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An electricity distribution network carries power from generating stations to the end consumers. Power substations and transmission poles perform the crucial task of transmission and distribution of electrical power. However, these facilities are often vulnerable to electrical accidents. As a reputed power substation structures supplier, we share with useful insights on arc faults, electric shocks, and electrical accidents:

1. Arc faults: An arc fault occurs when loose wires or damaged wires trigger sparks or arcs. Arcing doesnâ€�"�t always mean that fire is imminent but it indicates that thereâ€�"�s a danger of fire and the problem should be addressed. Arc faults can lead to arc flash and arc blast. 

•  Arc flash: It is a type of electrical explosion that  generates flashes of light, sparks and heat. In power substations, where voltages and currents are significantly higher, arc flashes can generate heat, toxic fumes, blinding light and deafening noise. 

• Arc blast: An arc blast is an extremely strong explosion that can throw away people and objects that are nearby. Both arc flash and arc blast can be quite dangerous and cause loss of life and property. 

Unlike a circuit breaker detecting overloads and short circuits, an AFCI is used to detect different arcing conditions so that the situation can be controlled in a timely fashion. 

2. Electrical accidents: An electrical accident is an undesired event that is caused by an electric current. An electrical accident could cause injury to a person or damage property. Different types of electrical accidents are: 

• Electric shock: It occurs when any part of the body, be it a finger, hand, or arm comes into contact with an electric current. A mild electric shock is usually not serious. It causes a mild tingling sensation.  Moderate electrical shock can cause muscle spasms whereas severe electric shock can lead to organ failure. Moderate and severe electrical shock can be fatal in the absence of appropriate help. 

• Electrical burn: Electrical burn occurs when severe electric shock causes the skin to burn. Some electrical burns can be superficial and heal on their own. But internal burns can be quite serious and burn deep tissue.

• Electrical fires: Electrical fires occur when an electrical spark causes flammable materials to burn. Electrical fires are extremely dangerous as putting them out with water may expose a person to a higher risk of electric shock.

3. How can electrical accidents be avoided in power substations? An effective way to help prevent arc faults is to identify the potential risks and measures to control them. For instance, all equipment must be regularly checked and maintained. Environmental conditions and equipment state must be reassessed from time to time so that preventive measures can be updated accordingly. All employees should wear PPEs that are arc-rated. 

Looking for power substation structures in India?

We offer a full range of substation structures and integrated solutions. We design, manufacture and supply substation structures domestically and internationally. 

catering to national and international markets. We offer step-up transmission substation, step-down transmission substation, distribution substation and underground distribution substation.

With over four decades of manufacturing experience, we are a trusted name in the infrastructure industry. To know more about our products, get in touch with us.

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A power substation is an important part of an electrical distribution system. They perform crucial tasks, including converting voltage from high to low or the reverse. Between the generating station and end consumers, electricity flows through several power substations at different voltage levels. When not maintained well, failure at power substations can lead to major power outages. As a reputed power substation supplier in India we share with you power substation maintenance tips:

1. Ensure that the single-line diagrams are easily accessible for maintenance 

Single-line diagrams display the configuration of the components within a power substation. They show normal and abnormal conditions and indicate which components must be isolated and grounded. Single-line diagrams are important and come handy when technicians are troubleshooting the system. Also, these diagrams should be as detailed and accurate as possible. 

2. Batteries should be well-maintained: 

Battery maintenance is important as they provide backup in the event of an outage or blackout. Batteries must be checked for signs of deterioration or corrosion. Technicians should perform the following tests: 

• Visual inspection

• Performance test 

• Qualification test

Note: Battery storage rooms can be sources of chemical hazards. They must be secured with authorised access. 

3. Practise continuous testing of components within a substation: 

Ensure that the equipment performs at optimum level without any interruptions during a testing programme. To achieve the best results with the continuous testing process, follow the industry-proven process. 

 

4. Follow the manufacturerâ€�"�s instructions 

Whenever the power substations are tested, it must be done as per the manufacturer's instructions. The manufacturer's book is quite detailed and can help understand under what conditions should the oil level be checked or what remedial action be taken if water causes some damage. 

