November 15, 2018

November 15, 2018

License=Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works Co., Ltd. (SSEM)/SA-894-t Not For Resale ,8/8/2019 10:03:26 AM Saudi Time
TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 SCOPE

2.0 GENERAL

3.0 CONDUCTOR SUPPORT HARDWARE

3.1 Suspension Support Hardware

3.2 Suspension Clamps
3.3 Dead-end Support Hardware
3.4 Line Insulators
3.5 Full Tension Splices and Repair Sleeves
3.6 Line Jumpers
3.7 Line Hardware and Fittings
3.8 Conductor Jumper and Idler Insulator

4.0 CONDUCTOR MOTION CONTROL HARDWARE

4.1 Armor Grip Suspension and Support (AGS) Units

4.2 Armor Rods
4.3 Vibration Dampers
4.4 Spacer Dampers
4.5 Allowable Bending Stress/Strain Limits
4.6 Analytical Vibration Damping Study
4.7 Field Vibration Study

5.0 STRUCTURE RELATED HARDWARE

5.1 Fasteners for Wood Structures

5.2 Fasteners for Steel Structures
5.3 Swing Angle Brackets

6.0 GROUNDING OF OVERHEAD GROUND WIRES

6.1 Grounding on Steel Structures

6.2 Grounding on Wood Structures

7.0 CORROSION

TESP12204R03/MAT Date of Approval: November 15, 2018 PAGE 2 OF 17

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

1.0 SCOPE

This standard defines the various types of hardware associated with transmission line
conductors and structures and establishes the criteria for their selection on the Transmission
System of National Grid Saudi Arabia.

2.0 GENERAL

Transmission line hardware is broadly classified into Conductor related and Structure related
hardware.

2.1 Conductor related hardware includes the conductor support and conductor motion
control hardware. Due consideration shall be given to the mechanical and electrical
demands on the design and selection of conductor related hardware which support,
join, separate, reinforce and mechanically damp overhead conductors, overhead
ground wire (OGW), composite optical fiber overhead ground wire (OPGW) and all
dielectric self-supporting cable (ADSS).

Unless otherwise specified in the Scope of Work/Technical Specifications all

insulator hardware for cap & pin disc type and composite insulators shall be of Ball
& Socket type coupling, whereas for long rod porcelain insulators it shall be of
Clevis type-C coupling at both ends.

2.2 Structure related hardware are used to frame structures, to provide guying and pole
attachments to structure and to provide necessary line to structure clearances. Their
design and selection shall ensure structural strength and at the same time be static
proof, thus reducing possible radio and television interference.

2.3 All conductors related hardware shall be corona free (no visible corona) and the
corona extinction voltage shall not be less than the values per Table 04-1 when tested
as an insulator set (complete string) in accordance with IEC 61284:

Table 04-1: Minimum Corona Extinction Voltages

System Voltage, kV Corona Extinction Voltage, kV

(Phase to Phase) (Phase to Ground)
69 55
110/115/132 100
230 185
380 300

Radio Interference Voltage (RIV) of an insulator set (complete string) shall not
exceed 40 dB above 1 μV when measured across a resistance of 300 Ω. The test
voltage shall be the highest system voltage (per latest revision of 01-TMSS-01)
divided by √3 and the frequency for the RIV measurement shall be 1 MHz.

TESP12204R03/MAT Date of Approval: November 15, 2018 PAGE 3 OF 17

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

2.4 All fittings on suspension and tension insulator strings shall be suitable for removal
and/or replacement of insulators and fittings by tools designed for hot line working.
This shall be clearly indicated on the drawings to be provided by the manufacturer.

3.0 CONDUCTOR SUPPORT HARDWARE

3.1 Suspension Support Hardware

3.1.1 Suspension support hardware for phase conductor shall be preformed Armor
Grip Suspension Unit (AGS). The AGS units shall be designed to withstand
without any permanent deformation in any of the components, a vertical load
at least equal to the rated strength of conductor or a minimum of 120 kN if
the rated strength of conductor exceeds 120 kN.

