There are how many methods to install the overhead power lines transmission conductors?
There are four methods that can be used to install overhead transmission conductors:
Slack stringing
Semi-tension stringing
Full-tension stringing
Helicopter stringing
Slack stringing
This methord can only be utilized if it is not necessary to keep the conductor off of the ground, and if no energized lines lie beneath the line being strung. In this method the pulling lines are pulled out on the ground, threaded through the stringing blocks, and the conductor is pulled in with less tension than is required to keep it off the ground.
This is not considered to be an acceptable method when demands involve maximum utilization of transmission requirements.
Semi-tension methods
are merely an upgrading of slack stringing, but do not necessarily keep the conductor completely clear of the ground, or the lines used to pull.
Full-tension stringing
is a method of installing the conductors and overhead groundwire in which sufficient pulling capabilities on one end and tension capabilities on the other, keep the wires clear of any obstacles during the movement of the conductor from the reel to its final sag position.
This ensures that these current-carrying cables are "clipped" into the support clamps in the best possible condition, which is the ultimate goal of the work itself.
Stringing with helicopters
which is much more expensive per hour of work, can be much less expensive when extremely arduous terrain exists along the right-of-way and when proper pre-planning is utilized.
Although pulling conductors themselves with a helicopter can be done, it is limited and normally not practical. Maximum efficiency can be achieved when structures are set and pilot lines are pulled with the helicopter, and then the conductor stringing is done in a conventional manner.