Common Sag and Tension Errors: It's Time for Template Technology to be Put in the Drawer Forever

Abstract

The calculation of proper sags and tensions of conductors and other wires are the most vital aspect of transmission line design; structure heights and placements are determined by the sags, structure designs are determined by the tensions, and lines are constructed using both of these methods. Mostly gone are the days of plastic sag templates. Or are they? Many use computer software programs thinking that they are using Technology for the Next Generation , yet they merely duplicate the archaic plastic template technology and thus their designs have sags and tensions that can have significant error. Additionally, their lines are built using these same assumptions and thus sags can be lower than anticipated or tensions can be higher than anticipated. This paper will discuss common errors made in the industry and suggest methods for more accurate sag and tension calculations for better structure and line designs as well as construction. It's time that we truly use Technology for the Next Generation and not continue to use these Electronic Sag Templates that merely duplicate what we've always done before.