High transmission lines are placed vertical or horizontal and why?

Encyclopedia
02/12/2025

Horizontal arrangement

  • Uniform electric field distribution: In the horizontal arrangement, the three-phase conductors are on the same horizontal plane. This arrangement helps to make the electric field distribution around the conductors more uniform. A uniform electric field distribution can reduce the occurrence of corona. Corona refers to the discharge phenomenon that occurs when the air around the conductors is ionized under high voltage. It can cause power loss and radio interference.

  • Facilitate construction and maintenance: The tower structure of the horizontal arrangement is relatively simple, making it easier to erect and install the conductors during construction. At the same time, during the later maintenance and overhaul process, workers can more conveniently access each conductor for inspection, repair, replacement and other operations.

  • Suit the corridor terrain: For some areas with relatively flat terrain and wide line corridors, the horizontal arrangement can make full use of the space and reduce the land occupation of the line.

Vertical arrangement

  • Save the line corridor: In the vertical arrangement, the three-phase conductors are arranged vertically along the tower. This arrangement occupies less lateral space and is suitable for use in areas with narrow line corridors, such as the city center and mountainous areas with limited terrain.

  • Improve the line stability: When the vertically arranged conductors are subjected to external forces such as wind and earthquake, their stability is relatively better due to the lower center of gravity. Compared with the horizontal arrangement, the vertically arranged conductors are less likely to gallop in windy weather, thus reducing the collision and wear between the conductors and lowering the incidence of line faults.

  • Reduce inter-phase interference: The vertical arrangement can make the distance between the three-phase conductors relatively larger, thereby reducing the electromagnetic interference between phases and improving the quality and reliability of power transmission.

Encyclopedia

The Electricity Encyclopedia is dedicated to accelerating the dissemination and application of electricity knowledge and adding impetus to the development and innovation of the electricity industry.

What is Automatic Voltage Regulator?
What is Automatic Voltage Regulator?
An automatic voltage regulator is employed to regulate voltage, converting fluctuating voltages into a constant one. Voltage fluctuations mainly stem from variations in the load on the supply system. Such voltage variations can damage the equipment within the power system. These fluctuations can be mitigated by installing voltage - control equipment at various locations, such as near transformers, generators, and feeders. Multiple voltage regulators are often placed throughout the power system t
Edwiin
05/22/2025
What is Static Voltage Regulator?
What is Static Voltage Regulator?
Types of Static Voltage RegulatorThe static voltage regulator is superior to electromechanical regulators in respect of the accuracy of control, response, reliability and maintenance. The static voltage regulator is mainly classified into two types. They are;Servo Type Voltage RegulatorMagnetic Amplifier RegulatorThe types of static voltage regulator are described below in details;Servo Type Voltage RegulatorThe main feature of the servo type voltage regulator is the use of the amplidyne. The am
Edwiin
05/21/2025
What is Arc Extinction Circuit Breaker?
What is Arc Extinction Circuit Breaker?
When the current-carrying contacts of a circuit breaker separate, an arc forms and persists briefly after contact separation. This arc is hazardous due to the heat energy it generates, which can produce explosive forces.A circuit breaker must extinguish the arc without damaging equipment or endangering personnel. The arc significantly influences the breaker’s performance. Interrupting aDC arcis inherently more challenging than anAC arc. In an AC arc, the current naturally reaches zero duri
Edwiin
05/20/2025
Air Break Circuit Breaker
Air Break Circuit Breaker
In an air break circuit breaker, the arc is initiated and extinguished in substantially static air as the arc moves. These breakers are used for low voltages, generally up to 15 kV, with rupturing capacities of 500 MVA. As an arc-quenching medium, air circuit breakers offer several advantages over oil, including:Elimination of risks and maintenance associated with oil use.Absence of mechanical stress caused by gas pressure and oil movement.Elimination of costs from regular oil replacement due to
Edwiin
05/20/2025
Inquiry
Download
Experts Electrical is dedicated to serving the personnel in the global power industry.
Join Experts Electrical, not only can you discover power equipment and power knowledge, but also canhnd like - minded friends!