3.1.2 Suspension support hardware for conventional overhead ground wire (OGW)
shall also be preformed Armor Grip Suspension Unit and the rating of AGS
units shall be 80 kN & 60 kN for OGW with rated strength of 120 kN and
70 kN respectively.

3.1.3 Suspension support hardware for optical ground wire (OPGW) and all
dielectric self-supporting cable (ADSS) shall be preformed helical suspension
clamp (Armor Grip Suspension Unit, AGS) and per manufacturer’s
recommendation. The rating of AGS units shall be 80 kN & 60 kN for
OPGW with rated strength of 120 kN and 70 kN respectively. For ADSS, the
rating of AGS unit may be reduced to 40 kN.

a. Suspension fittings shall have the ability to support the cable, without
damage (particularly crushing or kinking), to the maximum vertical
load with the allowance for a suitable safety factor.

b. The fittings shall be able to withstand limited differential loads

between adjacent spans and to allow the cable to slip without damage
to the cable under excessive differential loads.

c. The fittings shall have the ability to accommodate line deviations up

to 30º and to withstand Aeolian vibrations and galloping.

3.2 Suspension Clamps

3.2.1 Contoured suspension clamps if specified in the Scope of Work/Technical

Specifications (SOW/TS), shall be designed to match the conductor and shall
guard against conductor ovalling and excessively high compression stresses.
The clamps shall be shaped to form a fully articulated support for the
conductors. The seat and clamping surfaces shall be smooth, without any
projections or sharp bends and shall be formed to support the conductor on
long easy curves and at the comparatively sharp bends formed at horizontal
and vertical angles. The mechanical strength rating of suspension clamps
shall be same as defined for AGS clamps in Clause 3.1 above.

TESP12204R03/MAT Date of Approval: November 15, 2018 PAGE 4 OF 17

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

3.2.2 Suspension clamps shall be made of aluminum alloy to suit the conductor.
Suspension clamps for galvanized steel overhead ground wire shall be made
of malleable iron, galvanized in accordance with ASTM A153. The thickness
of zinc coating for items other than bolts, nuts and washers shall be 0.11 mm
equivalent to 770 g/m².

3.3 Dead-end Support Hardware

3.3.1 Dead-end hardware used to attach the ends of conductor and overhead ground
wire to the supporting structure shall be of:

a. Two-piece compression type for ACSR & ACSR/AW conductors and

single piece compression type for ACAR and AAAC conductors, both
factory prefilled with appropriate filler compound,

b. Single-piece compression type for alumoweld overhead ground wire,

factory prefilled with appropriate filler compound,

c. The tension fittings shall have the ability to withstand the load of
95 % of Rated Tensile Strength (RTS) of conductors, OGW and
OPGW/ADSS and withstand Aeolian vibrations and galloping,

d. Preformed type or bolted type clamp for galvanized steel OGW.

3.3.2 Strength of Dead-end Hardware

a. The strength of all dead-end hardware for a single conductor between

its points of attachment on structure and conductor shall be equal to or
greater than the ultimate tensile strength of the conductor or insulator,
as applicable. The strength of fittings (compression and bolted) shall
be at least equal to 95 % the ultimate tensile strength of the conductor
and ground wire.

b. In case of multiple parallel insulator strings, the connecting hardware

shall have an ultimate tensile strength greater than the sum of the
mechanical strength of the insulator strings supported. The line
hardware shall be designed to remain intact if one string fails and
suitable fittings shall be used to ensure this. This shall apply to
multiple suspension (V & I strings) and multiple tension strings.

3.4 Line Insulators

Only standard strength suspension cap & pin disc (porcelain and glass), line post
(porcelain) and long rod (porcelain and composite) insulators meeting all the
requirements of the relevant Transmission Materials Standards Specifications
(TMSS) shall be used.

