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Grounding and Tower Footing Resistance in Overhead Transmission Lines (OHTL): Complete Guide for Engineers in the Middle East

2 Comments / Electrical Design / OHTL DESIGN

🔹 Introduction Across the deserts and mountains of the Middle East, thousands of high-voltage towers stand tall, carrying electricity over hundreds of kilometers.But the true safety and reliability of these lines lie underground — in the grounding system. Grounding (or earthing) in Overhead Transmission Lines (OHTL) provides a safe, low-resistance path for lightning strikes and […]

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How to Save, Backup, and Organize PLS-CADD Projects – Complete Beginner Tutorial

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Introduction File management is one of the most overlooked yet critical skills in PLS-CADD. Every model you create—terrain, structures, cables, or design criteria—relies on linked data files.If one file goes missing or is overwritten, your entire project can break. In this article, you’ll learn how to save, back up, restore, and organize your PLS-CADD projects

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Setting Up Preferences and Units in PLS-CADD – Step-by-Step Beginner Guide

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Introduction Before performing any design in PLS-CADD, you must properly configure your preferences, units, and directories.These settings control how the software reads your data, performs calculations, and displays your design. If you’re just starting your learning journey, make sure you’ve first read: Those two explain the overall workflow and interface layout — perfect foundations before

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Understanding the PLS-CADD Interface and Project Wizard – Beginner’s Tutorial

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🧭 Introduction After learning what PLS-CADD is and how it fits into the overhead line design process (as explained in Article 1), it’s time to get hands-on with the software interface. In this article, you’ll learn how to: By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to open your first line model and understand how PLS-CADD

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PLS-CADD for Beginners: Complete Introduction to Overhead Line Design Software

2 Comments / Electrical Design / OHTL DESIGN

🏗️ What Is PLS-CADD? PLS-CADD (Power Line Systems – Computer-Aided Design and Drafting) is a specialized software used worldwide for the analysis and design of overhead electric power lines.Developed by Power Line Systems (PLS, USA), it provides a unified platform that brings together survey data, structural design, sag-tension calculations, and drafting tools—all in a single

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OPGW Stringing Equipment and Setup Explained

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During Optical Fiber Ground Wire (OPGW) installation, choosing the right equipment is just as important as selecting the correct stringing method.Improper setup can cause fiber breakage, bending stress, or surface damage, all of which compromise both the mechanical strength and optical performance of the cable. In Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern power utilities, specific equipment

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Slack vs Tension Method – Complete Guide to OPGW Stringing

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Introduction Optical Fiber Ground Wire (OPGW) installation is a critical activity in overhead transmission line construction. The choice of method affects mechanical safety, fiber integrity, and overall project efficiency. In Saudi Arabia and many Middle Eastern utilities, two stringing methods are commonly applied: Let’s explore how each works and where it is best used in

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What is OPGW? Working Principle and Role in Transmission Lines

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Introduction In modern high-voltage transmission systems, communication and protection are equally critical. OPGW (Optical Fiber Ground Wire) is the smart solution that achieves both.It replaces conventional ground wires by integrating optical fibers for communication inside a mechanically strong metallic conductor that provides lightning protection. What is OPGW (Optical Fiber Ground Wire)? OPGW is a composite

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What Is PLS-CADD and Why It’s the Backbone of Modern Power-Line Design

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Introduction Designing an overhead transmission line is no longer a task done on paper.Modern engineers use specialized software that integrates surveying, structural design, and drafting into one seamless system. One of the most trusted names in this field is PLS-CADD (Power Line Systems – Computer-Aided Design and Drafting). This software, developed by Power Line Systems,

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Air Gap Clearance Calculations for Transmission Lines: Complete Guide with Formulas

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Introduction When designing high-voltage transmission lines, one of the most critical design parameters is the air gap clearance — the safe distance between energized conductors and grounded components such as tower arms or insulator fittings. For any transmission line, air gap clearance ensures system reliability, electrical insulation safety, and compliance with international standards.This article explains

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