LCM24

Version:
Issue Date:
Review By Date:
Owned By:
Authorised By:

1.1
August 2006
June 2008
Engineering Manager D & P
Executive Manager D & P

LINE CONSTRUCTION MANUAL LCM24

LINE ERECTION
REVISION TABLE
Version No

Date of Revision

1.0

June 2006

1.1

August 2006

Details of Amendment
Initial Release
Numbering changed to represent previous revision

The above table lists in summary the amendments which have been made with most recent issues of this standard.
The table is updated with each re-issue. The latest amendments within the documents are marked with a change
indicator (|) in the outer margin.

CONTACT
This standard is the responsibility of the
Development and Projects Division, ElectraNet.
Please contact the indicated owner of the standard
with any inquiries.

ElectraNet
52-55 East Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000
PO Box 7096, Hutt Street Post Office,
Adelaide, South Australia 5000
Ph (08) 8404 7966, Fx (08) 8404 7104

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D I S C L A I M E R O F W AR R A N T Y
ElectraNet makes no representation or warranty as
to the accuracy, reliability, completeness or
suitability for particular purposes of the information
in this document. ElectraNet and its employees,
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(including liability to any person by reason of
negligence or negligent misstatement) for any
statements, opinions, information or matter
(expressed or implied) arising out of, contained in
or derived from or for any omissions from the
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or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, mechanical, including photocopying,
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
24.1

SCOPE......................................................................................................................................................3

24.2

GENERAL...............................................................................................................................................3

24.3

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONDUCTOR STRINGING......................................................................3

24.3.1
24.3.2
24.3.3
24.3.4

GENERAL............................................................................................................................................3
CARE OF CONDUCTOR AND OPGW...................................................................................................3
DAMAGE REPAIR................................................................................................................................3
STRINGING EQUIPMENT......................................................................................................................4

24.4

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING STRINGING............................................................................5

24.5

RUN-OUT OF CONDUCTORS AND OPTICAL GROUNDWIRES (OPGW)................................5

24.5.1
24.5.2
24.5.3
24.5.4
24.5.5
24.5.6
24.6

GENERAL............................................................................................................................................5
ECONOMICAL USE OF CONDUCTOR....................................................................................................6
CROSSING OF OBSTRUCTIONS............................................................................................................6
RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF JOINTS FOR CONDUCTORS.................................................................7
TENSION STRINGING METHOD...........................................................................................................7
HANDLING OPTICAL GROUNDWIRE TAILS.........................................................................................8
SAGGING OF CONDUCTORS AND OPTICAL GROUNDWIRES (OPGW)...............................8

24.6.1
24.6.2
24.6.3
24.7

GENERAL............................................................................................................................................8
INITIAL CONDITION METHOD.............................................................................................................9
MEASUREMENT OF SAG......................................................................................................................9
INSTALLATION OF INSULATORS AND LINE FITTINGS.........................................................10

24.7.1
24.7.2
24.7.3
24.7.4
24.7.5
24.7.6
24.7.7
24.7.8
24.7.9
24.7.10
24.7.11
24.8

JOINTING COMPOUND.......................................................................................................................10
INSULATORS......................................................................................................................................10
COMPRESSION FITTINGS...................................................................................................................10
WEDGE TYPE TENSION FITTINGS.....................................................................................................11
TENSION AND SUSPENSION ASSEMBLIES..........................................................................................11
BRIDGING ASSEMBLIES.....................................................................................................................11
VIBRATION DAMPERS.......................................................................................................................12
SPACERS............................................................................................................................................12
CORONA RINGS.................................................................................................................................12
OPGW DOWN LEAD CLAMP ASSEMBLIES.......................................................................................12
BIRD DIVERTERS...............................................................................................................................12

CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES................................................................12

24.8.1
24.8.2
24.8.3

ERECTION LOADS ON STRUCTURES......................................................................................12

ENGINEERING REVIEW OF WORK PROCEDURES...............................................................................12
LIVE LINE PROCEDURES...................................................................................................................12

24.9

OPTICAL GROUNDWIRE JOINTS AND JOINT ENCLOSURES...............................................13

24.10

EARTH BONDING...............................................................................................................................13

24.10.1
24.10.2

EARTHWIRE BONDING.......................................................................................................................13
BONDING TO OVERHEAD STEELWORK..............................................................................................13

24.1 SCOPE
This Section specifies requirements for the
installation of conductor and OPGW and
includes earthing of structures, running out,
sagging and clamping of conductor and
installation of line hardware and insulators.