TESP12204R03/MAT Date of Approval: November 15, 2018 PAGE 5 OF 17

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

3.5 Full Tension Splices and Repair Sleeves

3.5.1 Full tension splices shall be a two-piece compression type for ACSR &
ACSR/AW conductors and a single-piece compression type for ACAR and
AAAC conductors. These shall have strength equal to or greater than 95 % of
the rated tensile strength of the conductor on which they are placed.
Application shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
The splice shall be factory prefilled with appropriate filler compound.

3.5.2 Repair sleeves shall be compression type and preformed type devices used to
repair minor damage to the conductor. Inhibiting compound shall be applied
on the minor damaged area of the conductor prior to the installation of the
repair sleeves. The sleeve shall restore 95 % of the conductor rated tensile
strength and conductivity with a condition that no more than 1/3 (one-third)
of the aluminum strands in the outer layer are damaged.

3.5.3 Splices or repair sleeves shall be limited to one per conductor per span. The
splices shall be avoided in dead-end spans, spans greater than 600 meters and
spans crossing highways, railroads, public utility lines and spans adjacent to
crossing spans.

3.5.4 Splices or repair sleeves shall be located at least 15 meters away from the
nearest support. Splices in the conductor, making up the bundle phase
configuration shall be staggered about 1.5 meters.

3.6 Line Jumpers

3.6.1 Line jumpers are short pieces of conductors, which connect dead-end line
sections together, and are terminated by line jumper terminals on both ends.

3.6.2 Jumper loop connections for transmission lines shall be made with
compression type jumper terminals with standard ANSI/NEMA CC 1 hole
pattern for conductor size (4 bolt-hole pattern equally spaced at 44.5 mm)
used and shall have oxide inhibiting compound, pre-filled or injected. The
jumper terminals shall be bolted to the terminal pads of the dead-end
hardware on each side of the structure. Inhibiting compound shall be applied
between terminal and jumper pads. The jumper terminals shall have the
strength equal to or greater than 25 % of the rated tensile strength of the
conductor.

3.7 Line Hardware and Fittings

Only standard line hardware and fittings meeting all the requirements of the latest
revision of 12-TMSS-01 and 12-TMSS-02 shall be used in the system of National
Grid Saudi Arabia. Suitable guard (power arc protection) devices such as arcing
horns and arcing rings/corona rings shall be provided on both extremities of the
suspension and dead-end hardware insulator strings for phase conductors. In case of
Long Rod Porcelain insulator strings, the power arc protection devices shall also be
provided at the intermediate levels in addition to the upper and lower levels.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

3.7.1 Bundle Configuration and Arrangements of Sub-conductors

a. The phase conductors shall be either single conductor or twin bundle

conductors per phase for transmission lines up to 230 kV, while for
380 kV transmission lines these shall be arranged in quad bundle
configuration

b. The two sub-conductors in a twin bundle shall be in horizontal

configuration and spaced at 450 mm.

c. The four sub-conductors in a quad bundle shall be in square

configuration and spaced at 450 mm.

3.7.2 Insulator String

a. Suspension insulator assembly shall be I-string (single or double) for

single conductor/twin bundle conductors, as applicable for
transmission lines up to 230kV and V-string (included angle 1100) for
380kV lines. In case of existing family of towers, suspension
assembly shall be as per provisions of relevant tower design.

During storm/high winds, leeward side of V-string can deflect upward

and subjected to compression loads (estimated about 25kN). This
condition will create bending in the connecting fittings between
insulators and yoke plate, between two insulators and between
insulators and tower attachment plate. These fittings shall be designed
to provide sufficient articulation and flexibility/freedom of movement
in transverse and upward directions, so that impact of bending loads is
reduced. The design for this articulation shall be shown on the
drawings and submitted for review & acceptance.

b. Tension insulator assembly shall be single horizontal string for single

conductor per phase, double horizontal strings for twin/quad bundle
conductor per phase and four parallel strings for quad bundle
conductors, as applicable.

3.7.3 Electrical Requirements for Insulator Strings

The complete insulator strings (insulators plus associated hardware fittings)

shall be designed and guaranteed for the basic insulation levels as specified in
01-TMSS-01. For installation at altitudes higher than 1000m, the insulation
levels (power frequency withstand voltage, basic insulation level & basic
switching impulse level etc.) shall be corrected.