5. Secure the perimeter area 

Keep lines, mechanisms, fences and gates clear to prevent deterioration. Installing fences along the perimeter can help prevent incidents of trespassing, deliberate scaling and stray animals foraying into the premises.  Use appropriate warning signs on the fencing. Know the industry guidelines regarding the height of the fencing and the approved fencing material. 

6. Ensure that proper safety protocols are followed 

Each time technicians perform work at a power substation, they must follow proper safety procedures. Some of the common procedures are: 

• Getting proper clearance from the authorities concerned 

• Ensuring proper signage is at the site to restrict unauthorised entry. 

• Wearing appropriate PPE for instance, shoes, gloves, sleeves and arc flash gear. 

Note: Gas detectors, scaffoldings and rescue equipment should also be checked regularly to ensure that they work properly when the need arises. 

Looking for a power substation supplier in India?

Utkarsh India offers an extensive range of power substation structures and integrated solutions. We design and manufacture power substation structures and supply them to national and global markets. Our offerings include: 

• Step-up transmission substation

• Step-down transmission substation

• Distribution substation 

• Underground distribution substation

With 40 years of manufacturing experience, we are a trusted name in the infrastructure industry. To know more about our products, get in touch with us....

The history of electric power distribution is long and marked with various technological milestones. As a leading power distribution system manufacturer, we share with you

some interesting historical facts about electric power distribution:

• 1. The first operational electric power distribution started in 1889

The first DC electric power transmission line was operated in North America in 1889. The lines were set up between the generating stations in Oregon. The very next year, the power station was destroyed in a flood. This event, however, made the way for the first long-distance transmission of AC electricity. 

• 2. The AC lines revolutionised long distance power distribution

In the 1890s, distribution systems underwent improvements. The most significant of these improvements was the design of alternating-current high-voltage distribution transmission systems. This was significant because AC lines allowed electric power to be transmitted over longer distances. Moreover, DC systems were expensive and complex. 

Note: Today, electricity is mainly powered by AC systems, but computers, LEDs, solar cells and electric vehicles all run on DC electricity. 

• 3. Voltages used for electric power transmission changed throughout the century

The first electric power transmission line in North America operated at 4000 V. By 1914, transmission systems operated at over 70,000 V. The highest voltage used was 150 kV. 

• 4. PVC wires were first used in 1930s

Although it is common to see PVC wires, it was used for power transmission only in the 1930s.  Before that cables insulated with a natural latex material were used. However, the material would dry out and fail to insulate the wires. This is why PVC was used and by the 1950s PVC replaced rubber cables. 

• 5. Technological advances in electric power distribution was spurred by the needs of World War 1

Interconnection of generation plants and distribution networks was spurred by the needs of World War I. Large electrical generating plants were built to supply electric power to military factories. Later, these were used for civil purposes to supply electrical load through long-distance transmission. 

• 6. Switchgears were attached to walls earlier

One of the key safety elements of the electrical system is switchgear. Switchgear assists in rerouting or isolating parts of the system experiencing electrical faults. Interestingly, the first switchgears were part of the first electricity generators. They were attached to a wall. Later, they were moved from the wall to wooden boards then to stone pieces. Today, switchgears use fabricated materials for electrical insulation. 

Looking for a power distribution system manufacturer?

We manufacture a wide range of power distribution system structures such as: 

• Single circuit towers 

• Double circuit towers 

• Multi circuit towers 

They are suitable for both AC lines and DVDC lines.

Besides power distribution system structures, we also offer traffic structures such as steel tubular poles, street light poles and high masts. We have over 40 years of manufacturing experience and are a trusted name in the infrastructure industry.

