Mechanical Characteristics of Conductors

This 4-hour interactive online course describes the mechanical characteristics of electrical conductors and how these characteristics affect the design and operation of a power line. The relevant sections of the National Electric Safety Code are reviewed and the mechanical characteristics of conductors are discussed. The mechanical characteristics include conductor designations, types of conductors, conductor design, and the impacts of excessive heat and loads on conductors.

Design issues such as sag and tension calculations are discussed as well as how to calculate conductor sag in various situations and the impacts of different temperatures and tensions on conductor sag. Methods to calculate the maximum allowable span are presented for both vertical and horizontal conditions.

Operational issues such as Aeolian vibration, ice-galloping, and conductor blowout are discussed including mitigation methods. The various methods used to check sag and tension are also discussed.

This course includes a multiple-choice test at the end of each section.