3.7.4 Mechanical Requirements for Insulator Strings

The suspension and tension strings shall be arranged as shown in Table 04-2.

Table 04-2: Insulator Strings Arrangement

TESP12204R03/MAT Date of Approval: November 15, 2018 PAGE 7 OF 17

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

Sr. Mechanical Phase System

String Configuration
No. Rating (kN) Conductors Voltage (kV)
1. Single Suspension I-String 120 Single/Twin 69 to 230
69 to 230
2. Double Suspension I-String 2x120 Single/Twin
(at crossing)
3. Single Suspension I-String 160 Twin 380
4. Double Suspension I-String 160 Twin/Quad 380
5. V-Suspension String 160 Quad 380
6. Single Tension String 160 Single 69 to 230
69 to 230
7. Double Tension String 2x160 Single
(at crossing)
8. Double Tension String 2x160 Twin 69 to 230
9. Double Tension String 2x210 Quad 380
2x330
10. Double Tension String Quad 380
(long rod porcelain)
11. Quad Tension String 4x160 Quad 380

Notes:

1. The design engineer shall select and specify in the SOW/TS the appropriate string
configuration applicable to a particular family of structures being considered in the
area/location of the transmission line.

2. Mechanical rating of the strings mentioned in the above Table refers to the standard
mechanical strength of insulators. Whereas, mechanical strength of the hardware components
shall be in accordance with the requirements of 12-TMSS-01 and TCS-P-122.21.

3.8 Conductor Jumper and Idler Insulator

3.8.1 Jumper loop installations on all angle or dead-end steel structures shall be
supported by an idler string of suspension insulators. Counter weights shall be
used, as required to reduce insulator idler swing due to high winds and
maintain the required minimum conductor clearances from the structure.

3.8.2 Jumper loop installations on all wood pole angle or dead-end structures shall
be supported by a string of suspension insulators or horizontal line post
insulators attached to the structure to maintain required clearances of
conductor from the structure and from structure guys.

4.0 CONDUCTOR MOTION CONTROL HARDWARE

All conductors are subject to Aeolian and other types of vibrations produced by the wind,
which induce repeated bending stresses in the conductor and may result in its failure. The
frequencies and amplitudes of Aeolian vibration are functions of the wind velocity, span
length, distance between nodes, tension in the conductor, diameter of the conductor and the
conductor force per unit length.

Bundled conductors can experience Aeolian vibrations and sub-conductor oscillation. Sub-
conductor oscillation occurs on any bundled conductor configuration having pairs of sub-
conductors lying in the same horizontal plane. This is often observed as an anti-phase

TESP12204R03/MAT Date of Approval: November 15, 2018 PAGE 8 OF 17

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

elliptical motion of the sub-conductors with the major axis of the ellipse in the horizontal
plane. The effects of sub-conductor oscillation include mechanical damage to conductor
strands due to clashing, damage to spacers, spacer clamp loosening leading to conductor
wear/fretting and damage to suspension or tension string hardware.

In order to reduce sub-conductor oscillation, and Aeolian vibrations, spacer dampers shall be
installed on bundled conductors. In areas having excessive vibrations, the combination of
spacer damper and Stockbridge vibration damper shall be adopted. The damper
manufacturer shall study the environmental conditions at the site, sag-tension data and shall
submit the report along with proposed damping system for review and acceptance.

The damping system for twin bundle conductors shall comprise spacer dampers and
vibration dampers at both span extremities.

The methods listed below shall be used to control Aeolian vibrations and reduce the effects
these have on transmission lines.

4.1 Armor Grip Suspension and Support (AGS) Units

4.1.1 AGS Units use the concept of a resilient cushioning in conjunction with
armor rods to reduce the static and dynamic bending stresses in the conductor.
The compressive clamping force is decreased, thereby reducing stress
concentration.

4.1.2 AGS Units shall be used only on the specific size and types of conductors for
which they are designed, and shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.

