© Dr. Ray Franco, PhD, PE - 208 Fairways Dr., Vicksburg, MS 39183

Replacing Transmission Line Poles

Entergy of Mississippi is changing the wood poles on the transmission line South of Batesville, MS to concrete poles. The old HX Frames were original constructed for a single 115 KV line. However, as the demand for electricity increased, the line was changed to a 230 KV line and then to double 230 KV lines. On 3 March 2007, I photographed the Pike Electric crew changing out one of the poles.

For Maximum Resolution, Click on the Body of the Picture.

First, the Lines are de-energized and then Protective Safety Grounds are placed on the First Pole Upstream.

An Equal-Potential Zone is established. Cable Ties are removed from the Center Line, Which will be moved to the Pole on the Right.

Safety First - The Trucks are Grounded.

Final Preparation Work before Lifting the Pole.

Polymer Insulators.

Flexible Insulator Rain Guards.

Initial Lifting of the Pole.

The Base of the Pole during Lifting.

Lifting the Pole takes a Skilled Crane Operator

Almost in Position.

Crew Member Positing the Pole. The Pole is raised before the Hole is dug for the New Pole.

Auger Digging the Hole, and Crew Members mixing the Cement.

Removing Soil from the Auger.

Setting the New Pole in the Hole and Turning It to Align the Insulators.

The Auger Truck Grabs the Pole so the Crane Operator can assist others While the Cement is Currying.

Ground Rods for the New Pole.

One Crew Member is connecting the Shield Wires while another Crew Member disassembles the Old Pole.

Grips are used to Position the Line so it can be attached to the Insulator on the New Pole.

The Old Line is connected to the New Insulator.

The Cable Ties are refastened.

The Cross Member of the H-Frame is removed, While another Crew Member connects the Pole Ground to the Shield Wires.

The Crane pulls the Old Pole Out of the Ground

The Old Pole is placed on the Ground.

The Finished Product