Version: 1.1

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24.2 GENERAL
The Contractor shall install the necessary line
materials, including all fittings, in accordance
with this Section, using conductors, insulators
and OPGW supplied by the Superintendent as
set out in Section 2 of this Specification. All
other materials required to complete the works
shall be provided by the Contractor.

24.3 REQUIREMENTS
CONDUCTOR
STRINGING
24.3.1

FOR

General

All structures and stays shall be complete and

all bolts tight before stringing commences.
The
Contractor
shall
supply
the
Superintendent with a detailed stringing
programme for approval, supported by
calculations. This programme shall include
conductor run out lengths, equipment
locations, nominated runout tensions at winch
and brake, and anticipated sagging locations
including where sagging off blocks will be
performed.
This programme shall be
submitted at least six weeks prior to the run
out of any conductor.
Any work procedure provided by the line
contractor that involves work to manipulate
line tension or work that may infringe on
electrical clearances must be accompanied by
a Statutory Declaration.
The line contractor tender documents must
include work procedures documenting
stringing points for the new line.

24.3.2
Care of Conductor
and OPGW
Conductor and OPGW shall be protected from
damage at all stages of handling and
installation. In particular scratching or other
departure from the smooth surface condition
of the conductor strands shall be avoided.
Conductor and OPGW shall be handled using
only approved equipment and in such a
manner as to prevent bird caging,
overtensioning or other deformation or
damage.

Version: 1.1

Conductor and OPGW shall be protected from

immersion in water or contamination with
foreign materials. Vehicles shall not be driven
over conductor or OPGW on the ground.
Conductor and OPGW drums shall at all times
rest with the axis parallel to the supporting
surface. When drums are stored on poor
quality soil (eg sandy or boggy conditions) the
drums shall be raised on battens so that the
drums are at least 50 mm above the ground.
Drums shall not be dropped from trucks but
shall be lifted by means of a crane using a
suitable axle, slings and spreader or rolled
down an incline under control or by other
means as approved by the Superintendent.
Any costs for the repair of damage to the
drums, conductor or OPGW which in the
opinion of the Superintendent was caused by
the Contractor's acts or omissions, shall be
borne by the Contractor.

24.3.3

Damage Repair

Conductor that has become contaminated shall

be cleaned using approved materials and
methods prior to erection.
Any damage to the conductor shall be
inspected by the Superintendent who will
approve the method of repair prior to such
repair being undertaken by the Contractor.
Minor damage, abrasions or protrusions which
in the opinion of the Superintendent will not
significantly affect the strength or endurance
of the conductor, shall be removed by careful
polishing with fine abrasive paper of the "wet
and dry" type.
If no more than 20% of the outer layer strands
are substantially damaged and no inner layer
or steel core damage has occurred, repair rods
of the "line guard" type, obtained from the
Superintendent, may be used to repair the
damage. Repair rods shall be positioned so as
to be clear of all vibration protection devices.
No more than two such repair positions shall
be permitted in any one conductor of any one
span.
At a suspension tower, the armour rods used as
part of the AGSU shall not be used to repair
damaged conductor.
When damage is more extensive than that
described above, or where the conductor (not

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OPGW) has been deformed or had strands

loosened, the affected section shall be cut out
and a full tension mid-span joint obtained
from the Superintendent shall be installed.

24.3.4
Stringing
Equipment
All stringing equipment shall be suitable for
its intended use and in particular it shall meet
the requirements outlined below.

Tandem sheaves shall be positioned to ensure

equal approach and departure angles of the
cable from the sheaves.
All sheaves shall be lined with semiconducting neoprene or hard rubber
equivalent. Sheaves with damaged linings
shall not be used.
Sheaves shall be numbered to facilitate
identification.

