulators
1. Function
Support conductors and prevent leakage of current to the ground through towers/poles.
2. Types
a. Pin Insulator
Mounted on a pole/crossarm.
Used up to ~33 kV.
Simple and cost-effective.
b. Suspension Insulator
Consists of a string of porcelain/glass discs.
Used for higher voltages (> 33 kV up to 400 kV and above).
More discs can be added as the voltage increases.
c. Strain Insulator
Designed to withstand pulling/tensile forces.
Used at dead-ends or sharp turns in transmission lines.
Engagement Question:
Why are pin insulators rarely used in extra-high voltage lines?
(Answer: They would be too large and impractical for high voltages.)
IV. Towers and Poles
1. Types of Supports
a. Wooden Poles
Used in rural distribution (low voltage, short spans).
Low cost, but short lifespan (prone to decay, termites).
b. Steel Towers
Widely used for high-voltage, long-distance transmission.
Very strong, can span long distances, but expensive.
c. Concrete Poles
Prestressed reinforced concrete.
Durable, resistant to weather and corrosion.
Common in urban areas.
2. Tower Configurations
Lattice steel towers (HV and EHV lines).
H-frame or single pole for medium voltage distribution.
V. Crossarms
Horizontal support attached to poles/towers.
Function: hold insulators and conductors at safe distances.
Made of wood, steel, or composite materials.
Provide mechanical strength and maintain clearance between conductors.
VI. Stringing Methods
1. Purpose
Process of installing conductors on poles/towers with proper sag and tension.
2. Common Methods
a. Manual Stringing
Workers pull conductors using pulleys and manual tools.
Used for low voltage, short lines.
b. Tension Stringing (Modern Method)
Conductors pulled by machines under controlled tension.
Prevents conductor damage, allows long spans.
Ensures correct sag and tension.
c. Drone/Helicopter-Assisted Stringing (Recent Innovation)
Used in mountainous or hard-to-access terrain.
Fast but very costly.
Engagement Question:
What could happen if a line is strung too tightly?
(Answer: Excessive tension → conductor may snap, higher mechanical stress.)
VII. Summary and Closing
Conductors: AAC, ACSR, AAAC → different balance of conductivity, strength, and durability.
Insulators: Pin (low voltage), Suspension (high voltage), Strain (mechanical stress points).
Supports: Wood (cheap, short life), Steel (strong, expensive), Concrete (durable, urban).
Crossarms: Keep conductors separated and stable.
Stringing Methods: Ensure safe installation with correct sag and tension.
Final Thought:
Overhead transmission lines are more than just “wires on poles”—they are carefully engineered systems
where electrical and mechanical design work together for safe, reliable power delivery.
