Overhead Line Design
Structural and electrical design of transmission and distribution networks.
Overhead Line Design
Structural and electrical design of transmission and distribution networks.
Compliance & industry standards
We offer end-to-end solutions across the entire transmission and distribution network, delivering expert services that ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the national power grid.
Our team of Engineers have in-depth knowledge and experience of key national, industry and client specific design codes and are positioned to offer unparalleled advice and guidance to our clients on Overhead Line Design that comply with industry standards and UK regulations.
Key features of our service
Advanced modelling & analysis
Our engineers provide comprehensive modelling and analysis for overhead lines, spanning 400kV and 275kV transmission systems to 132kV (and lower voltage) distribution networks. From conductor selection to steelwork design and detailing, we cover every aspect of Line Design.
Leveraging industry-leading software like PLS CADD, PLS Tower, PLS Pole, and bespoke structural analysis tools, we deliver critical insights and recommendations throughout the entire project lifecycle, from pre-construction and planning to post-construction support.
Comprehensive engineering expertise
As Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) consultants, we specialise in producing high-quality design studies from initial concept through to detailed design development.
Our team is well-versed in the latest consent process requirements for new projects, offering expert guidance and support in the production of designs and associated drawings for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) requiring Development Consent Orders (DCO), Developments of National Significance (DNS) or S.37 / Town and Country Act submissions.
Asset inspection
We conduct ground-based inspections of wood poles and lattice towers, assessing furniture and fittings to identify any potential risks. Our vegetation clearance assessments help prevent encroachments that could compromise structural integrity. For more detailed analysis, we perform climbing inspections of tower lines up to 400kV, enabling us to conduct interpretive condition assessments and provide accurate grading reports. Additionally, we carry out tower verticality assessments to analyse potential structural deviations and ensure long-term reliability.
Construction-stage design support
In collaboration with OHL contractors, we provide comprehensive design support throughout the construction phase. Our expert team of engineers and draughtspersons create detailed designs and drawings that facilitate seamless construction work; from producing fabrication drawings to conducting in-depth construction design studies and analysis, we ensure safe and reliable practices are followed. We also specialise in designing crossing protection solutions and providing independent assessments for catenary support systems.
Construction
We focus on ensuring efficient and safe implementation of overhead line projects, conducting constructability assessments to evaluate the feasibility of proposed designs in real-world conditions. Our team considers construction requirements, working areas, and access constraints to ensure smooth project planning and execution.
Connections
Circuit connections are required to facilitate the integration of renewable energy generation sources and battery storage systems into the electricity network. These connections often represent complex, non-standard arrangements for the existing infrastructure, requiring in-depth consideration to achieve efficient and seamless integration. We lead our clients with assessments at both feasibility and detailed design stages.
Consultancy services
Our consultancy services offer expert support across various aspects of overhead line projects:
- Overhead line design and analysis
- Specialist engineering investigations
- Conductor rating studies
- Failure analysis (foundation, tower, conductor/ earthwire systems, insulators & hardware)
- EMF studies
- Project specifications
- Design assurance
- Third-party design checks
- Witnessing and reporting on full scale tests and type tests
- Insulator set design and specification
- Conductor selection
- Conductor damping assessments
- Designs for fibre optic systems – Wrap, ADSS, OPGW & OPPC
- Galloping studies
- Structure design
- Tower analysis
- Foundation assessment and design
- Temporary Works design
- Catenary Support systems
- Construction design studies
