February 19, 2020
Save Time by Pulling Lead Lines with Drones
Alabama Power and American Electric Power install ropes on power lines with a new drone tensioner.
In remote locations, it’s often challenging — if not impossible — for linemen to drive their bucket trucks into a job site to set new structures and string power lines. To maximize productivity, electric utilities are taking an aerial approach to the work.
For example, in addition to using helicopters to install ropes on power lines, some utilities are also turning to providers of drone services. Service Electric Company (SEC) a Quanta Services operating company specializing in the construction of transmission and distribution systems and substations, has invented a drone tensioner. The company has also applied for a U.S. and Canadian patent on not only the device, but also the process of rope pulling with drones.
In turn, two companies, Alabama Power and American Electric Power (AEP), worked with Service Electric to pull the pilot rope prior to pulling conductors in rugged locations, therefore saving time in the field.