(i)

Stringing sheaves shall be

mounted on free-running ball
or roller bearings to ensure the
best possible transfer of
tension between adjacent
spans.
Stringing sheaves shall be selected so as to
preclude possible damage to conductor, and
the selection shall consider the pulling tension,
weight spans, deviation angles, and terrain.
The minimum diameters shall be as follows
(where D is cable diameter):

Minimum
Diameter

Sheave

(ii)

(iii)

Minimum Groove Radius

Minimum Groove Depth

Where the angle from

horizontal to the cable
at the sheave is
greater
than
25
degrees, the minimum
diameters shall be as
follows (where D is
cable diameter)

Minimum
Sheave
Diameter

Version: 1.1

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(iv)

(v)

(vi)

Tensioning
machine
bull
wheel dimensions shall be as
follows (where D is cable
diameter):
Minimum Diameter
Minimum Groove Radius
times D
Minimum Groove Depth
times D
Tensioning
machine
bull
wheel grooves shall be lined
with neoprene or other
suitable material subject to the
approval
of
the
Superintendent.
Woven wire cable hauling
grips shall be used for the
pulling out of conductor and
OPGW. Each grip shall be
attached to the pilot wire with
a swivel to permit the pilot
wire and cable to rotate
independently of each other at
all hauling tensions.
Counter weights and links
shall be applied to the OPGW
at the swivel position to stop
the OPGW from rotation when
being pulled through the
sheaves. The counter weights
and links shall be approved by
the Superintendent.
Only non-rotating type steel
pilot wires shall be used for
hauling
or
tensioning
conductor and OPGW. Nylon
or other polymer pilot ropes
may be used for hauling pilot
wires.
Hauling devices for tensioning
the conductor may be of the

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LCM24
woven, preformed, bolted
clamp or sliding jaw type. The
type used shall be selected by
the Contractor with due regard
to the nature and size of the
wire to be tensioned so that no
damage or deformation of the
wires occurs during tensioning
operations.
Special precautions shall be
taken to avoid damage to the
OPGW from hauling devices.
Only those devices approved
by the OPGW manufacturer
shall be used on the OPGW.
After removal of the hauling
device, the wires in the
vicinity of the device shall be
thoroughly inspected, and any
damage shall be repaired as
directed
by
the
Superintendent.

24.4 SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
DURING STRINGING
Minimum safety precautions as specified in
the Specification are to be observed during the
period when pilot wire, conductor and OPGW
are being run out, tensioned and finally
clamped.
For those sections of the
transmission line nominated in Section 2 of
this Specification or by Superintendent as
being subject to high induction exposure,
additional safety precautions for high
induction exposure, as detailed in the
Specification, shall be implemented. These
precautions are necessary to avoid possible
hazards to personnel caused by induction.
Notwithstanding these specified precautions,
the safety of personnel working on the line
remains the responsibility of the Contractor.
All costs associated with the implementation
of "Routine Safety Precautions" and "High
Exposure Safety Precautions, as set out in the
Specification shall be deemed to be included
in the scheduled rates for stringing.

Version: 1.1

24.5 RUN-OUT
CONDUCTORS
OPTICAL
GROUNDWIRES
(OPGW)
24.5.1

OF
AND

General

Conductor and OPGW shall be strung using

the 'tension stringing' method of run out.
Subconductors of a phase bundle shall be run
simultaneously. Where the Superintendent
supplies the conductor on drums in matched
sets, the conductor within a given set shall be
stored, handled, and run out as a set.
Conductor sets shall not be broken up, nor
shall subconductors within a single phase
come from different sets without the written
approval of the Superintendent.
Since no mid-span joint is permitted on the
OPGW, the OPGW shall be run out one drum
at a time. All costs associated with this
different run out arrangement for OPGW shall
be deemed to be included in the schedule rates
for stringing.
When left overnight unsagged or when the run
out is stopped for more than one hour,
conductor and OPGW tension shall not exceed
17% CBL (Calculated Breaking Load) at
20C, or to such a level that the pilot wire,
conductor and OPGW does not create hazards
or impede traffic flow.

24.5.2
Economical Use of
Conductor
Whenever possible the Superintendent shall
arrange for the jointing of the OPGW on strain
or terminal structures, however, limitations in
maximum achievable drum lengths may
necessitate the location of OPGW joints on
suspension structures.
Conductor and OPGW drums shall be
positioned so as to ensure economical usage of
cable. Short lengths of conductor of more
than 30 m may be included in the line,
providing they are used as the first length from
a strain position and providing that not more
than one such length is used in any one span of
one conductor. Lengths of conductor of less

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than 30 m shall not be included in the line

except as bridging conductor at strain
structures.
If, in the opinion of the Superintendent, the
conductor runout has not been planned in the
most efficient manner designed to minimise
scrap then the Superintendent may direct that
conductor runout arrangements be revised,
without any additional charges being payable
by the Superintendent as a result of such a
direction.

