NEPAL MASTER PLAN REPORT OHL Standards PDF

Nepal Electricity Authority
Over Head
Transmission
Line Standards
EDF-CIST/DP/MPN/14-349 Septembre 2014

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EDF NEA Transmission Over Head Lines Standards
CONTENTS
1. NORMALISATION _________________________________________________________________ 1
1.1 GENERAL ASPECTS __________________________________________________________________ 1

1.2 STANDARDISATION _________________________________________________________________ 1
1.3 CHOICE OF STANDARDS ______________________________________________________________ 1
2. ENVIRONMENT ___________________________________________________________________ 5
2.1 GENERAL ASPECTS __________________________________________________________________ 5

2.2 CLIMATE _________________________________________________________________________ 6
2.3 RAINFALL ________________________________________________________________________ 7
2.3.1 MOUNTAINS_____________________________________________________________________ 8
2.3.2 HILLS __________________________________________________________________________ 8
2.3.3 TERAI __________________________________________________________________________ 8
2.4 SOIL ____________________________________________________________________________ 8
2.4.1 ALLUVIAL SOIL____________________________________________________________________ 9
2.4.2 SANDY AND ALLUVIAL SOIL ___________________________________________________________ 9
2.4.3 GRAVELLY SOIL ___________________________________________________________________ 9
2.4.4 RESIDUAL SOIL ___________________________________________________________________ 9
2.4.5 GLACIAL SOIL ____________________________________________________________________ 9
2.4.6 CLIMATIC REGIONS IN NEPAL ________________________________________________________ 10
3. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE _________________________________________________ 10
3.1 GENERAL ASPECTS _________________________________________________________________ 10

3.1.1 TEMPERATURE __________________________________________________________________ 11
3.1.2 PRECIPITATION AND HUMIDITY _______________________________________________________ 11
3.1.3 WIND ________________________________________________________________________ 11
3.1.4 ISOCERAUNIC LEVEL _______________________________________________________________ 12
3.1.5 POLLUTION_____________________________________________________________________ 12
3.1.6 ALTITUDE ______________________________________________________________________ 12
3.2 ELECTRICAL CONDITIONS_____________________________________________________________ 12
3.2.1 NOMINAL SERVICE VOLTAGES ________________________________________________________ 12
3.2.2 VOLTAGE - INSULATION LEVELS - CLEARANCES ____________________________________________ 12
3.2.2.1 External insulation levels ______________________________________________________ 12
3.2.2.2 Altitude correction for external clearances _______________________________________ 13
3.2.2.3 Phase-to-earth Design conditions _______________________________________________ 14
4. CRITERIA FOR THE DESIGN_________________________________________________________ 15

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4.1 WEATHER CASES __________________________________________________________________ 15

4.2 THERMAL WITHSTAND OF CONDUCTORS AND ACCESSORIES ____________________________________ 15
4.2.1 PHASE CONDUCTORS ______________________________________________________________ 15
4.2.2 OVERHEAD GROUND WIRES _________________________________________________________ 15
4.3 MECHANICAL WITHSTAND OF INSTALLATIONS _____________________________________________ 15
4.3.1 WEATHER CONDITIONS ____________________________________________________________ 15
4.3.2 CABLE WITHSTAND _______________________________________________________________ 16
4.3.3 INSULATOR WITHSTAND ____________________________________________________________ 16
4.3.4 TOWERS AND FOUNDATIONS WITHSTAND _______________________________________________ 16
4.3.4.1 Normal loads cases ___________________________________________________________ 17
4.3.4.2 Exceptional loads cases _______________________________________________________ 17
4.3.5 LOAD CASES ____________________________________________________________________ 20
4.3.5.1 Normal Load Cases ___________________________________________________________ 20
4.3.5.2 Exceptional Load Cases ________________________________________________________ 21
4.3.6 CALCULATING WIND STRESSES _______________________________________________________ 21
4.3.6.1 Wind stresses on conductors ___________________________________________________ 21
4.3.6.2 Wind stresses on insulators ____________________________________________________ 21
4.3.6.3 Wind stress on towers ________________________________________________________ 21
4.4 CLEARANCES BETWEEN WIRES _________________________________________________________ 22
4.4.1 DISTANCES BETWEEN CONDUCTORS AND BETWEEN CONDUCTORS AND GROUND WIRES _______________ 22
4.5 CLEARANCES TO OBSTACLES __________________________________________________________ 23
4.5.1 ROAD CROSSING _________________________________________________________________ 24
4.5.2 RAILWAY CROSSINGS ______________________________________________________________ 24
4.5.3 RIVER CROSSINGS ________________________________________________________________ 24
4.5.4 POWER LINE CROSSINGS ___________________________________________________________ 24
4.5.5 TELECOMMUNICATION LINE CROSSINGS ________________________________________________ 25
4.5.6 PROTECTION ANGLE OF OVERHEAD GROUND WIRE – ANGLE OF SHIELDING ________________________ 25
5. TRANSMISSION TOWERS __________________________________________________________ 26
5.1 TYPES OF TOWERS _________________________________________________________________ 26