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A substation is an invaluable part of an electrical generation, transmission and distribution system. Its primary function is to transform voltage from low to high and from high to low, but it also performs a number of other important functions. Transmission substations step down high-voltage power and pass it on to distribution sub-stations, where the voltage is further reduced suitably before being supplied to different types of consumers. Substations are also used to route power to different destinations, such as factories or homes. As a manufacturer of transmission and distribution of electrical power structures, we share with you tips for substation safety:

 

1. Securing perimeter area:

Perimeter security is critical to the safety and well-being of any site or facility. Installing a fence is one of the most effective ways to deter trespassers and protect against potential hazards. There are a variety of fence materials available, each with its own advantages. Metallic fences are strong and durable but can be expensive. Non-metallic fences are less costly but may not provide as much security. Warning signs should be posted on all fences to deter would-be trespassers and ensure that everyone is aware of the potential dangers. Regular maintenance is also essential to keep fences in good repair and prevent washouts or other damage. By taking these simple steps, you can help minimize safety threats from the outside environment.

 

2. Restricting or prohibiting visitor access:

Substations are critical components of the power grid and they must be treated with care. Visitors can pose a serious safety hazard, as they may not be familiar with the equipment or the dangers involved. To prevent accidents, it is best to either restrict or prohibit visitors from entering substations. If it is absolutely necessary to allow visitors, they should be accompanied by experienced personnel and given proper safety gear.

 

3. Monitoring/ guiding vehicular traffic:

Monitoring and guiding vehicles that enter substations are critical to preventing accidents. Clearance between the roof of the vehicle and overhead lines must be ensured, as well as between the vehicle and elevated equipment within the substation. Drivers must be proactive in ensuring safe navigation. Additionally, mobile hoisting equipment and cranes must be supervised and controlled by substation personnel.

 

4. Providing PPEs:

Working in a substation can be quite dangerous. That's why Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be provided to all workers.

 

Workers should weararc-rated and flame retardant clothing, shields, gloves, face masks, hard hats, safety glasses and insulated footwear while working in a substation, especially when they are exposed to live electrical parts are all essential parts of the PPE made available for workers. The infrastructure must also be equipped with gas detectors, scaffoldings and rescue equipment to assure the safety of everyone.

 

5. Securing battery stores:

Battery storage rooms are sources of chemical hazards and should be secured with authorized access. Following these tips can help keep people safe when working with or near battery storage rooms:

 

●      Ensure the room is well-ventilated and equipped with a ventilation system that exhausts to the outside.

●      Regularly inspect batteries for damage, leaks or other irregularities.

●      Make sure only authorized personnel have access to the storage room.

●      Post signs prohibiting smoking, open flames or electrical sparks in the area.

●      Use proper personal protective equipment when working with batteries, including gloves, safety goggles and a face shield.

 

Looking for reputed electricity distribution network structures?

We, at Utkarsh India, offer single circuit, double circuit, multi circuit towers. These high quality electricity distribution network structures are important for an effective power distribution system. For more information about our electrical distribution network structures, feel free to contact us.

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In today’s time, when electricity has become an indispensable part of life, it’s hard to imagine a day without television, internet, fridge, microwave or air conditioning. Although power outages in most parts of the world are for a few hours, there are incidents of largest power outages in history that have left millions of people without electricity for days and even months. As one of reputed electricity distribution structure manufacturer, we share with some of the largest power outages in history:

1. Brazil, 1999: In 1999 Brazil saw the worst blackout. It started on March 11 and left people without electricity for almost 103 days.  In São Paulo, the city's tunnels were closed to prevent robberies. Over 60,000 people were on Rio's subway when lights went out.
2. Auckland, 1998: In one of the worst power outages in history, people in Auckland suffered five weeks of blackouts after the failure of the main underground cables. The five-week blackout began on February 19. It left nearly 6,000 people without electricity. Many people moved to other parts of the city to find alternative accommodation. Many businesses had to allow work from home for their employees or they relocated offices in the suburbs. Generators were brought in from around the country to power essential services and some businesses.
3. New York, 1977: Often called the city that never sleeps, New York has experienced several power large-scale outages . On July 13, 1977, 9 million residents of New York were left without electricity for almost 24 hours. The incident also led to looting, robberies and vandalism. Most TV stations remained off the air the next day except a few which relied on diesel-fueled generators. They resumed their broadcasts only for a short while.
4. India, 2012: Nearly 22 states were hit by power cuts, along with New Delhi, when three of the five electricity grids failed. The blackouts affected almost 670 million people. The blackout led to traffic jams in all major cities. Surgical operations had to be put on hold across the country. In West Bengal, hundreds of miners were left trapped for hours. The first blackout took place on July 30 and another one the very next day. It took over 15 hours to resume the 80% service.
5. Italy, 2003: The country witnessed a serious power outage on September 28, 2003. Around 110 trains were reported to have been brought to a halt across the country, trapping thousands of people. People suffered a blackout from 3 hours to 12 hours, depending on their location.  Only the island of Sardinia escaped the power cut.

