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Overhead Power Line Installation: A Guide

16 September 2021

Byron Holmes

Almost every community relies on power lines that transport energy to homes and businesses. This article provides a brief overview of how power lines are installed and maintained. Power installation involves a lot of different workers who each have different roles. Workers involved in power installation include lineman who climb or walk on poles to carry out installation and maintenance tasks, surveyors who supervise and tower erectors. Read on to find out more.

Overhead power installation

The first step is the construction of the pylons or towers which will support the lines. These towers are constructed in specific locations, which have been identified and marked by a surveyor. This planning takes into account factors, such as terrain, population density, and costs. The shape of the pylon or tower can vary widely, depending on its height and location.

The pylons are constructed in sections on the ground. To build the sections, they are first transported to the worksite with a crane or helicopter. These sections are then joined into a complete tower on the ground. The completed towers are raised with a crane until they stand upright on their foundations.

Network connection

Once the cables are installed at intervals between each tower, the line is ready to carry electricity. This involves turning on the power to test, and then checking that all equipment is working correctly. Once this process is completed the voltage will be increased for distribution.

Maintenance and inspection schedules

Maintenance workers are responsible for performing maintenance on power lines. This is done by climbing towers or poles to reach damaged parts or doing routine inspections. These workers use special equipment to perform their tasks. For example, they may use electrical insulating gloves and boots to avoid getting shocked by the power lines. 

Power line maintenance and inspection schedules are followed rigorously because damage to these lines could result in outages. Inspections are particularly important during the winter months when frigid temperatures may cause power lines to sag. This often occurs if ice forms on the lines after prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Sagging power lines may cause damage if they come into contact with trees or buildings, and this could present a hazard to the public.

If you would like to find out more, then you should get in touch with a company that offers power installation services. A member of the team will be happy to help.

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