5.2 LENGTH OF SECTIONS & SPANS________________________________________________________ 27
5.2.1 GENERAL ______________________________________________________________________ 27
5.2.2 132 KV LINE____________________________________________________________________ 27
5.2.2.1 Plain Terrain_________________________________________________________________ 27
5.2.2.2 Hilly Terrain _________________________________________________________________ 27
5.2.3 220 KV LINE____________________________________________________________________ 28
5.2.3.1 Plain Terrain_________________________________________________________________ 28
5.2.3.2 Hilly Terrain _________________________________________________________________ 28
5.2.4 400 KV LINE____________________________________________________________________ 29
5.2.4.1 Plain Terrain_________________________________________________________________ 29
5.2.4.2 Hilly Terrain _________________________________________________________________ 29
5.3 CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS______________________________________________________ 29
5.3.1 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS _________________________________________________________ 29
5.3.2 MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLING________________________________________________________ 30
5.3.2.1 Galvanisation ________________________________________________________________ 30
5.3.3 ACCESSORIES ___________________________________________________________________ 30
5.3.4 TOWER TESTS ___________________________________________________________________ 31
5.3.5 TRANSPOSING THE CONDUCTORS _____________________________________________________ 31

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6. CONDUCTORS ___________________________________________________________________ 32
6.1 NATURE AND SECTION OF PHASE CONDUCTORS ____________________________________________ 32

6.2 NATURE AND SECTION OF OVERHEAD GROUND WIRES________________________________________ 32
6.3 OPTICAL GROUND WIRES (OPGW) _____________________________________________________ 33
7. INSULATORS ____________________________________________________________________ 33
8. EQUIPMENT _____________________________________________________________________ 34
8.1 GENERAL ASPECTS _________________________________________________________________ 34

8.2 PROTECTION FITTINGS ______________________________________________________________ 34
8.3 COMPONENTS LINKING THE CHAINS TO THE STRUCTURE ______________________________________ 34
8.4 SUSPENSION CLAMPS _______________________________________________________________ 35
8.5 ARMOUR-RODS ___________________________________________________________________ 35
8.6 DEAD-END AND MID-SPAN TENSION JOINTS _______________________________________________ 35
8.7 VIBRATION DAMPERS_______________________________________________________________ 35
8.8 COUNTERWEIGHTS_________________________________________________________________ 35
8.9 AERIAL MARKERS __________________________________________________________________ 36
9. EARTHING ______________________________________________________________________ 37
9.1 EARTHING OF OVERHEAD GROUND WIRES ________________________________________________ 37

9.2 EARTHING OF TOWERS ______________________________________________________________ 37
10. FOUNDATIONS _________________________________________________________________ 38
10.1 GENERAL ASPECTS ________________________________________________________________ 38

10.2 TYPES OF FOUNDATION STRUCTURES ___________________________________________________ 38
10.3 FOUNDATION CALCULATIONS ________________________________________________________ 39
10.3.1 CALCULATING THE BREAKOUT FORCE __________________________________________________ 39
10.3.2 CALCULATING THE COMPRESSION FORCE _______________________________________________ 39
10.3.3 CHIMNEY CALCULATION ___________________________________________________________ 39
11. CONSTRUCTION ________________________________________________________________ 40
11.1 INTRODUCTION __________________________________________________________________ 40

11.2 RE-STAKING ____________________________________________________________________ 40
11.3 DEFORESTATION AND BRUSH CLEARING _________________________________________________ 41
11.4 DAMAGE CENSUS_________________________________________________________________ 41
11.5 ACCESS TRACKS __________________________________________________________________ 42
11.6 FOUNDATIONS __________________________________________________________________ 43
11.6.1 GROUND RECOGNITION ___________________________________________________________ 43
11.6.2 CHOICE OF FOUNDATIONS _________________________________________________________ 43
11.6.3 WORK PERFORMANCE ____________________________________________________________ 43
11.7 INSTALLATION OF TOWER BASES ______________________________________________________ 44
11.8 EARTH CONNECTION OF TOWERS _____________________________________________________ 45

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11.9 TOWER CONSTRUCTION ____________________________________________________________ 45

11.10 REPAIRING DAMAGES ____________________________________________________________ 45
11.11 ASSEMBLING INSULATOR STRINGS AND ACCESSORIES ______________________________________ 46
11.12 PULLING AND ADJUSTING CABLES ____________________________________________________ 46
11.12.1 PULLING CABLES _______________________________________________________________ 47
11.12.2 MANUFACTURING JOINTS AND ANCHORING CLAMPS______________________________________ 47
11.12.3 ADJUSTING THE CABLES __________________________________________________________ 48
11.13 ESTABLISHMENT OF CONTROL FORMS _________________________________________________ 49
11.14 TESTING AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE COMPLETE LINE________________________________________ 49

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
GENERAL ABBREVIATIONS ABBREVIATIONS CONCERNING

ORGANISATIONS/COUNTRIES
AAAC Almelec
AA Aluminium conductor NEA Electrical Community of Benin
ACSR Aluminium conductor steel
reinforced
UNITS MULTIPLES
m meter k kilo (103)

l litre M mega (106)
°C degrees Celsius G giga (109)
s second
A Amp
V Volt
W Watt
VA Volt Amp
g gram

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1. NORMALISATION
1.1 General aspects

By the term normalisation, we refer to the introduction of standards, which can include
instructions defining the performances of equipment, the recommended values for these
performances and the methods for monitoring performance. For example, they recommend
specified voltages, the dimensions of certain parts, the tolerance in relation to specified
values and measurement processes.
1.2 Standardisation
Whereas the standards recommend the functional and construction characteristics in a
national or international framework, the term standardisation, for an operator (or user),
consists of making a choice between the possibilities recommended by the standards. The
aim is a reduction in the diversity of equipment used so as to reduce the number of spare
parts and be able to develop the assembling procedures and maintenance procedures of
standards.
1.3 Choice of standards