 

Looking at all the above blackouts, it would not be wrong to say that an efficient electricity distribution network is the backbone of the country’s daily functioning. Failure of power transmission structures can bring life to a halt. Therefore, proper structures are necessary for Multi Circuit Power Transmission. We, at Utkarsh India, offer single circuit, double circuit, multi circuit towers suitable for twin, quad and hex conductors.

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Radio, television broadcasting, mobile phone communication, global position systems (GPS) and WiFi are all examples of wireless telecommunications. Wireless technology enables voice and data transmission without wires. From telegraph to Wi-Fi, wireless telecommunications technology has come a long way. As a leading telecom tower manufacturer, we share with you some useful insights on wireless telecommunications: 

The first wireless conversation took place in 1880: Much before the invention of transmitter and telegraph, the first wireless telephone conversation took place in 1880 between Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Sumner Tainter who together invented the photophone, a telephone that sent audio over a beam of light.

1. A radio transmitter used the Morse code: The first wireless transmitters used the Morse Code or other coded signals to communicate. Later, it became possible to transmit voices and music via wireless. Around the 1920s, the word ‘radio’ replaced the term wireless telegraphy.
2. Modern wireless technology is concerned with data transmission: Modern wireless technology enables data to be communicated over distances without the need for a physical wire.
3. Types of wireless networks: There are multiple types of wireless networks that are used for communication. Here are the different types of wireless networks:
   • Metropolitan wireless network (MWN): It is a network that covers a bigger area than a single building local area network (LAN).  Located in a single geographic area, it is smaller than a wide area network (WAN). It provides access to users across a given geography.
   • Wireless local area network (WLAN). A WLAN links devices in a particular local area such as home, school, computer laboratory, campus or office building.
   • Wireless personal area network (WPAN): A WPAN links devices over short range. For instance, it connects phones to bluetooth and connects devices such as keyboards, mouse and headphones to a laptop.
   • Wireless wide area network (WWAN). It uses mobile telecommunication cellular network technologies to transfer data.
4. Types of cellular networks: There are several types of cellular networks used to enable data and voice communications with smartphones. The two primary types are: GSM and CDMA. The primary difference between the two is GSM supports transmitting data and voice both at once, but CDMA doesn’t. Also, in GSM, the customer information is put on a SIM card which can be moved to a new mobile device. Whereas only mobile phones from a set of companies can be used with a CDMA network.
5. Difference between Wi-Fi and wireless telecommunication technology:  Wi-Fi is a sub-category of wireless technology.

About Utkarsh India Limited
Utkarsh India Limited is a leading telecom tower manufacturer. Our telecom towers are designed as per IS 2062:2011 & IS E-250 and E-350. We have four plants of 12.5Mtr long hot dip galvanizing facility and we use special high grade zinc. To know the  telecom tower price,  fill in the quote form.

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Be it radio, mobile phones or landline phones, telecommunications towers ensure smooth connectivity. They are the backbone of a communication system. Such critical assets need routine inspection and proper maintenance. As one of the leading suppliers of engineering products, we share with you some useful telecom tower safety and maintenance tips: 

1. Trained technicians should maintain towers:
Employees maintaining the telecom towers should be well-trained. They must receive adequate training where they will learn about the safety risks and hazards involved in maintaining telecom towers and preventive steps that can be taken.

2. All the equipment must be inspected before use
Telecom maintenance employees should have access to all the required equipment such as pole climbers, body belts, positioning straps, adjustable positioning lanyards and safety harness.  Before maintenance  work is started, the condition of these tools must be inspected properly.

