1. Since the flight path of airplanes and gliders usually overlaps with highways, and power lines are often directly in front of the pilot with strong pressure cables, sometimes the pilot cannot see the high-pressure wires clearly. For this reason, colored warning balls are used to prevent collisions with power lines. The presence of these balls is essential for compliance with ICAO recommendations.
2. In some cases, when power lines pass through a route, the color of these balls indicates the voltage level of the lines passing for operational forces and maintenance groups.
3. Inside some of these balls, there is a compressed spring used for automatic adjustment of the tension force of the power lines in summer and winter (due to temperature changes and expansion and contraction in the lines).
In Iran, contractors use this method less frequently and install these colored balls on the lines to clearly indicate them to pilots and prevent potential accidents.
Installation of Colored Balls
To install colored balls on transmission lines, special equipment such as helicopters is used. Additionally, a robot device designed specifically for installing these balls, manufactured by Ritz Brazil, is utilized.
These balls are designed and constructed in a way that they can be easily installed without causing damage to the power cables and provide good visibility.
Advantages of Designing These Balls
Lightweight, high durability, resistance to ultraviolet rays (color fading), rain, heat, electrolysis, rhythmic vibrations, rotation, and pollution are among the advantages of designing these balls. Some of these balls have the capability of being divided into two parts for easier installation. Additionally, the holes present on them facilitate rainwater drainage and prevent water accumulation inside them. These balls are usually designed and manufactured according to the NBR-7276 standard.
Material of Colored Balls on Transmission Lines
The materials used in making these balls are typically polyethylene with resistance to ultraviolet and ozone. Their diameter should be at least 600 millimeters according to the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
We appreciate your staying with us until the end of this article. For any questions regarding industrial electrical equipment, you can contact Electrosheil’s experts. You can also read here to learn what a power generator is and how it works.