Effects of Clamps on Fatigue of ACSR Conductors

The results of an experimental testing program, aimed at evaluating the relative conductor fatigue damage mitigation performances of some overhead suspension clamps, are explored. Three different support clamps are examined: short-radius, medium-radius, and long-radius. Theoretical considerations and equations that define both static and dynamic conductor stresses are presented. Emphasis is placed on stresses at, and caused by, the suspension clamps. Aeolian vibrations were simulated in laboratory testing by mechanical vibrations induced at the natural frequency of the conductor. The testing was limited in scope to three identical test specimens per support hardware with the major vibration parameters held constant. The long-radius suspension clamp was substantially superior to the others tested at minimizing conductor fatigue damage.