3.  The surrounding area must be kept clean clear of debris:
It's important to keep the surrounding area of the tower clear of debris. Not only does this help prevent accidents, but it also helps keep the tower itself clean and free of potential hazards. One way to do this is to create a buffer zone around the tower. This can be done by clearing a space of at least 10 feet around the base of the tower. This will help ensure that any debris that falls from the tower will not land on people or property.

4.  The tower should be properly grounded:
Telecom tower grounding is essential for two reasons: safety and performance. A properly grounded tower provides a safe electrical environment for both workers and equipment. It also helps ensure that the equipment works as intended. There are a few different ways to ground a telecom tower. The most common method is to use ground rods. Ground rods are driven into the ground and provide a good electrical connection to the earth.

5. Maintenance should be avoided during extreme weather conditions:
Severe weather conditions are serious safety risks, so it's important to be proactive in monitoring the forecast and taking steps to ensure the maintenance staff’s safety.

When severe weather is in the forecast, take the following steps:

1. Avoid scheduling maintenance work during severe weather conditions.
2. If the workers must work on a tower during severe weather, extra precautions must be taken to ensure their safety.

Looking for a leading supplier of engineering products?
As a leading supplier of engineering products, Utkarsh India offers 9 M Roof Top Tower to 60 M Ground Based Tower (Lattice, tubular and  hybrid). We have highly-experienced and well-trained personnel with in-depth technical expertise. Our towers are made in state-of-the-art fabrication facilities integrated with CNC Line and semi-automatic machines.

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The transmission tower acts as an expressway for transmitting high-voltage electricity. The transmission tower in addition to the supply of power to cities connects power plants to the substation.

What Is a Transmission Tower?

To understand the components of the transmission tower it is important to understand what defines a transmission tower.

A transmission tower is a tall structure that is made from steel to support an overhead power line. The transmission tower in electric grids helps in carrying voltage transmission lines which carry bulk electricity from generating stations to substations. The transmission towers are installed at sufficient height from the ground to carry high-voltage power.

Components Of Transmission Tower 

The Cage Of The Tower

The area between the body and the peak is the cage of the transmission tower. The vertical section of the tower which has a cross-section design is the cage. The design can take the shape of a square or triangle according to the height of the tower. 

Peak Of The Tower

The portion at the top of the tower which is above the top cross arm is called the peak of the tower. For the supply of electricity from tower to homes, an earth shield wire is connected to the top of the peak of the tower. 

Cross Arm Of The Tower

The side arms of the tower on both sides hold the transmission conductor is called the cross arm of the tower. The dimension of the cross arm depends on the transmission voltage, angle, stress distribution, and configuration of the wires. The cross arm of the tower helps in connecting wires from one tower to another. 

Transmission Tower Body

The distance from the lowest cross arm of the tower to the ground is called the transmission tower body. It is necessary for towers, as it provides the height of the tower required for ground clearance. 

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Other Components Of Tower Design

Circuit

Depending on the design of the tower it has one or more circuits. For voltage up to 200KV, it is generally a single conductor which contains 3 circuits, and when the voltage goes above 200KV which has bundled conductor that means it has more than 6 circuits which enhances the capability of the power lines and reduces the loss in power during transmission.

Ground Wires

The ground wires are strung along the top of the tower to protect it from lightning strikes. The high-voltage system has two ground wires for reliable communications. 

Things To Consider In Tower Design

=> There should be a good foundation as the foundation is the basic structural support for the tower.

=> The minimum ground clearance is the lowest wire conductor above the ground level.

=> The clearance is required for consideration of the dynamic behavior of the conductor and the lightning protection of the wire lines.

Conclusion

Utkarsh India manufactures Powergrid approved Transmission Line Towers that range between 66 kV to 765 kV. It manufactures single, double, or multi-circuit towers. It makes AC line or DVDV line for Angular, tubular or hybrid transmission. It uses materials like structural steel in a Lattice form, steel tubular sections and monopoles, and concrete.