4.1.3 Maximum recommended line angle for a single support AGS is 30°.

4.1.4 The minimum slip load for AGS Unit for unbalanced loading conditions on a
line, shall be equal to the everyday tension in the conductor and ground wire.
To take into account, the effect of insulator string, the tension in the
conductor under broken wire conditions shall be considered as 70 % of
everyday tension value. In case of OGW/OPGW, no reduction in tension shall
be considered and slip load shall be taken equal to the full every day tension
value while designing AGS Units.

4.2 Armor Rods

4.2.1 Armor rods have some damping effect on vibration and reduce the amplitude
from 10 % to 20 %. Their greatest protective value is through the reinforcing
of the conductor at the point of maximum stress, and also protecting the
conductor from burns due to flashovers.

4.2.2 Size and length of the rods vary with the size of the conductor. The rods shall
be preformed and generally ball-ended. However, for voltages 230 kV and
above, parrot-bill ends shall be used to reduce the chance of abrading the
conductor and the tendency for corona discharges at the points.

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

4.2.3 Armor rods shall be of aluminum alloy for all aluminum conductors (AAC),
all aluminum alloy conductors (AAAC), and aluminum conductor alloy
reinforced (ACAR), aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) and
aluminum conductor aluminum clad steel reinforced (ACSR/AW). For
galvanized steel conductors armor rods shall be of steel and galvanizing of
armor rods shall be in accordance with relevant ASTM Standard Class ‘C’
coating.

4.2.4 For repair of fatigue-damaged conductors; a specially designed AGS unit may
be applied over preformed armor rods to extend the life of the conductor.
Manufacturer shall be consulted for engineering recommendations.

4.2.5 Alignment of the ends of the rods shall be maintained within 10 mm.

4.3 Vibration Dampers

4.3.1 Vibration damper system installed on a transmission line minimizes the

vibration level on the line. Stockbridge type vibration dampers shall be used
to control vibrations. In order to achieve optimal energy dissipation for
minimal clamp movement, the messenger cable and the mass of the dampers
shall satisfy the following requirements:

a. Complement the impedance of the conductor span end, which varies

for different conductors and vibration frequencies,

b. Provide an ideal damping ratio to optimize power dissipation,

c. Shall be free from unacceptable levels of corona and radio

interference under all service conditions, when used on phase
conductors.

4.3.2 For ADSS cable, Spiral Vibration Dampers (SVD) shall be used to suppress
the Aeolian vibrations.

4.3.3 Protection from damaging vibrations is most evenly balanced over the range
of expected frequencies of line vibration when the damper is spaced at
approximately 70 % of the free loop length from the fixed end of the span for
the highest frequency. This distance may vary with the design of the damper.

4.3.4 Applicable Project Technical Specifications shall be referred for the

conductor type, size and stranding, ruling or dead-end span length, initial
tension at average annual minimum temperature, final tension at average
annual temperature, type of support, line identification and expected range of
wind velocities to determine the recommended damper size, number of
dampers per span and location of the dampers.

4.3.5 Vibration dampers shall avoid damage to the conductors/overhead ground

wires and shall be capable of being installed and removed from energized
lines by means of hot line tools.

TESP12204R03/MAT Date of Approval: November 15, 2018 PAGE 10 OF 17

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

4.3.6 Vibration damper shall have no loose parts or connections and shall be
installed without disassembly of any part.

4.3.7 Vibration damper shall be securely tightened to maintain permanent grip on

the conductor throughout its life span and shall not slip, twist or ratchet on the
conductors.

4.3.8 Damper manufacturer shall be consulted as to the selection of damper sizes

and the best placement of them in the span.

4.3.9 Damper spacing usually shall be measured from the center of the support for
tangent spans. At dead-ends, spacing shall be measured from the mouth of the
clamp or compression dead-end.

4.3.10 Vibration damper clamp and weights shall be compressed or cast onto the
stainless steel messenger wire. The clamping bolts shall have a breakaway
type head cap.