The electro-technical equipment of most manufacturers on the international market are
developed and carried out on the basis of international standards like the ISO (International
Standard Organisation) or the IEC (International Electro-technical Commission). The
recommendations of the latter are being increasingly followed because they are developed
by 43 national committees which regroup the representatives of all relevant professions and
which represent 80% of the world population. In addition, the standards published by
industrialised countries have generally been adapted to the recommendations of the IEC (just
like those of the ISO).
All of the IEC recommendations are regularly reviewed resulting from their adaptation to new
materials and equipment. Numerous publications as well as an annual catalogue are
published by the IEC.
For this reason, the IEC recommendations will form the basis of the equipment specifications
of power lines and substations with, in addition, a reference to specific standards for items
not covered by the IEC such as the quality of equipment, the surface treatments, etc.
The list of main applicable standards with their abbreviation is given hereafter. Their national
equivalents may be accepted if they result in similar or greater equipment characteristics.

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ISO : International Standardisation Organisation
IEC : International Electro-technical Commission
ASCE : American Society of Civil Engineers
ASTM : American Society for Testing and Materials
NF : French Standards (published by AFNOR)
UTE : Technical Union of Electricity
IEEE : The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc
BS : British Standards
IS : Indian Standards
The last version of every standard has to be used for any purpose.
• List of the main IEC applicable standards
This list below contains only the most important IEC standards applicable for overhead
transmission lines :
IEC 60826: Design criteria of overhead transmission lines
IEC 60305: Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1 000 V – Ceramic or
glass insulator units for a.c. systems – Characteristics of insulator units of the cap and pin
type
IEC 61466-1: Composite string insulator units for overhead lines with a nominal voltage
greater than 1000 V. Part 1: Standard strength classes and end fittings
IEC 61466-2: Composite string insulator units for overhead lines with a nominal voltage
greater than 1000 V. Part 2: Dimensional and electrical characteristics
IEC 61109: Composite Insulators for A.C overhead lines with a nominal voltage greater than
1000V - Definitions, test methods and acceptance criteria
IEC 60652: Loading tests on overhead line structures
IEC 60794 Part 1-1: Optical fiber cables –Generic specification –General
IEC 60794 Part 1-2: Optical fiber cables –Generic specification –Basic optical cable test
procedures
IEC 60794 Part 2: Optical fiber cables –Indoor cables –Sectional specification
IEC 60794 Part 3: Optical fiber cables –Sectional specification –Outdoor cables

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IEC 60794 Part 4: Optical fiber cables –Sectional specification –Aerial optical cables along
electrical power lines
IEC 60050-466: International Electric Vocabulary – Chapter 466: Overhead lines
IEC 61089: Round Wire Concentric Lay Overhead Electrical Stranded Conductors
IEC 60120: Dimensions of Ball and Socket Couplings of String Insulator Units
IEC 60383-1: Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1000 V - Part 1:
Ceramic or glass insulator units for A.C systems -Definitions, test methods and acceptance
criteria
IEC 60383-2: Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1000 V - Part 2:
Insulator strings and insulator sets for A.C. systems - Definitions, test methods and
acceptance criteria
IEC 60437: Radio interference test on high-voltage insulators
IEC 60471: Dimensions of Clevis and Tongue Couplings of String Insulator Units
IEC 60575: Thermal-mechanical performance test and mechanical performance test on string
insulator units
IEC 60797: Residual strength of string insulator unit of. glass or ceramic material for overhead
lines after mechanical damage of the dielectric
IEC 61952: Insulators for overhead lines – Composite line post insulators for alternative
current with a nominal voltage >1 000 V
IEC 61284: Overhead lines – Requirements and tests for fittings
IEC 60433: Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1 000 V –Ceramic
insulators for A.C. systems – Characteristics of insulator units of the long rod type
IEC 60507 Artificial Pollution Tests on High-Voltage Insulators to Be Used on AC Systems
IEC 60815: Guide for the selection of insulators in respect of polluted conditions (1, 2, 3)
IEC 60587: Electrical insulating materials used under severe ambient conditions –Test
methods for evaluating resistance to tracking and erosion
IEC 60060-1: High-voltage test techniques - Part 1: General definitions and test requirements
IEC 60060-2: High voltage test techniques - Part 2: Measuring systems
IEC 60060-3: High voltage test techniques - Part 3: Definitions and requirements for on-site
testing

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IEC 61467: Insulators for overhead lines with a nominal voltage above 1000 V – AC power arc
tests on insulator sets
IEC 60372: Locking Devices for Ball and Socket Couplings of String Insulator Units:
Dimensions and Tests.
IEC 60889: Hard-Drawn Aluminum Wire for Overhead Line Conductors
IEC 61897: Overhead lines – Requirements and tests for Stockbridge type wind vibration
dampers
IEC TR 61328: Live working –Guidelines for the installation of transmission line conductors
and earthwires – Stringing equipment and accessory items
IEC 61773: Overhead Lines - Testing of Foundations for Structures.
IEC 61394: Overhead lines – Characteristics of greases for aluminum, aluminum alloy and
steel bare conductors
IEC 61284: Design criteria of overhead transmission lines Overhead lines – Requirements and
tests for fittings

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2. ENVIRONMENT
2.1 General Aspects

