What is the steepest gradient that SkyWrap installation equipment can accommodate?
The 63kV line into Takamaka substation on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean passes over a tall ridge. The tower at the top of the ridge is at 869m (2,851ft) above sea level. On one side there is a 1556m (5,105ft) span down to a tower at 596m (1,955ft) and on the other side a 996m (3,268ft) span down to 578m (1,896ft). A double-wrap – simultaneously wrapping 2 x 24-fibre cables – SkyWrap installation was carried out on this line in 2003. The shorter, steeper span has a gradient of 29% (about 1 in 3½) between towers, but the gradient of the conductors close to the top tower is much steeper than this.
