What cables are used in a utility power pole?
What is a utility pole?
A utility power pole is a fine wood, metal, or concrete construction that supports overhead power distribution lines and overhead communication lines. A modern power pole was designed in the UK in the middle of the 19th century. Underground power lines present a viable alternative to overhead lines. However, overhead power lines are still more prevalent in the city and in the country because they are cheaper.
Utility power poles carry electrical power cables and communication cables. Some have both types of wiring at the same time, while others only carry one. If the utility pole carries both power distribution and communication lines, the former is placed above the latter for safety. For budgeting reasons, power distribution cables in overhead power lines are made of aluminum.
There are two categories of electric power lines supported by utility poles: distribution feeder lines that carry electricity from substations to houses, and sub-transmission lines that connect local substations to large regional ones. The technical difference between the two is that sub-transmission lines carry higher voltage.
Electrical Power Cables Found In Overhead Power Lines
Aluminum Overhead Service Drop duplex, triplex, and quadruplex cables are the main type of wire and cable used in overhead power distribution. Quadruplex are three-phase cables with three aluminum conductors and a messenger wire used in power lines. Triplex cable has two conductors and a messenger wire, and is used to transmit the power from the utility lines to premises.
Aluminum Bare Transmission ACSR, AAC, AAAC are bare aluminum cables used in overhead power lines for power transmission. The variety of these cables comes from differences in conductors.
AAC is pure aluminum with excellent corrosion resistance that is often used in areas nearing water. AAAC-ASTM-B is an aluminum alloy. ACSR-ASTM-B is a cable with a conductor reinforced with steel. It has increased durability and is commonly used in high voltage lines.
Communication Cables Found in Utility Power Lines
- Coaxial cables are used to connect computer networks. CATV utility cables connect cable television. Coax cables have been a go-to for overhead communication lines for decades. The reason for their popularity is because they carry the signal for long distances at a high speed. Moreover, they have excellent shielding that protects them from crosstalk and electromagnetic interference.