24.5.3
Crossing
Obstructions

of

The Contractor shall not work on, over or

adjacent to any existing power lines, telephone
lines, railway lines, main roads, navigable
streams or any other obstructions which come
under the jurisdiction of a statutory authority,
without
the
Superintendents
specific
approval. In all cases where the transmission
line
crosses
such
obstructions,
the
Superintendent will make all necessary
arrangements and obtain the required
approvals for such crossings. All costs of
services provided by these authorities
specifically for the crossing of their works will
be met by the Superintendent.
The Contractor shall give the Superintendent
at least eight weeks' written notice of his
intention to carry out such work.
The
Superintendent will not accept responsibility
for any delays resulting from notice of less
than this time having been given.
Operational restrictions may necessitate run
outs being shorter than the optimum and runouts may have to be made at specific times to
minimise the effects on the crossed facility.
The Contractor shall plan and coordinate his
entire stringing operation so that interruption
times for crossed facilities are both minimised
and made at the required times nominated by
the Superintendent. All costs involved e.g.
stand-downs, over-time, weekend working,
night work etc. shall be borne by the
Contractor.
When stringing across roads, the Contractor
shall erect and maintain at his own expense,
road signs complying with the relevant State
Regulations.

Version: 1.1

Where the line traverses any cultivated land,

crop or improved pasture, the Contractor shall
carry out stringing by using existing headlands
and farm tracks as far as practicable. Where
clearing of crop or improved pasture is
essential to the stringing operation, the
Contractor shall give the Superintendent six
weeks written notice of the extent and location
of the clearing. The Superintendent will
arrange for the clearing, which may be
confined to one clear walking track.
Where the line traverses any swamp, riparian
or marine environment or plant, the
Superintendent will attempt to obtain a permit
for clearing and/or access.
Where the
Superintendents application for a permit is
rejected or where the Superintendents deems
it inappropriate to employ draw wire runout
across the ground for environmental reasons,
the Contractor will be required to undertake
stringing activities using alternative methods.
All clearing required by the Contractor shall
be subject to the Superintendent's approval.
During the running out and erection of
conductors and OPGW, all structures, roads,
obstructions (excluding power lines and
electrified railways), and fences crossed shall
be adequately protected by approved hurdles
or other protective structures. No fence shall
be cut, lowered or damaged in any way. The
cost of these hurdles and other protective
structures shall be included in the schedule
rates for stringing.
The Superintendent shall attempt to arrange
for
the
temporary
dismantling
or
undergrounding of all power line crossings of
33kV and under, excluding railway traction
wiring, during the stringing, sagging and
clamping operations. Power line crossings of
above 33kV shall require hurdles or other
protective devices to be provided by the
Contractor.
Services such as de-energising, lowering,
dismantling or undergrounding of power lines
and railway traction wiring, shall be provided
and costs borne by the Superintendent.
Where lowering cannot be carried out, all
other associated costs including the provision
for hurdles or other protective devices shall be
deemed to be included in the schedule rates for
stringing.
Details of such crossings are
provided for in Section 2 of the Specification.

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24.5.4
Restrictions
on
the Use of Joints for
Conductors
A mid-span joint in a conductor shall be not
closer than 8m to a suspension insulator string
or closer than 30 m to a tension string to avoid
interference with vibration control equipment.
Not more than one joint shall be used in any
one conductor in any one span. A mid-span
joint shall not be located in spans crossing
railway lines. All OPGW cable shall be
brought to ground level at nominated towers
for jointing or terminating of the optical fibres.
OPGW is not suitable for mid span jointing.
Where a compression fitting is to be pulled
over a stringing sheave it shall be protected by
an approved oversleeve. The design and use
of protective oversleeves shall be subject to
the approval of the Superintendent. The
sleeves shall be numbered to aid in
identification. Protective oversleeves shall not
be pulled under tension through a structure
having a resultant conductor deviation angle
greater than 25 degrees.
Where compression fittings are required to
pass through deviation angles greater than 25
degrees, the Contractor shall submit a Work
Method to the Superintendent, in accordance
with the Specification.