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One of the many uses for transmission towers is the transmission and reception of many kinds of radio, telecommunications, and electricity-related signals. According to their intended use, transmission towers may be classified as either electric or mobile phone towers. Power transmission towers may be seen throughout the industrialized world.

For electric vehicles, transmission towers act as expressways for large quantities of high-voltage current. In addition to connecting power plants to a series of substations, these transmission towers also link one bulk power area of the grid to another, all while standing 55 feet or higher. Transmission voltages typically range from 23,000 to 765,000 volts. A clothes dryer or stove range will need a lot more electricity than a 120-volt outlet does since they use so much more power. Power lines have a far larger impact than the voltages found in your own house.

Transmission tower conductors — the energized lines — are composed of steel-reinforced aluminum wire and are always in threes. There may be one conductor line, two-conductor lines, or even more than that, depending on the group. Three people will always be in each group, no matter how it is organized (or a multiple of three).

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When it comes to overhead transmission lines, the most important job they perform is to serve as a reliable and constant source of electricity. However, in extreme weather and natural disasters, overhead lines can go down. During a hurricane or other severe weather event, the design limits of a power line may be exceeded. Transmission tower failure can cause major power outages, resulting in huge financial losses for customers, utilities, and power plants. To avoid and minimize the power supply interruption caused by extreme weather events, transmission system operators (TSOs) should take the necessary precautions.

If there is a major event, utilities and TSOs may have to build temporary transmission towers to bypass damaged transmission towers and operate at the design voltage of the damaged circuit in order to avoid further damage to those towers. Additionally, temporary towers are sometimes used to help construct a new transmission line or replace old ones with new conductors and insulators.

Fiber-optic cables used to transport telecommunication data are sometimes seen bundled with overhead earth wires. Fiber-optic cables, which are mostly composed of glass, cannot carry electricity and are thus unaffected by lightning.

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A fiber-optic cable running a few feet below the transmission wires is another option. These cables seem much smaller when compared to the others. With the enormous expenditure required to construct transmission networks, adding communications connections maximizes returns. To run fiber-optic cables, utilities may either own them or lease them to other service providers, such as cable or phone companies.

Transmitter towers that also serve as meteorological data aggregators are quite common. Another piece of meteorological gear may be seen, such as the spinning cups on the anemometer.

For the support of transmission lines, several items are used. In comparison to earlier poles, their physical dimensions are significantly increased (used for distribution purposes). Mechanical strength is increased in transmission towers because of the lattice structure they have. Their lifespan is extended by galvanizing or painting them. These may be utilized for longer spans because of their greater mechanical strength (100 to 300 m). Footings are appropriately earthed at the bottom.

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It's not uncommon to see nesting birds, like hawks, resting on power lines or building nests on girders. But did you ever stop to think about what makes them not get electrocuted? It is because the legs of the bird have equal electrical potential, which explains why electricity doesn't travel through their bodies. But how does it happen? The answer is transmission towers. Further explanation will follow in this blog.

The advent of transmission towers was prompted by an escalating industrial demand for power.

What exactly are transmission towers? Why do they exist? What is their significance? In what way are they built? - Each of these questions should be discussed in the following paragraphs. Therefore, let's dig into the meat of the matter right away.

What is a transmission tower?

Electric transmission towers transport massive volumes of high-voltage current, typically range between 23,000 and 765,000 volts, over great distances, similar to the interstate highway system. It is common to see them in industrialized states and cities.

Their high-voltage cables connect the wind farms or power plants to the source substations and satellite substations in nearby populated areas.

According to their intended use, transmission towers are classified as electric towers or cell phone towers.

Electric companies often consider transmission towers to be one of their most critical commercial properties.

What does a transmission tower do?

Transmission towers are structures built to support overhead power lines, ground cables and electrical conductors. Besides carrying electricity across hundreds of kilometres, they also provide strength and prevent the cables from sagging and getting contaminated.

The use of transmission towers is no longer limited to transmitting electrical power over long distances but can be extrapolated for the transmission and reception of radio, mobile telephony, broadcasting, and other electromagnetic signals as well.

Many of them are also utilized as weather data collectors. You may see cup-shaped anemometers indicating the wind speed or other meteorological equipment spinning.