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a landlocked sovereign state located in South
Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of
China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. With an area of 147,181
square kilometers (56,827 sq. mi) and a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the
world's 93rd largest country by land mass and the 41st most populous country. Kathmandu is
the nation's capital and the country's largest metropolis.
Nepal has a rich geography. The mountainous north has eight of the world's ten tallest
mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest, called Sagarmatha in Nepali.
It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 ft. (6,096 m) above sea level. The fertile and
humid south is heavily urbanized.
Nepal has the longest division of the Himalaya. Its extension is about 800 Km and starts from
west at the Mahakali River and ends at the east by the Tista River. Nepal occupies the central
sector of Himalayan arc. Nearly one third of the 2400 km long Himalayan range lies within
Nepal. Similar to other parts of the Himalaya, from south to north, Nepal can be also sub
divided into the following five major tectonic zones.
a) Gangetic Plain
b) Sub-Himalayan (Siwalik) Zone
c) Lesser Himalayan Zone
d) Higher Himalayan Zone
e) Tibetan-Tethys Himalayan Zone
Each of these zones is characterized by their own lithology, tectonics, structures and
geological history.
Nepal is made up of three strikingly contrasted areas.

Southern Nepal has much of the character of the great plains of India, from which it extends.
Known as the Terai, this region comprises both cultivable land and dense jungle, the latter
being for the most part a game preserve inhabited by the wild elephant, tiger, and other
typically South Asian fauna. Besides being a hunting ground, the forests are worked for their
valuable timber. The Terai contains about one-third of Nepal‘s population and makes up
about one-fourth of the total area.
The second and by far the largest part of Nepal is formed by the Mahabharat, Churia, and
Himalayan mountain ranges, extending from east to west. Their altitude increases toward the
north, culminating on the Tibetan border in Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali),standing amid
other noble peaks. Three principal rivers originate from glaciers and snow-fed lakes, break
southward through deep Himalayan gorges, and enter, respectively, the Karnali, Gandak, and
Kosi basins. Flowing toward India, they become tributaries (as are all Nepal‘s rivers) of the
Ganges system.

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The third area is a high central region, some 890 km (344 sq. mi) in extent between the main
Himalayan and Mahabharat ranges; this region is known as the Kathmāndu Valley, or the
Valley of Nepal. Overlooked by mountains, the valley, with its fertile soil and temperate
climate, supports a thriving agriculture. Here Kathmandu, the capital, is situated, with the
foothill towns of Bhaktapur and Patan nearby. This is the only region of Nepal that has any
considerable population density.
2.2 Climate
Nepal has tremendous variation in climate. Its latitude is about the same as that of Florida.
So Terai land up to 500 meters (1,640 ft.) has a fully tropical climate, with a subtropical zone
extending up to 1,200 meters (3,937 ft.) which is the lower limit of frost in winter. Warm
temperate climates prevail from 1,200 to 2,400 meters (3,937 to 7,874 ft.) where snow
occasionally falls.
Then there is a cold zone to 3,600 meters (11,811 ft.) (Tree line), a subarctic or alpine zone to
4,400 meters (14,436 ft.) and fully arctic climate above that.
Precipitation generally decreases from east to west with increasing distance from the Bay of
Bengal, source of the summer monsoon. Eastern Nepal gets about 2,500 mm (98.4 in)
annually; the Kathmandu area about 1,400 mm (55.1 in) and western Nepal about 1,000 mm
(39.4 in). This pattern is modified by adiabatic effects as rising air masses cool and drops their
moisture content on windward slopes, then warm up as they descend so relative humidity
drops. Annual precipitation reaches 5,500 mm (216.5 in) on windward slopes in the
Annapurna Himalaya beyond a relatively low stretch of the Mahabharat Range. In rain
shadows beyond the high mountains, annual precipitation drops as low as 160 mm (6.3 in),
creating a cold semi-desert.
Furthermore the year is divided into a wet season from June to September—as summer
warmth over Inner Asia creates a low pressure zone that draws in air from the Indian Ocean—
and a dry season from October to June as cold temperatures in the vast interior creates a
high pressure zone causing dry air to flow outward.
April and May are months of intense water stress when cumulative effects of the long dry
season are exacerbated by temperatures rising over 40°C (104°F). Seasonal drought
intensifies in the Siwalik Hills consisting of poorly-consolidated, coarse, highly permeable
sediments that do not retain water, so hillsides are covered with tropical scrub forest that is
extremely drought-tolerant. In fact outside marsh and riparian zones, most of Nepal's native
vegetation is adapted to withstand drought, although less so at higher elevations where
cooler temperatures mean less water stress.