24.5.5
Tension
Method

Stringing

Conductor shall be run out at as low a tension

as possible and such that the cable does not
contact the ground, protective hurdles, or other
obstructions during the run-out. The speed of
the cable run-out shall not exceed 5 km/hr, nor
shall the tension in any span along the run-out
exceed 17% CBL at 20C for conductor and
OPGW. The Contractor shall be responsible
for the provision of sufficient tension
measuring devices to demonstrate to the
Superintendent compliance with this tension
limitation,
and
shall
provide
the
Superintendent with current calibration
certificates for the tension measuring devices
prior to their use on the work, and if required
by the Superintendent, during the currency of
the work.

Version: 1.1

The tension measuring devices at the winch

shall be arranged such that the tension in the
cable is continuously monitored and such that
hauling of the cable is automatically stopped
should the nominated runout tension be
exceeded.
The Contractor shall use an approved reliable
signalling and communications system
between the winch, brake, and strategically
placed observers during stringing and sagging
of conductor. Throughout the run-out, the
Contractor shall maintain continuous visual
monitoring of the lead end of the conductor, as
well as any compression joints fitted to either
the conductor.
The number of conductor drums that may be
run out simultaneously in any one pull length
shall be subject to the approval of the
Superintendent. Should the Superintendent
judge that in practice the Contractors' stringing
programme has underestimated the tension
increases due to terrain, line deviation, and
sheave losses, the maximum number of drum
lengths run out simultaneously shall be limited
to two until such time as the Contractor's
programme can be corrected.
OPGW shall be installed in accordance with
the manufacturer's installation guidelines. The
Superintendent shall provide a copy of the
installation guidelines if requested by the
Contractor at the time of Contract award.

24.5.6
Handling
Optical
Groundwire Tails
The pulling method and rigging of equipment
shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's
installation guidelines. Additional care is
required in manoeuvring the OPGW into its
final position and clipping it to the outside
face of a non-climbing tower leg.
In rigging an earthwire installation such that
the pulling bond and OPGW are routed from
the tower peak to puller/tensioner equipment
outside the body of the tower, extra care has to
be taken at the following times:

LCM24 Line Erection

(a)

When the OPGW tail is

lowered to the ground
following
sagging
and
clipping in at the last span of a
section;

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(b)

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When the OPGW tail is fed
through to its final position
outside the body of the tower
and on a non-climbing leg.

The following additional precautions shall be

carried out during the above
operations.
(a)
Fully control the movement of
the OPGW as it is lowered to
the ground when tension is
released
off
the
puller/tensioner;
(b)
Permanently fasten the OPGW
to the outside face of the tower
down to a non-climbing leg
from the earthwire peak to a
position at least 2.4 metres
below the level of the bottom
conductor;
(c)
Attention should be paid to the
types of fastenings used and to
the
frequency of
their
application;
(d)
Measure and cut to length the
OPGW tail required for
jointing of the optical fibres.
Sufficient length (minimum of
10 metres) of OPGW cable
shall be provided at ground
level. "Sufficient length" shall
mean a length of cable
sufficient to reach a vehicle
parked at an accessible
location at the base of the
tower. This is so that jointing
(splicing) of the fibres can
easily be accommodated;
(e)
Care shall be taken to ensure
all parts of the OPGW
conform to the minimum
bending radius as outlined in
the manufacturers guidelines.

