Transmission Lines

Transmission lines carry electric energy from one point to another in an electric power system. They can carry alternating current or direct current or a system can be a combination of both. Also, either overhead or underground lines can carry electric current. The main characteristics that distinguish transmission lines from distribution lines are that they are operated at relatively high voltages, they transmit large quantities of power and they transmit the power over large distances. The types of transmission lines are:

Overhead Transmission Lines Sub transmission Lines

Overhead AC transmission lines

Share one characteristic; they carry 3-phase current. The voltages vary according to the particular grid system they belong to. Transmission voltages vary from 69 kv up to 765 kv. The following are examples of different overhead transmission line structures in use today. The DC voltage transmission tower has lines in pairs rather than in threes (for 3-phase current) as in AC voltage lines. One line is the positive current line and the other is the negative current line.

Figure 1. Some typical transmission line structures Figure 2. Transmission lines crossing the San Fernando Valley

Figure 4. DC voltage transmission lines

Figure 5. Transmission lines above - sub transmission below

Figure 6. 230 kv wood transmission line towers Figure 7. Double set of transmission lines side by side

Additional information:

The Lineman's and Cableman's Handbook, Shoemaker, T. M., Mack, J. E., Tenth Edition 2002, McGraw-Hill.

Sub transmission lines

Carry voltages reduced from the major transmission line system. Typically, 34.5 kv to 69 kv, this power is sent to regional distribution substations. Sometimes the sub transmission voltage is tapped along the way for use in industrial or large commercial operations. Some utilities categorize these as transmission lines.

Figure 8. Sub transmission lines.

Figure 9. Sub transmission lines above and distribution lines below.

Figure 10. 46 kv sub transmission

Figure 11. Sub transmission lines with distribution primaries and secondaries

Figure 12. Sub transmission lines with distribution underbuild

Secondaries

Secondaries are the conductors originating at the low-voltage secondary winding of a distribution transformer. Secondaries for residential service are three-wire single-phase circuits. They extend along the rear lot lines, alleys, or streets past customer's premises. The secondaries can be overhead lines or underground lines. Overhead secondary lines are usually strung below the primary lines and typically in a vertical plane. When secondaries are strung in a vertical plane, they are directly attached to the support pole one above the other. This is in contrast to the primary lines which are often strung on a cross bar or other attachment in a horizontal or "V" shaped plane.
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Figure 2. Secondaries in a vertical plane

Figure 1. Cabled secondaries

Figure 3. Cabled secondaries, primaries in a "V" plane

Steel superstructures

Steel superstructures are used to support equipment, lines, and switches in substations as well as transmission and distribution line towers and poles.

Figure 1. Steel superstructure for circuit breakers

Figure 2. Substation with many steel superstructures for equipment and connection supports