Why are there weights on power lines

No, a string of beads is not a cable. But it has a fair amount of mass that makes it easier to measure the tension using a force probe. So here's the plan: I will measure the tension on one side of the cable and the vertical drop in the middle the sag. Then I can change the span distance and measure again. For comparison, I will use a numerical model with the same mass and length as the string of beads.

In this case, I broke it into 20 pieces. It looks like this:. If you want to play with the code, just click the pencil icon.

I'll suggest a few changes in the homework questions below. Now I can make the span size of my model the same as the beads and compare the tension and vertical drop. Basic Model For a Hanging Cable. Comparing a Numerical Model to Real Data.

Rhett Allain is an associate professor of physics at Southeastern Louisiana University. He enjoys teaching and talking about physics. Sometimes he takes things apart and can't put them back together. Contributor Twitter. Close this window and log in. Join Us Close. Are you an Engineering professional? Join Eng-Tips Forums! Join Us! By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail. Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here. Related Projects. Hello everyone, Just a longstanding curiosity of mine: On the power lines near-by; the lines running alongside interstate roads Near each insulator I see what I can only describe as a small "barbell" shaped thing attached to the line From a distance, it looks like a small barbell which is attached from the center of the bar to the electrical line. The ends of this barbell do not connect to anything, and it's oriented such that the bar runs parallel to the wire to which it's attached.

It just looks as if somebody decided to hang a barbell from the wire like a Christmas ornament Vibration dampers. Wind can cause aeolian vibration in taught cables.

The weights prevent the vibration. They work by absorbing mechanical energy from the cables so that wind induced standing waves that would slowly crack the insulators do not have a chance to build up. A question in return: Why are the top lines isolated? Are they not grounded? Why then isolated? Reply to skogsgurra: I doubt the top lines [are] isolated. I don't think THEY have these devices on them. Don't ask how I expected it to work- it was all I could come up with I guess the only part I had right was the 'suppression' angle.

If you've been looking for an effective and humane way to keep birds off power lines, it's time to try the WhirlyBird Repeller! These methods include auditory and visual scare tactics that deters birds without harming them: Predator Disguise. Scattered Light. Long-Term Effectiveness. Are power lines insulated?

Myth 4: All power lines are well insulated. They may have weather coating, but it provides no insulation or protection from electric shock. Even insulated lines could be unprotected after being exposed to years of weather.

What is the purpose of the colored balls on power lines? The coloured balls on overhead electricity cables act as visual warnings for low flying aircraft. They are most often used when cables cross major highways or deep gullies or valleys. To aid visibility, the colours are chosen to provide the greatest possible contrast with the background terrain. How do bird diverters work?

A bird diverter is a device that is attached to a power line or any type of wire suspended in the air to distract and divert birds away from the line, avoiding accidents and fatalities. These are particularly useful for power and communication lines that cross lakes or rivers, where bird tend to flock together.

Can you touch a tree that is touching a power line? When a tree grows close to a power line, it can create shock hazards, power outages and fires: If you climb a tree near a power line and touch the power line, electricity will go through you and you can be hurt or killed. If a tree branch falls on a power line, it can cause a power outage. Can trees touch power lines? Trees growing near power lines can cause a fire, as well as an electrical, hazard to anyone in contact with the tree at ground level.

Trees don't have to physically touch an energized power line to be dangerous. This arcing can also cause power outages.