Version: 1.1

24.6 SAGGING
CONDUCTORS
OPTICAL
GROUNDWIRES
(OPGW)
24.6.1

OF
AND

General

The Contractor shall sag the conductor and

OPGW by employing the "Initial Condition
Method.
The same method shall be
employed for all run-out sections between
strain structures unless otherwise approved by
the Superintendent.
All sagging and the making off of all
conductor and OPGW shall be carried out in
the presence of the Superintendent.
Responsibility for ensuring correct sag shall
nevertheless rest with the Contractor. The
Contractor shall ensure that stays are adjusted
prior to final sag measurement and that
structures remain within applicable tolerances
for verticality and deflection.
The Contractor may be called upon to provide
assistance to the Superintendent in his
verification of the Contractor's measured sags.
Within 4 weeks of receipt of the Contractor's
detailed
stringing
programme,
the
Superintendent will provide the Contractor
with sag and tension data to be used for the
conductor and OPGW. This data will show
sags both in sheaves and in clamps.
In addition the Superintendent's data will show
offsets for clamping. This data is supplied as
information only.
The responsibility for
ensuring correct sag in clamps and vertical
insulator alignment remains with the
Contractor.
Should the Contractor alter his stringing
programme subsequent to the provision of this
data by the Superintendent, the costs of any
necessary recalculation of the sagging data
shall be borne by the Contractor.
The
Superintendent will resupply the Contractor
with sag and tension data to be used for the
conductor and OPGW within 4 weeks of
receipt of the Contractors altered stringing
programme.

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The temperature of the OPGW and conductor
shall be deemed to be their core temperature.
Conductor temperatures shall be measured at
their installed average elevation above ground
level while exposed to sun and wind.
Sagging shall not take place when the wind is
gusting at velocities in excess of 10 m/s (20
knots), or while it is raining.
Under no circumstances shall the conductor or
OPGW be sagged through an accumulated line
deviation angle of greater than 90 degrees
without the written approval of the
Superintendent.
No more than two nominal drum lengths or
twenty spans, whichever is the lesser, shall be
final sagged at any one time without the
written approval of the Superintendent.

24.6.2
Initial
Method

Condition

The Initial Condition method is used to sag

conductor and OPGW where the tension after
run out and before sagging has been
maintained at 17% CBL at 20C or less.

24.6.3
Measurement
Sag

of

Sags shall be measured by the Contractor in

the following locations in spans approved by
the Superintendent:
(i)
one location per drum length;
(ii)
a span adjacent to a line
deviation angle exceeding 15 degrees;
(iii)
all spans greater than the
ruling span by 150 m or more.
When sight boards and sighting telescopes are
used for sagging, they shall be accurately
located with respect to the conductor or
OPGW and shall be firmly attached to the
structures.
Should the conductor or OPGW be
overtensioned by more than 10 percent during
sagging, the Contractor shall reduce the
applicable tensions to approximately 15%
CBL and sagging shall be repeated.
After final sagging, the conductor and OPGW
shall be transferred from sheaves to

Version: 1.1

suspension assemblies as soon as possible and

within 72 hours.
The final conductor position in the sheaves
shall be:
(i)

Within the greater value of

0.5% of design sag or +/50mm from the design
position;
(ii)
Where there is more than one
subconductor per phase, the
greatest
difference
in
subconductor spacing for a
vertical bundle, with respect to
the spacing at the clamps,
shall not exceed one conductor
diameter;
(iii)
Where there is more than one
subconductor
per
phase,
greatest
difference
in
subconductor sag for a
horizontal bundle, shall not
exceed
one
conductor
diameter.
Additionally, fourteen days or more after
having been clamped-in, the maximum
difference in sag between any two phases in
any given span shall not exceed 2% of the
actual sag or 150 mm, whichever is the
greater. Where there is more than one
subconductor per phase, the difference in
subconductor sag in any given phase shall not
exceed two conductor diameters.
The final sag of OPGW in the clamps shall be
within 1% of the design position.

24.7 INSTALLATION
INSULATORS
LINE FITTINGS

OF
AND

24.7.1
Jointing
Compound
The Contractor shall supply an approved
jointing compound that shall be used in all
compression joints, ball socket joints and
bolted palm joints.
Two approved jointing compounds are:

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Aluminox;

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Utilux electrical jointing compound,

conductive. Identification number H2397
The Contractor may submit alternative
jointing compounds to the Superintendent for
approval.
Jointing compounds shall be
conductive, high drop-point, high viscosity
and be water repellent.