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Why are transmission towers important?

The following points demonstrate the significance of transmission towers:

They maintain the flow of power reliably and safely.

Direct transfers enable the delivery of power through substations at the lowest possible energy loss to different types of customers.

The lights on transmission towers help to identify their locations when travelling at night.

Electricity does not flow through towers themselves unless lightning strikes the wire running along the top. In the event of lightning strikes, the cable absorbs or deflects the energy, and it is safely conveyed to the ground through the tower. It is for this reason that birds sitting on transmission tower cables do not die of electric shocks.

How are transmission towers constructed?

A lattice pole construction provides a sturdy structure to withstand even the roughest weather conditions without causing damage.

Power lines with higher voltages require more space between each cable and other objects, enabling vehicles, people, and other equipment can move freely underneath them. Consequently, most of the transmission towers stand 55 feet to 150 feet high.

If the tower is being constructed for transmission of electrical power, wood or concrete may be used, and if the tower is being constructed for telecommunication or radio, metals such as ductile iron or galvanized steel can be used. Transmission towers for cellular networks are thin and supported via long wires called guy wires. These towers have different shapes, heights, and mechanical strength depending on the stresses they endure.

The high-voltage, steel-reinforced aluminium cables are insulated with porcelain or toughened glass. For efficient transmission of electricity, they are always arranged in groups of three.

The Bottom Line

Please take a moment to consider the following cautionary note. Whenever inspecting transmission towers, remember that the higher the pole, the greater the voltage. So never attempt to climb or get near overhead lines, as doing so can cause severe shocks, burns or even death. Additionally, make sure to keep a safe distance when you are looking at them.

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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 structure (usually a steel lattice tower) used to support the high-voltage conductors of overhead power lines. The transmission towers differ from conventional power poles since they transport bulk electricity from multiple high voltage lines over long distances as opposed to single poles that provide local delivery.

Types of Transmission Towers

In terms of their technical background, the following is a list of transmission tower types.

Let's take a look at each of them one by one:

Suspension Towers 

High voltage suspension towers are designed to withstand only the weight of the conductor when they are positioned in a straight line. Conductors on suspension towers can be held in place by I strings, V strings, or a combination of both. Suspension transmission towers run on straight-line routes where there is less than a 5-degree deviation in angle. 

Transposition Towers

They are most common in three-phase line systems and are often used to support and maintain long transmission lines where the weight in the centre of the span puts significant stress on the structure. A transposition tower is supported by a body, a cage, and a peak. Conductors and lines are positioned at a distance that prevents contact between the cross-arms of the towers.

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Tension/Angle Towers

They support the directional change of transmission lines in turning points where the angle of deviation is more than 5 degrees. The tower is reinforced with anchors to counteract pressure exerted against the angle. The transmission line that connects two angle towers is called a section. The length of the section depends on geographic location, easements, possible placement possibilities, and the ultimate destination. 

Special Towers

Custom towers are built when conditions dictate a significant change in angle or when a substantial amount of additional support is needed based on environmental factors. Among the factors that affect transmission tower construction are heavy wind, porous soil, freezing rain, and others. In addition, these towers are used in areas involving long-span river crossing, valley crossing, power line crossings above existing lines, power line crossings below existing lines (Gantry type structures), tapping existing lines, unique termination towers and the like.

Final words

Power outages and blackouts disrupt people's everyday lives and mess with the productivity of industries dependent on electricity since power transmission is compromised. Thus, proper transmission towers need to be in place to prevent power cuts and faulty transmissions that hamper a country's economy. 

Utkarsh India manufactures Powergrid approved Transmission Line Towers ranging between 66 kV to 765 kV. Our full-range-cum-diverse product basket comprises CHT/VHT/UHT HVDV to AC (single, double, multi-circuit) transmission towers suitable for Twin, Quad and Hex conductor configuration to accommodate both AC lines and DVDC lines. Our impressive client portfolio includes Airtel, Idea, BSNL, Reliance, Vodafone, etc.

If you are someone who values quality before anything else, place your order with Utkarsh India now while there is still time.

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