4.4 Spacer Dampers

4.4.1 Spacer dampers shall be used to maintain uniform spacing of the sub-
conductors of a bundled conductor, to ensure consistent electrical
characteristics and to minimize the effects of wind induced motions.

Following bundle spacings are used for bundled conductors in the existing
transmission lines:

- 400 mm and 450 mm (quad bundles in square configuration)

- 457 mm (quad bundle in diamond configuration)

- 400 mm, 450 mm and 457 mm (twin bundles in horizontal

configuration)

Unless otherwise specified in the SOW/TS and/or in data schedule of the

relevant TMSS, bundle spacing for all transmission lines shall be 450 mm
(square configuration for quad bundles and horizontal configuration for twin
bundles).

4.4.2 Normal distance between spacer dampers shall not exceed 60 meters. The
first and last spacer damper shall be fitted at a distance from center of the
nearest support not more than 30 meters. In areas exposed to constant high
winds, the distance between spacer dampers shall be shortened in order to
stabilize the conductor bundle.

4.4.3 Reduction of sub-span lengths and placing spacer dampers in a non-

symmetrical pattern is one of the most effective methods to reduce sub-
conductor oscillation and increase bundle stability.

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4.4.4 Manufacturer’s recommendations shall be followed for in-span positioning

and installation of spacer dampers. Spacer dampers shall not be located on or
close to the conductor splice and shall be positioned at a minimum distance of
2 meters before or after the splice area within the manufacturer’s
recommended spacing tolerances.

4.4.5 Same spacer dampers as used on the line shall also be installed on the jumper
loops (for practical reasons/standardization purposes) to maintain the spacing
between the jumper conductors. The bundle spacing shall be the same as for
line spacer dampers. Flexible/semi-flexible or rigid spacers shall not be used
for line jumpers. For quad-bundle conductors, an additional twin bundle
spacer of flexible/semi-flexible or rigid type may be used near the jumper
terminal pads with a spacing of 200 mm to avoid any touching/obstruction
between top & bottom pair of sub-conductors.

4.4.6 The spacer damper clamps shall be of nutcracker type (opposed hinge),
elastomer-lined with a locking pin (quarter-turn fastening latch).

Cantilever type spacer dampers with bolted clamps (metal to metal) have not
performed satisfactory on the existing bundled conductor transmission lines.
Unless otherwise specified in the SOW/TS, or the Purchase Order and data
schedule of the relevant TMSS, bolted clamp spacer dampers shall not be
considered for bundled conductors.

4.4.7 Spacer dampers shall be capable of being installed and removed from the
energized lines with the help of hotline tools.

4.4.8 Shall be free from unacceptable levels of corona and radio interference under
all service conditions.

4.5 Allowable Bending Stress/Strain Limits

The dampers (vibration dampers and spacer dampers) shall have the ability to
effectively control the levels of Aeolian vibrations within safety limits for the
integrity of the conductors and overhead ground wires. Whereas, wake-induced
conductor oscillations shall be controlled by spacer dampers. The maximum sub-
span oscillation amplitude of each sub-conductor shall not exceed 150 mm (peak to
peak) for any wind speed below 18 m/s.

The dynamic stress/strain caused by Aeolian vibrations when analytically calculated

(with computer programs) shall not exceed, at the suspension clamp and at any other
fitting clamp, the values given in Table 04-3.

Table 04-3: Maximum Allowable Bending Stress/Strain Endurance Limits

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Max. Bending Strain Max. Bending Stress

Type of Conductors
micro strains (peak to peak) MPa (peak)
AAAC, ACAR, AACSR,
150 5.2
AACSR/AW and OPGW
AAC, ACSR, ACSR/AW and
200 6.9
Aluminum-Clad OGW
Galvanized Steel OGW (9.5mm
300 30.9
diameter, 7 strands)

Bending amplitude when measured in accordance with IEEE Std. 1368 “IEEE Guide
for Aeolian Vibration Field Measurements of Overhead Conductors” shall not
exceed the values listed in Table 04-4. Bending amplitude is defined as the peak-to-
peak amplitude of conductor motion relative to clamp at 89 mm from the last contact
point of conductor in the clamp.