24.7.2

Insulators

Insulators shall be installed as shown on the

Drawings. Immediately prior to installation
all insulators shall be cleaned in a manner
approved by the Superintendent.
When installing ceramic type insulators the
Contractor shall take care that they are not
chipped or otherwise damaged. Damaged
insulators shall not be erected. Strings of disc
insulators shall be hauled so as to minimise
loading stresses on the insulator pins and
security clips.
Non-ceramic composite insulators shall not be
removed from their protective packing, if so
supplied, until immediately prior to
installation. These insulators shall be handled
with care, in the manner as directed by the
Superintendent.
To prevent damage of composite insulators, at
no time shall:
(i)

ropes or slings be strung over

composite
insulators
for
hauling
or
lowering
equipment;
(ii)
hook ladders be positioned on
composite insulators;
(ii)
stepping or climbing on
composite insulators be permitted.
The stabilisation of articulated insulated
crossarm assemblies during conductor runout,
sagging and clipping in shall be in accordance
with the drawings.
At the completion of conductor clamping all
insulator assemblies on in-line suspension
structures and all jumper assemblies on strain
structures shall hang vertically unless
otherwise provided. Insulator assemblies on
angle suspension structures shall be on the
bisector of the horizontal conductor angle.
For horizontal line post insulator assemblies,
the maximum deviation of 50mm from correct
alignment to the end of the insulator assembly

Version: 1.1

shall not be exceeded to ensure minimum

longitudinal cantilever load.

24.7.3
Compression
Fittings
Mid span joints and termination fittings
supplied by the Superintendent for conductors
will be of the compression type unless
otherwise specified.
All compression joints shall be made in the
presence of the Superintendent and in
accordance
with
the
manufacturer's
recommendations and their requirements.
The inside of all compression fittings and the
exposed steel core (for ACSR) shall be
thoroughly cleaned and immediately liberally
coated with an approved jointing compound
before compression. In preparing ACSR cable
for jointing particular care shall be taken to
ensure that the steel strand of the core is not
cut or nicked by the cutting tool. The
innermost aluminium layer shall be only
partially cut and then broken off. The lay of all
the conductor strands and core shall be
maintained
during
preparation
and
compression of the joint.
The outer strands of the conductor shall be
thoroughly cleaned, then scratch-brushed
through the approved jointing compound,
ensuring the whole area is liberally coated
with the approved jointing compound, before
compression of the outer sleeve. The joint as a
whole and the line of compressions along the
outer sleeve shall be straight after
compression.
Three (3) weeks prior to commencement of
stringing, the Contractor shall make up a test
sample for each size and type of cable
requiring compression fittings. Each sample
shall consist of a length of cable; one centrally
located mid-span joint and two termination
fittings. The overall length of the assembled
sample shall be between 5.5 and 6.0 metres.
Test samples shall be produced in the presence
of the Superintendent, using dies and presses
that will be in use on the job. The samples will
be subjected to tensile and other tests by the
Superintendent at the Superintendent's cost to
verify the adequacy of the Contractor's
equipment and installation techniques. Field
joints shall be made by the Contractor in the

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same manner as the test joints unless directed
otherwise by the Superintendent.
After approval by the Superintendent, no
alteration in the method of installation or
tooling shall be made without the
Superintendents approval.

24.7.4
Wedge
Tension Fittings

Type

Termination fittings to be supplied by the

Superintendent for OPGW will be of the
wedge type unless otherwise specified. All
wedge type fittings shall be installed in
accordance
with
the
manufacturer's
recommendations.
The outer surface of the cable shall be
thoroughly cleaned of all grease with a
suitable solvent and dried before application of
the wedge fitting.

24.7.5
Tension
and
Suspension Assemblies
Tension and suspension assemblies shall be
assembled and erected as shown on the
Drawings.
Armour grip suspension units shall be installed
such that the ends of preformed rods do not
differ by more than 15mm.

24.7.6
Bridging
Assemblies
The Contractor shall install bridging
conductors such that the electrical clearances
as nominated by the Superintendent are
maintained. Where a bridging insulator string
is employed, the conductor length shall be
such that it exerts a positive weight
downwards on the bridging insulator string.
The bridging conductors shall hang neatly
without twists and kinks.
All metallic contact surfaces between adjacent
ceramic insulator discs shall be treated with an
approved jointing compound applied in a
manner approved by the Superintendent. The
cost of the jointing compound and its
application shall be included in the appropriate
schedule rate.

Version: 1.1

The contact surfaces of bolted conductor

palms shall be thoroughly cleaned, then
scratch-brushed
through
the
jointing
compound ensuring the palms are lightly
coated with an approved jointing compound,
before bolting of the palms.

24.7.7

Vibration Dampers

The Contractor shall install vibration dampers

on conductors and OHEW or OPGW in
accordance with the Drawings and the
manufacturer's instructions. Vibration dampers
shall be installed at the same time that the
conductor is clamped in.
The Superintendent may require the
Contractor to install additional dampers at
specified locations. The cost of installation of
all dampers will be included in the appropriate
scheduled rates for stringing.