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The monsoon is preceded by a build-up of thunderstorm activity in the hills that helps
farmers irrigate rice seedbeds. Sustained rain on average arrives in early June as rising
temperatures over Inner Asia creates a low pressure zone that draws in air from the Indian
Ocean, but this can vary up to a month. Significant failure of monsoon rains historically
meant drought and famine while above normal rains still cause flooding and landslides with
losses in human lives, farmland and buildings. The monsoon also complicates transportation
with roads and trails washing out while unpaved roads and airstrips may become unusable
and cloud cover reduces safety margins for aviation. Rains diminish in September and
generally end by mid-October, ushering in generally cool, clear, and dry weather, as well as
the most relaxed and jovial period in Nepal. By this time, the harvest is completed and people
are in a festive mood. The two biggest and most important Hindu festivals-- Dashain and
Tihar (Dipawali)--arrive during this period, about one month apart. The post-monsoon season
lasts until about December.
After the post-monsoon comes the winter monsoon, a strong north-easterly flow marked by
occasional, short rainfalls in the lowlands and plains and snowfalls in the high-altitude areas.
Precipitation varies from year to year but increases markedly with elevation. Adequate
snowfall in the Himalaya is important for sufficient spring and summer melt-water for
irrigation in the lower hills and valleys. At lower elevations, winter rainfall is needed for the
success of winter crops such as wheat, barley and vegetables. In this season the Himalaya
function as a barrier to cold air masses from Inner Asia, so southern Nepal and northern India
have warmer winters than would otherwise be the case. April and May are dry and hot,
especially below 1,200 meters (3,937 ft.) where afternoon temperatures may exceed 40 °C
(104 °F).
Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley situated at an
altitude of 1310 m, has a seasonable but equable climate with average summer and winter
temperatures of 27 °C to 19 °C and 20 °C to 2 °C respectively. The annual rainfall in
Kathmandu generally exceeds 1300mm. The mean annual precipitation ranges from more
than 6000 mm along the southern slopes of the Annapurna range in central Nepal to less
than the 250 mm in the north central portion near the Tibetan plateau. Amounts varying
between 1500 and 2500mm predominate over most of the country. On an average, about
80% of the precipitation is confined to the monsoon period (June September).
2.3 Rainfall
Nepal was divided into three broad agro-ecological zones viz. Mountain, Hills and Terai, in
order to facilitate development planning and administration, and to ensure equitable
distribution of development efforts to all parts of the county. This approach segregates
different areas of the county into groups with similar constraints and potential (topographic
and climatic), and has immense significance for macro-level planning (APROSC 1990).

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2.3.1 Mountains
The mountain region occurs at elevations above 2000 m. The cultivated areas of this region
are the inner Himalayan valleys and some southerly aspects of mountains. The inner
Himalayan valleys have a dry and cool climate. The average daily temperature fluctuates
between 9 to 10°C during June/July. The annual rainfall varies from 140 mm in the west to
900 mm in the east.
2.3.2 Hills
The hill region is a wide belt of land aligned east to west in the middle part of Nepal. The
elevation ranges from 300 to 2000 m. The average daily temperature fluctuates between 2 to
17oC during December/January and between 13 to 27 °C during June/July. The average
rainfall varies from 1000 mm in the west to 2800 mm in the east, with more winter rain in the
west than in the east.
2.3.3 Terai
The Terai region is a flat plain in the south running from east to west. The elevation ranges
from 60 to 300 m. The Terai has a tropical to sub-tropical climate with the main tropical
region in the east, and drier areas in the west. The average daily temperature fluctuates
between 7 to 24 °C during December/January and between 24 to 41 °C during June/July. The
rainfall ranges from 600 mm in the west to 1300 mm in the east, with winter rain occurring in
the west.
2.4 Soil
Soil
The soils of Nepal are highly variable and are derived mainly from young parent material
(Manandhar 1989). Soils have been classified on the basis of soil texture, mode of
transportation, and color, and are broadly divided into:
− Alluvial soil
− Sandy and alluvial soil
− Gravelly soil
− Residual
− Glacial soil

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2.4.1 Alluvial soil
Alluvial soil is found in the valleys of the Terai region and in the middle hill valleys around
Kathmandu and Pokhara. The valleys lie between the Siwalikhs and Mahabharat Lekh hills
which widen out inplaces to form flat fertile valleys called Dun valleys. The Siwaliks (also
called Churia hills) range from 300-700 m and form the southern sub-range or the pre-
Himalayan range. The Mahabharat Lekh is a prominent belt of uplifted mountain in the north,
parallel to the sub-range. In the inner Terai, the major Dun valleys are the Dang, Deokhuri,
Surkhet, Chitwan, Kamla and Trijuga, while in the middle hills they are the Kathmandu and
Pokhara. New alluvial soil, but with more sand and silt than clay, is being deposited in the
flood plain areas along the river courses. Alluvial soil is also found in the slightly higher areas
above the flood plain covering a greater part of the Terai. The nutrient content of new alluvial
soil is fair to medium depending on how long they have been cultivated. On the other hand,
the nutrient content of old alluvial soils is very low.
2.4.2 Sandy and alluvial soil
Valleys in the mid-hills of Kathmandu and Pokhara have sandy and silty alluvial soil, which is
fairly fertile. In the Kathmandu valley, some deposits of peat mare (Kumero) have been found.
This is a diatomaceous clay which is used for painting house walls during festivals in rural
areas.
In addition, the Kathmandu valley is a source of dark clay / silty clay (Kalimati) soil which is
obtained from deep underground pits and is used as a manure mainly for potato and other
vegetable crops. This soil is rich in humus as well as in potash and has a small amount of
calcium.
2.4.3 Gravelly soil
The foot of the Churia hills has soils of mixed gravel and pebbles. This soil is not useful for
agriculture as it has a very coarse texture and cannot hold sufficient moisture for plant
growth. Such soils were deposited by rivers originating in the Churia hills and have a high
lime content. Some soils in high mountain areas are also coarse textured gravels.
2.4.4 Residual soil
This type of soil is found mostly on the ridges and slopes of the mountains. Soils of the
Churia hills are very young and coarse, and are dry for most of the year. Soils on the slopes of
mid-hills are medium to low in plant nutrients but less productive due to moisture and
climatic limitations.
2.4.5 Glacial soil
These soils, found in high Himalayan regions, are mostly rocky. They are covered with snow
most of the time.

