Hughes Brothers Magnificent Kutting Edge Design
PortraitsInPower

by

Douglas G. Schema

Hughes Brothers Magnificent Kutting Edge Design
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Hughes Brothers Magnificent Kutting Edge Design
This is a westward view of Nebraska Public Power District's 345-kV single circuit transmission line which originates at the NPPD nuclear plant at Brownville, Nebraska. These magnificent K-Frames are used with aplumb; they carry bundled EHV subconductors effectively while nearly becoming part of the natural landscape with their wooden components. These K-Frames are 26' apart between the poles at the base. The length of poles used in this line varies sigificantly; some poles are easily 85' and others at ridge lines, are slightly lower, about 70'. Several of the K-Frames have been converted to H-Frames for reasons of insufficient clearance over U. S. and other highways. Much of this work was done last year. The K-Frame's most important economic advantage is the strength which lever arms impart to avoid torque loading at the insulator mountings. Note that this line does not use V-string suspensions. All suspension insulators are hung in vertical positions. The line was built in the late 1960s by Nebraska Public Power District.