Table 04-4: Maximum Allowable Bending Amplitude Endurance Limits

Maximum Bending Amplitude (Endurance

Type of Conductors Limit), Peak to Peak in mm (mils)
AAAC, ACAR, AACSR, AACSR/AW
0.18 (7)
and OPGW
AAC, ACSR, ACSR/AW and Aluminum-
0.23 (9)
Clad OGW
Galvanized Steel OGW (9.5mm diameter,
0.44 (17)
7 strands)

The acceptance criteria in case of bending amplitude measurements shall be as

below:

- No more than 5 % of bending amplitude cycles shall exceed the endurance

limit.

- No more than 1 % of bending amplitude cycles shall exceed 1.5 times the
endurance limit.

- No bending amplitude cycles shall exceed 2 times the endurance limit.

4.6 Analytical Vibration Damping Study

Vibration damper and spacer damper effectiveness against Aeolian vibrations and
wake-induced oscillations shall be determined by means of computer programs
based on mathematical modeling. The analytical method to be used should have been
validated against laboratory results or field tests. The following requirements and
parameters shall be taken into consideration for the analytical study:

4.6.1 To simulate winter conditions the average temperature of the coldest months
shall be taken as minus (-) 5 ºC. The tensile load (initial condition, no wind)
of the conductor and OGW/OPGW shall be worked out at this temperature

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TRANSMISSION ENGINEERING STANDARD TES-P-122.04, Rev. 03

and used in the study for the simulation of Aeolian vibrations. The evaluation
of wake-induced oscillations shall be performed at the final condition (no
wind) at the average temperature of 30 ºC.

4.6.2 Terrain shall be considered as open, flat and desert type with no vegetation.

4.6.3 Self-damping characteristics of conductor and OGW/OPGW shall correspond

to the tensile load at minus (-) 5 ºC.

4.6.4 Damping study shall be performed with and without nighttime warning lights
installed on conductors and warning spheres installed on OGW/OPGW. The
spacing of warning spheres shall be considered as per relevant TMSS.

4.6.5 The distribution of wind speed shall be as below and shall be considered with
laminar flow (zero turbulence):

Table 04-5: Wind Distribution

Sr. No. Wind Speed (m/s) Wind Distribution (%)

1. less than 3 24
2. 3 to 6 49
3. 6 to 15 25
4. greater than 15 2

4.7 Field Vibration Study

4.7.1 In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the damping system, vibration

recorders shall be installed on conductors as well as on ground wires in the
completed section of transmission line before commissioning. The
measurements shall be performed in accordance with IEEE Std. 1368 “IEEE
Guide for Aeolian Vibration Field Measurements of Overhead Conductors”
for a period of not less than four (4) weeks and shall be done preferably in the
winter season. The study shall be carried out to the satisfaction of National
Grid Saudi Arabia.

4.7.2 The bending amplitude shall be recorded at a distance of 89 mm measured

from the last contact point of conductor/OGW/OPGW in the clamp for
conventional suspension clamps and from the center of clamp for AGS type
clamps. For AGS type clamps where rods are used forming a cage around the
clamp, for easier installation the sensor of vibration recorder may be located
outside the cage area and the distance shall be measured from the centerline
of clamp and the point of measurements. To standardize the results, the
bending amplitudes recorded at a distance other than 89 mm shall be divided
by a factor corresponding to the distance of vibration recorder sensor from the
center of AGS clamps per Table 04-6.

Table 04-6: Bending Amplitude Dividing Factor for AGS Clamps

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Distance of Vibration Recorder Sensor from Recorded Bending Amplitude

the Centre of AGS Clamp, inches/(mm) Dividing Factor
3.5 (89) 1.0
4.0 (102) 1.30
5.0 (127) 1.85
6.0 (152) 2.65
7.0 (178) 3.50
8.0 (203) 4.35
9.0 (229) 5.35
10.0 (254) 6.50
11.0 (279) 7.60
12.0 (305) 8.75
13.0 (330) 9.85
Example: If the vibration recorder sensor is attached at a distance of 12 inches
(305 mm) from the center line of the AGS Clamp, the recorded bending amplitudes
shall be divided by a factor equal to 8.75 to standardize the results at 3.5 inches
(89 mm) and to apply the performance criteria stipulated in Clause 4.5.