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2.4.6 Climatic Regions in Nepal

Nepal
To resume the different climatic differences in Nepal 3 main regions are defined (see
Figure 1 : Climatic Regions in Nepal)
Figure 1 : Climatic Regions in Nepal
3. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF
OF SERVICE
3.1 General aspects

Defining the characteristics of facilities and associated structures for the entire NEA network
must take into account the different climatic and geographical conditions faced throughout
the area covered by the country of Nepal.
These conditions have an impact on:
• The mechanical withstand of equipment which must primarily handle the pressure of wind
and earthquakes,

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• The cooling of equipment which depend on room temperature and altitude,
• The dielectric withstand of insulation equipment in air which depend on its breakdown
qualities, that vary according to the humidity and altitude level, as well as on its pollution.
Although the service conditions can change significantly from one area to another, the
economic and operational considerations require standardisation of equipment whose
characteristics must satisfy, as far as possible, and as much as possible the service conditions
that overrule the entire stretch of land covered by the NEA network.
3.1.1 Temperature
Temperature
With the large difference in climate through Nepal, the temperature variations across the
country are consistent enough to select one single set of temperatures that has to be applied
throughout the territory covered by the NEA network which is:
• Maximum temperature: 50 °C
• Minimum temperature: 0 °C
• Annual average temperature: 32 °C
3.1.2 Pre
Precipitation and humidity
humidity
Relative humidity generally remains fairly high around 100 % with decreasing values going to
10 %.
The basic values selected for the installations are:
• Average Annual precipitation of 1000 mm,
3.1.3 Wind
The influence of wind is significant in determining the mechanical withstand of overhead

lines and, to a lesser extent, that of external HV substation structures.
The Nepal country has been divided into two wind zones with reference wind speed of 47
m/s and 55 m/s. The 55 m/s wind speed velocity zone is located in the Mountain Region (see
Figure 1 : Climatic Regions in Nepal).
Therefore, the reference wind speed adopted for most part of the Transmission Lines in
Nepal (located in the Hill and Terai regions) is 47 m/s.
Following the recommendations of the IEC 60826 the reduced wind speed is equal to 60 % of
the reference wind speed. The value of 28 m/s for the reduce wind speed has to be
applied.

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3.1.4 Isoceraunic level
The isoceraunic level is defined as the number of days per year where thunder is heard.
The average value of 60 shall be chosen across the entire area covered by the NEA network.
3.1.5 Pollution
The area located closed to industrial activities or major cities like Kathmandu shall be
considered with a medium pollution level to which there is a minimum creepage distance of
25 mm/kV.
In the other areas a light pollution level with a minimum creepage distance of 20 mm/kV
shall be considered.
3.1.6 Altitude
Most of the Transmission Lines should be located in the Hilly and Terai regions up to 2,400
meters above the sea level. The air density factor could be decreased over 1 000 meters
above the sea level but for conservative measure, the factor Q will be kept at 0.6125.
As a conservative policy, the air density factor shall be kept at the value of sea level at 15 °C
(In the formula P = Q x W2, Q = 0.6125, with the pressure P in Pa and the wind velocity in
m/s).
The influence of the altitude on the air density shall be taken into account for the clearances
in the air over 1 000 meters above the sea level.
The different values of the minimum clearances in air are given in chapter 3.2.2 Voltage -
insulation levels, page 12 with the corrections due to the effect of the air density over 1 000
meters.
3.2 Electrical conditions
3.2.1 Nominal service voltages
NEA has standardised the following voltages for Transmission:
• 132, 220, 400 kV
3.2.2 Voltage - insulation levels

levels - clearances
3.2.2.1 External insulation levels
The external insulation levels corresponding to and in accordance with the IEC 61936-1
standard are indicated in the table below.

Page 13
It must be noted however that because of the high risk of lightning, the highest insulation
levels are chosen so as to minimise the risk of overvoltage that could cause damage.
In the voltage range under and including 245 kV the choice is based on the rated lightning
impulse withstand voltages and the rated switching impulse withstand voltages for the
voltage range over 245 kV.
Nominal Highest Rated short- Rated Minimum phase-to-earth and phase-to phase
voltage voltage for duration lightning clearance
of system equipment power- impulse mm
Un Um frequency withstand
kV withstand voltage
kV
voltage
1,2/50 µs
kV
(peak value)
kV
132 145 275 650 1 300
220 245 460 1 050 2 100
Nominal Highest Rated lightning Rated Rated Minimum Minimum

voltage voltage for impulse switching switching phase-to- phase-to-phase
of system equipment withstand impulse impulse earth clearance
Un Um voltage withstand withstand clearance mm
kV voltage voltage mm
kV 1,2/50 µs
Phase-to- Phase-to-
(peak value)
earth phase
kV
250/2 500 µs 250/2 500 µs
(peak value) (peak value)
kV kV
400 420 1 300/1 425 1 050 1 575 3 400 4 200
3.2.2.2 Altitude correction for external clearances
According to the IEC standard 60071-2, over 1 000 meter above the sea the clearance in air
due the variation of the density of air has to be corrected with a correction factor Ka.
m = 1 for co-ordination lightning impulse withstand voltages

m = 0.65 for co-ordination switching impulse withstand voltages in the case of phase-to-earth
insulation
m = 1 for co-ordination switching impulse withstand voltages in the case of phase-to-phase insulation

