4 Different Varieties Of Transmission Towers With Respect To Their Applications
A transmission tower supports every high-voltage transmission line. A transmission tower (also known as a power transmission tower, power tower, or electricity pylon) is a tall, engineered structure—most commonly a steel lattice tower—designed to support high-voltage conductors of overhead power lines. These towers form the backbone of large power networks, ensuring electricity travels safely and efficiently from generating stations to substations across vast distances.
Unlike conventional power poles, which deliver power locally, transmission towers are built to transport bulk electricity through multiple high-voltage lines, often over challenging terrains such as rivers, valleys, and industrial zones. Their design, material strength, and structural geometry are far more advanced, enabling them to withstand extreme weather conditions, heavy mechanical loads, and long spans. This is why choosing reliable and experienced transmission tower manufacturers is crucial for maintaining grid stability.
Types of Transmission Towers
Based on technical parameters and line requirements, transmission towers can be categorized into the following major types:
1. Suspension Towers
High-voltage suspension towers are engineered to hold conductors in place when transmission lines run in a straight alignment. These towers primarily support vertical loads, meaning they carry the weight of the conductors without resisting significant sideways forces.
Conductors in suspension towers are attached using I-strings, V-strings, or a combination of both, depending on the voltage level and design. Typically used in routes with less than 5° deviation in angle, they are the most common tower type in long transmission corridors.
2. Transposition Towers
Transposition towers play a critical role in maintaining electrical balance along long transmission lines. In three-phase systems, these towers help swap conductor positions at intervals to reduce electromagnetic interference, minimize imbalances, and maintain power quality.
They are structurally supported with a body, cage, and peak, ensuring adequate spacing so that conductors do not come into contact with the tower’s cross-arms. These towers withstand higher vertical and horizontal loads due to the tension created by long spans.
3. Tension / Angle Towers
Tension or angle towers are designed for locations where transmission lines require a directional change of more than 5 degrees. These towers experience high mechanical stress because the conductors pull the structure sideways at turning points.
To maintain stability, tension towers are reinforced with anchoring systems that counteract the forces generated by conductor tension. The section between two angle towers is called a “span section,” and its length varies based on terrain, land availability, and transmission route alignment.
4. Special Towers
Special towers are custom-built when transmission projects demand unique engineering solutions. These towers are used for:
- Large river or valley crossings
- Areas with heavy wind or uneven terrain
- Long-span requirements
- Crossovers above or below existing lines
- Locations with extreme weather conditions
- Gantry-type structures at substations or tapping points
Environmental factors—wind pressure, soil stability, ice loading, seismic activity, and more—determine the customization required. Choosing the right transmission tower manufacturers ensures these complex designs are executed with precision and reliability.
Final Words
Transmission towers are essential to maintaining uninterrupted electricity supply. Any compromise in their design, material, or installation can lead to severe power outages, operational inefficiencies, and safety hazards. A robust and well-engineered tower network ensures that industries, households, and public infrastructure continue to function without disruption. This is why partnering with experienced transmission tower manufacturers is critical for every power transmission project.