4.7.3 For a transmission line up to 10 km in length, field vibration measurement

tests may not be required and instead, analytical damping study shall be
performed. For all transmission lines greater than 10 km in length, field
vibration measurement tests shall be performed as below:

a. Two vibration recorders, one each on conductor and OGW/OPGW

shall be installed for transmission line having 10 to 50 km length and
one span shall be checked for Aeolian vibration measurements.

b. For a transmission line greater than 50 km in length, at least three

vibration recorders (two for conductors and one for OGW/OPGW)
shall be installed on the whole line to measure Aeolian vibrations.
Two different spans for conductor and one span for OGW/OPGW
shall be checked.

c. One vibration recorder for measuring sub-span oscillations shall be

installed on twin and quad square bundles for a period of not less than
four (4) weeks. The span shall be chosen among the longest of the line
in the most critical environmental conditions.

5.0 STRUCTURE RELATED HARDWARE

5.1 Fasteners for Wood Structures

5.1.1 Only standard fasteners meeting all the requirements of the latest revision of
relevant TMSS as stipulated in TES-P-122.05 shall be used.

5.1.2 M-F type locknuts shall be used in conjunction with a regular nut with
suitable washer to form a solid unit, which does not loosen from vibration.
Spring washers shall be used in conjunction with bolts to fasten hardware in

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order to prevent movement due to wood shrinkage and to maintain a static

proof installation.

5.1.3 To prevent reducing the bending capacity of wood structures caused by bolt
holes, the fasteners shall be of band type. Multiple-way bands shall be used
in mounting spar arms, X-braces, conductor suspension and dead-end
assemblies and guys.

5.1.4 Anti-split bolt (machine bolt with washer and nut) shall be used to prevent the
propagation of checking and splitting at the end of cross arm or top of the
pole. Lag screws shall be used to hold bands in their intended position.

5.2 Fasteners for Steel Structures

Shall be as stipulated in TES-P-122.05.

5.3 Swing Angle Brackets

5.3.1 To increase clearance between phase conductors and the supporting angle
structure, swing bracket shall be installed either horizontally or vertically, as
applicable.

5.3.2 Two primary types of angle brackets are the rod type for light loads and angle
iron type for heavier loads. Swing angle brackets are applicable on both
wood and steel structures.

6.0 GROUNDING OF OVERHEAD GROUND WIRES

Overhead ground wires shall be adequately bonded to each steel structure or wood structure
grounding. Whenever there are two overhead ground wires on a wood pole structure, they
shall be tied together at the top of each structure to reduce the impedance to ground.

6.1 Grounding on Steel Structures

Overhead ground wire suspended or terminated at steel structures shall be

electrically bonded to the structure by means of jumper wire of the same type and
size as the overhead ground wire. The mechanical hardware shall not be used as the
electrical path for conducting lightning surges or fault currents to the steel structure.

6.2 Grounding on Wood Structures

To prevent fire in the wood pole structures, all hardware shall be bonded together by
means of 9.5 mm diameter galvanized steel wire tied to the ground lead and
connected to the structure ground lead.

7.0 CORROSION

One of the most serious types of corrosion is the electro-chemical deterioration of the

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electropositive metal when two or more different metals are in contact in the presence of an
electrolyte.

The problem of minimizing the effects of corrosion is not only that of preventing corrosion,
but also that of maintaining a permanently low contact resistance to carry the current from
one metal to another.

Metals shall be selected to be compatible with one another to reduce the rate of corrosion.
Plating the contact surfaces with a metal intermediate copper and aluminum in the galvanic
series can be used to minimize electrolytic corrosion. When this method is used it shall
always be combined with suitably sealing the contact with inhibitors.

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