Page 14
Altitude above the 132 kV 220 kV 400 kV

sea Minimum Minimum Minimum phase-to-earth Minimum phase-to-
m phase-to-earth phase-to-earth clearance phase clearance
and phase-to and phase-to mm mm
phase phase
clearance clearance
mm mm
H < 1 000 1 300 2 100 3 400 4 200
1 000 < H < 1 500 1 560 2 520 3 842 5 040

1 500 < H < 2 000 1 664 2 668 3 978 5 376
2 000 < H < 2 500 1 768 2 856 4 148 5 712
3.2.2.3 Phase-
Phase-to-
to-earth Design conditions
For the design and the verification of the towers to phase-to-earth clearances, the three
following conditions have to be applied, for an altitude under 1 000 m:
Nominal Condition 1 Condition 2 Condition 3

voltage Weather Condition : Weather Condition : Reduce Wind Weather Condition : High Wind /
of system EDC / Average temperature Average temperature
Un (No Wind, Average Minimum phase-to-earth Minimum phase-to-earth
kV temperature) clearance clearance
Minimum phase-to- mm mm
earth clearance
mm
132 1 300 870 435

220 2 100 1 400 700
400 3 400 2 270 1 135
For an altitude over 1 000 m, the correction about the external clearances has to be applied:
- For the Condition 2 the minimum phase-to earth clearance is 2/3 of the one for the
Condition 1
- For the Condition 3 the minimum phase-to earth clearance is 1/3 of the one for the
Condition 1

Page 15
4. CRITERIA FOR THE DESIGN
4.1 Weather cases
4.2 Thermal withstand of conductors and accessories

The maximum temperatures of conductors have been set in such a way that their influence
on the mechanical withstand of conductors and their accessories is insignificant in the case of
permanent and low short-circuit currents.
4.2.1 Phase conductors
• For direct operating current: temperature limited to maximum of 85 °C.
• For short-circuit current: limited temperature of 170 °C for an initial temperature of 60 °C

and 1 second duration
4.2.2 Overhead ground wires

wires
• For short-circuit current: limited temperature of 300 °C for an initial temperature

corresponding to the most restrictive weather conditions and 1 second duration.
4.3 Mechanical withstand of installations
4.3.1 Weather Conditions
• Everyday Conditions (EDC)
− Conductor temperature is the annual average temperature of 32 °C

− No wind.
• Maximum wind
− Conductor temperature is the annual average temperature,

− Maximum wind of 47 m/s (55 m/s in the Mountain Region)
• Minimum temperature
− Conductor temperature is the minimum temperature of 0 °C

− Reduce Wind of 28 m/s

Page 16
Wind Wind Wire

Density Air Factor
Weather Case Velocity Pressure Temperature
(Q)
(m/s) (Pa) (deg C)
EDC 0.613 0 0 32
Full Wind 0.613 47 1 355 32
Red Wind 0.613 28 480 32
Cold Red Wind 0.613 28 480 0
Max Sag 0.613 0 0 85
4.3.2 Cable withstand
• Phase conductors
− For the stringing and sagging initial condition, the tension in conductors must not
exceed 22 % of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) at EDC weather condition.
− For the weather condition EDC, the tension in conductors must not exceed 22 % of the
ultimate tensile strength.
− For the weather condition of Maximum Wind, the tension in conductors must not
exceed 0.95 UTS/3 (with UTS: ultimate tensile strength of the wire). The value of 0.95 is
applied to take into account the reduction of the ultimate tensile strength of the wire
due to the compression joint along a span or at the section dead end.
− For the weather condition of Minimum Temperature, the tension in conductors must
not exceed 0.95 UTS/3 (with UTS: ultimate tensile strength of the wire). The value of
0.95 is applied to take into account the reduction of the ultimate tensile strength of the
wire due to the compression joint along a span or at the section dead end.
• Overhead ground wires
The withstand conditions are the same as those for phase conductors with the added
condition that for line sagging conditions corresponding to the Weather Case EDC, the
mechanical tension or the catenary of the conductors is equal to 85 % of the tension (or
catenary) of the ground wires or OPGW.
4.3.3 Insulator withstand
The component of suspension and anchoring insulator strings must not be subject to forces
over 1/3 of their ultimate tensile strength.
4.3.4 Towers
Towers and foundations withstand
For obvious reasons such as reducing study, manufacturing and maintenance costs, the
towers are always grouped into a limited number of functional types.

Page 17
However, each type of tower consists of a main body and several extensions enabling it to
achieve varying tower heights so as to adapt more easily to the ground level, including
unequal leg extensions with maximum difference between the shortest and the longest leg of
6 meters.
The mechanical withstand calculations are done on the basis of forces corresponding to the
maximum height.
The tower stresses result from the stresses generated by the cables and the stresses
generated by wind or the assembling and maintenance conditions directly on the tower
structure. The corresponding load cases are categorised into cases of normal loads and cases
of exceptional loads. The safety coefficients in relation to the deterioration (yield strength) to
respect for the support structures are as follows:
• For normal load cases: safety coefficient = 2

