Southwire's VR Conductors Hold Vibration at Bay - 2003

Don't let vibration bring you down! "Aeolian vibration and galloping are major enemies of overhead transmission and distribution lines in many parts of the U.S., including much of the Midwest," says Nick Ware, director of Southwire’s Cofer Technology Center.

Steady winds blowing across overhead conductors can generate damaging Aeolian vibration when an aerodynamic mechanism called "vortex shedding" transfers wind energy to the conductor at critical frequencies. This energy can result in aeolian vibration of the overhead line, which can lead to fatigue damage. In icing conditions, a conventional conductor can assume the shape of an airplane wing, and the wind energy can build up violent galloping motion with enough force to break conductors and bring down transmission towers.

Twisted-pair VR reduces the effects of wind energy

"Southwire's Vibration Resistant (VR) overhead conductors offer improved protection against vibration and galloping," says Ware. VR cables use two conductors twisted together to create a spiraling profile that varies along the length of the cable. This spiraling profile decreases the energy transfer from vortex shedding.

Southwire offers twisted-pair VR in all-aluminum and ACSR constructions. The total area ranges from #1 AWG to 795 kcmil. These mid-range overhead conductor sizes are used frequently in distribution and smaller transmission line applications.

Southwire experience insures consistent quality

Southwire's VR conductors are produced in a newly refurbished, world-class production facility in Carrollton, Georgia, and can be delivered through any of Southwire’s nine distribution centers.

"In the plant, we take special care to produce Southwire VR conductors under constant tension," says Ware. "That helps insure a high-quality installation. We've been in this business for years, and we understand the mechanics of vibration-resistant cable. Our delivery times for twisted-pair conductors are the best in the industry."

Technical resources simplify installation

Southwire also offers VR customers the advanced technical resources of the Energy Division to help with on-site job assistance and training for the installation of VR Cables. "We can be out in the field helping to install it if you need it," Ware says.

"Our VR cable line is another example of Southwire's commitment to our position as a full-line supplier to the power distribution industry," Ware comments. "Utility buyers can save time and reduce administrative overhead with consolidated cable orders from Southwire."