24.7.8

Spacers

Horizontally bundled conductors shall have

spacers installed at locations nominated on the
Drawings. The spacers shall be installed in
accordance
with
the
manufacturer's
instructions.

24.7.9

Corona Rings

If specified, Corona rings shall be installed in

accordance with the drawings.

24.7.10
OPGW Down Lead
Clamp Assemblies
The Contractor shall install down lead clamp
assemblies to the outside of the non-climbing
leg of the structures such that all OPGWs are
securely fastened to the structure. The
contractor is to submit a fastening method for
approval by the Superintendent, 2 weeks prior
to installation. Spacing shall be nominally 2m
between assemblies or as recommended by the
OPGW manufacturer.

24.7.11

Bird Diverters

If nominated in the contract EMP or the

ElectraNet Development Application, the
contractor shall supply bird diverters approved
by the Superintendent. Hardware shall be

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LCM24
installed
in
accordance
manufacturers specifications.

ElectraNet
with

24.8 CONSTRUCTION
MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES

the

&

24.8.1
ERECTION LOADS
ON STRUCTURES
Standard construction and maintenance loads
can be provided upon request from the
Superintendent.
The contractor must ensure that rigging and
construction loads do not exceed the structure
capacity.
Where OPGW terminates on suspension
structures, the Contractor shall ensure that
longitudinal forces on the earthwire peak are
equal and opposite at all times, resulting in no
longitudinal load on the earthwire peak.
All vertical and longitudinal loads on
crossarms must be square rigged to the tower
body.

24.8.2
Engineering
Review
of
Procedures

Work

The contractor shall arrange an independent

engineering review of all proposed work
procedures and present statutory declarations
to the Superintendent in accordance with
contract requirements.

24.8.3
Live
Procedures

Line

The contractor shall not undertake live line

construction or maintenance methods without
the approval of the Superintendent.
Only those live line operators trained by
training centres approved by the Office of
Technical Regulator shall be permitted to
undertake live line operations on ElectraNet
transmission assets.

24.9 OPTICAL
GROUNDWIRE JOINTS
AND
JOINT
ENCLOSURES
Following OPGW installation and its fixing to
the tower legs by the Contractor, the
Superintendent shall provide splicing/jointing
of all optical fibres, including the housing of
these splices/joints within a joint enclosure.
It is expected that this work will be
commenced once there are sufficient joints
available to the jointing contractor, however,
this work may not necessarily commence until
at least 75% of the OPGW sagging,
termination and clamping-in has been
completed.
On completion of the jointing contractor's
work or section of work, the Contractor (line
construction), shall position and attach all joint
enclosures and final downlead clamp
assemblies to the steel tower and shall be fully
responsible for the rectification of all and any
damage to the complete joint enclosure, its
components or parts, and the complete OPGW
cable.
The installation and final positioning shall be
in accordance with the cable manufacturer's or
supplier's instructions, and shall commence
not more than 14 days after the jointing
contractor has completed the jointing work or
section of work. All costs associated with the
installation and final positioning of the OPGW
and associated enclosures are deemed to have
been included in the scheduled rates.

24.10

EARTH BONDING

24.10.1

Earthwire bonding

Earthwire shall be connected to the structure

electrically with an approved earth
bond.
Earth bonds shall comprise flexible conductor
of 70mm2 copper equivalent. Should insulated
earth bonds be used, the outer covering shall
be resistant to UV degradation.
Earth bonds shall have sufficient flexibility to
account for rotation of the earthwire
suspension attachment without causing

Version: 1.1

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LCM24
unnecessary constraint
damage to components.

of

movement

24.10.2
Bonding
overhead steelwork

or

to

All exposed steelwork shall be bonded to earth

with an approved earth bond.
Particular attention shall be made of the
following items:

Stobie poles: crossarms or

attached steelwork mounted
on the concrete face shall be
bonded to the same steel joist
connected to earth rods at the
base of the pole;

Concrete poles: Crossarms or

attached steelwork shall be
hard-wired to earthing system;

Painted steel poles: scoring of

surface treatment to ensure
contact of earth lead tab onto
bare steel surface.

Version: 1.1

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