Which copper conductor is recommended for overhead lines?

Prepare for the Southeast Lineman Training Center Exam with quizzes and detailed explanations. Enhance your skills and knowledge through interactive tests. Get exam-ready!

Multiple Choice

Which copper conductor is recommended for overhead lines?

Overhead lines must endure mechanical stresses from wind, ice, and temperature changes, so the conductor needs high tensile strength without sacrificing too much conductivity. Copper that has been hard drawn is work-hardened, giving it much greater tensile strength while still carrying current effectively. This makes it resistant to elongation and sag under load, and better able to withstand installation and field conditions. In contrast, annealed (soft drawn) copper is very ductile but weak, so it stretches more under load and sags more. Soft drawn and medium drawn options don’t provide the same level of mechanical strength required for long spans and outdoor conditions. Therefore, hard-drawn copper is the best choice for overhead lines.

Overhead lines must endure mechanical stresses from wind, ice, and temperature changes, so the conductor needs high tensile strength without sacrificing too much conductivity. Copper that has been hard drawn is work-hardened, giving it much greater tensile strength while still carrying current effectively. This makes it resistant to elongation and sag under load, and better able to withstand installation and field conditions.

In contrast, annealed (soft drawn) copper is very ductile but weak, so it stretches more under load and sags more. Soft drawn and medium drawn options don’t provide the same level of mechanical strength required for long spans and outdoor conditions. Therefore, hard-drawn copper is the best choice for overhead lines.

More practice questions