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4 Transmission Structures Fact Sheet

Transmission structures support conductors that transport electricity over long distances at high voltages between 115 kV and 765 kV. There are two common types of transmission structures: lattice steel towers and tubular steel poles. Structure sizes vary depending on voltage level, terrain, and whether they support single or double electrical circuits, with double circuit structures being taller to arrange the phases vertically.

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186 views

4 Transmission Structures Fact Sheet

Transmission structures support conductors that transport electricity over long distances at high voltages between 115 kV and 765 kV. There are two common types of transmission structures: lattice steel towers and tubular steel poles. Structure sizes vary depending on voltage level, terrain, and whether they support single or double electrical circuits, with double circuit structures being taller to arrange the phases vertically.

Uploaded by

manikandan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as XLSX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Transmission Structures

Transmission structures are one of the most visible elements of the electric transmission system. They support the conductors used to transp
electric power from generation sources to customer load. Transmission lines carry electricity over long distances at high voltages, typically
between 115 kV and 765 kV (115,000 volts and 765,000 volts).
There are many different designs for transmission structures. Two common types are:
 Lattice Steel Towers (LST), which consist of a steel framework of individual structural components that are bolted or welded together
 Tubular Steel Poles (TSP), which are hollow steel poles fabricated either as one piece or as several pieces fitted together.

220-kV double-circuit LST (Height range: 110- 500-kV double-circuit LST (Height
200 ft.) Range: 150-215 ft.)

Both LSTs and TSPs can be designed to carry either one or two electrical circuits, referred to as single-circuit and double- circuit structure
(see examples above). Double-circuit structures typically hold the conductors in a vertical or stacked configuration, whereas single-circuit
structures typically hold the conductors horizontally. Due to the vertical configuration of the conductors, double-circuit structures are taller tha
single-circuit structures. On lower voltage lines, structures sometimes carry more than two circuits.
A single-circuit alternating current (AC) transmission line has three phases. At low voltages, a phase usually consists of one conductor. At hig
voltages (over 200 kV), a phase can consist of multiple conductors (bundled) separated by short spacers. A double-circuit AC transmission lin
has two sets of three phases.
Dead-end towers are used where a transmission line ends; where the transmission line turns at a large angle; on each side of a major cros
such as a large river, highway, or large valley; or at intervals along straight segments to provide
additional support. A dead-end tower differs from a suspension tower in that it is built to be stronger, often has a wider base, and has strong
insulator strings.
uctures
sion system. They support the conductors used to transport
ectricity over long distances at high voltages, typically

e:
tructural components that are bolted or welded together
ne piece or as several pieces fitted together.

500-kV single-circuit LST (Height range:


80-200 ft.)

erred to as single-circuit and double- circuit structures


rtical or stacked configuration, whereas single-circuit
of the conductors, double-circuit structures are taller than
n two circuits.
oltages, a phase usually consists of one conductor. At high
ed by short spacers. A double-circuit AC transmission line

line turns at a large angle; on each side of a major crossing


s to provide
t to be stronger, often has a wider base, and has stronger
Example of a 500–kV single-circuit LST. Example of a 220-kV double-circuit LST.
Structure sizes vary depending on voltage, topography, span length, and tower type. For example, double-circuit 500-kV LSTs generally ran
from 150 to over 200 feet tall, and single-circuit 500-kV towers generally range from 80 to 200 feet tall. Double-circuit structures are taller th
single-circuit structures because the phases are arranged vertically and the lowest phase must maintain a minimum ground clearance, while t
phases are arranged horizontally on single-circuit structures. As voltage increases, the phases must be separated by more distance to prevent
any chance of interference or arcing. Thus,
higher voltage towers and poles are taller and have wider horizontal cross arms than lower voltage structures.
220-kV double-circuit TSP (Height Range: 220-kV single-circuit TSP (Height Range:
70-200 feet) 70-200 ft.)
Example of a 220-kV double-circuit LST.
wer type. For example, double-circuit 500-kV LSTs generally range
e from 80 to 200 feet tall. Double-circuit structures are taller than
west phase must maintain a minimum ground clearance, while the
ses, the phases must be separated by more distance to prevent

s than lower voltage structures.


220-kV single-circuit H-frame TSP (Height range:
55-200 ft.)

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