• For exceptional loads cases: safety coefficient = 1.5
For the foundations, the breakout forces and the overturning moments applied by the towers
on the foundations have to be multiplied by an add-on factor of 1.15 to take into account
the greater dispersion of mechanical characteristics of materials implemented. Then the
safety factors for foundations are the same than the towers (2 for normal load cases and
1.5 for exceptional load cases).
4.3.4.1 Normal loads cases
The normal load cases that the support must hold include:
• The stresses on the different components of the line created by the wind (transversal
forces),
• The mechanical tension of cables (longitudinal forces),
• The weight of cables, insulators and accessories (vertical forces).
The stresses generated by the wind on the cables are calculated according to the IEC
standard 60826. The wind direction is taken crosswise to the axis of the line.
4.3.4.2 Exceptional loads cases
The exceptional load cases are distinguished as below:
• Broken Wire

Page 18
− Suspension tower in alignment (type A): a phase conductor or an overhead ground wire
is broken; the other cables are installed and intact. In the event of a breakage in a
phase conductor on one side of the suspension tower, the horizontal tension in the
removing span has to be considered equal to 70 % of the initial horizontal tension of
the conductor (due to the insulator string). This cable break load case has to be applied
for all the weather conditions (EDC, Maximum Wind and Minimum Temperature).
− Suspension tower with a small or medium angle (type B): two phase conductor or one
phase and an overhead ground are broken; the other cables are installed and intact. In
the event of a breakage in a phase conductor on one side of the suspension tower, the
horizontal tension in the removing span has to be considered equal to 70 % of the
initial horizontal tension of the conductor (due to the insulator string). This cable break
load case has to be applied for all the weather conditions (EDC, Maximum Wind and
Minimum Temperature).
− Tension tower (type C): two phase conductor or one phase conductor and one overhead
ground wire are broken under all the weather conditions (EDC, Maximum Wind and
Minimum Temperature).
− Tension tower with a large angle and Dead End tower (type D & E): three phases broken
in one span conductors or two phase conductor and one overhead ground wire are
broken under all the weather conditions (EDC, Maximum Wind and Minimum
Temperature).
• Anti cascading load case (all weather conditions)
This specified longitudinal loading corresponds to all broken wires of phase conductors and
ground wire attachment points simultaneously on one span. This security loading must be
applied only to the two tension towers surrounding 10 spans.
After the finalization of the tower spotting on the approved profile, with the final positioning
and definition of the towers, the best choice for the Anti-Cascade towers has to be defined.
• Assembling loads (weather condition : EDC)
A vertical force of 150 daN corresponding to the weight of the worker and its tools is applied
in the middle of all the tower elements other than the main tower legs, applied to all the
elements which have an inclination under 45°.
• Construction and maintenance of the Works Loading (weather condition : EDC)
During the construction and maintenance works, the towers should bear the exceptional
strengths that may be applied and that will vary depending on the operational methods
used. It is necessary to define, with appropriate assumptions, the strengths that shall be taken
into consideration during the conception of a tower. The operational methods that will be
considered on site should also be conceived in a way that these strengths are not over
passed.

Page 19
The assumptions for the construction and maintenance of the Works are to be verified for
each type of tower.
• Unhooking of one cable Loading (weather condition : EDC)
The loadings applied on the towers are the following:

- Unbalanced loads on a suspension tower (or unhooking of one or more conductors)
- One phase of the conductors is not implemented or is unhooked. This application is
done at each point of hooking, the least favourable case is considered.
- Earth wire is not installed or is hooked-up.
• Guying load cases (weather condition : EDC)
It is assumed that, on any tower, one of several cables are retained on the support structure
at their adjustment tension by guy wires on a 1:3 slope, anchored to the ground on level
terrain. The weather condition to take into account is EDC, the safety factors are the ones of
the normal load cases.

Page 20
4.3.5 Load Cases
4.3.5.1 Normal Load Cases
Towers Hardware
Weather Foundations Safety
Nb Safety Wires Usage Safety
case Factor
Factor Factor
2
1 EDC 2
< 22 % of UTS R/3 (with loads from Towers
multiplied by 1.15)
2
2 Full Wind 2
< 0.95 x (UTS/3) R/3 (with loads from Towers
multiplied by 1.15)
Red 2
3 2
Wind < 0.95 x (UTS/3) R/3 (with loads from Towers
multiplied by 1.15)
Cold Red 2
4 2
Wind < 0.95 x (UTS/3) R/3 (with loads from Towers
multiplied by 1.15)
2
5 Max Sag 2
< 0.95 x (UTS/3) R/3 (with loads from Towers
multiplied by 1.15)

Page 21
4.3.5.2 Exceptional Load Cases
Towers Hardware
Load Case Weather Foundations
Safety Wires Usage Safety
Description Case Safety Factor
Factor Factor
1.5
(with loads from
Broken Wire EDC 1.5 < 0.95 x (UTS/1.4) R/3
Towers multiplied
by 1.15)
1.5
Anti (with loads from
EDC 1.5 < 0.95 x (UTS/1.4) R/3
cascading Towers multiplied
by 1.15)
1.5
(with loads from
Assembling EDC 1.5 < 0.95 x (UTS/1.4) R/3
Towers multiplied
by 1.15)
Construction 1.5
(with loads from
& EDC 1.5 < 0.95 x (UTS/1.4) R/3
Towers multiplied
Maintenance by 1.15)
1.5
(with loads from
Unhooking EDC 1.5 < 0.95 x (UTS/1.4) R/3
Towers multiplied
by 1.15)
1.5
(with loads from
Guying EDC 1.5 < 0.95 x (UTS/1.4) R/3
Towers multiplied
by 1.15)
4.3.6 Calculating wind stresses
4.3.6.1 Wind stresses on conductors
According to IEC 60826
4.3.6.2 Wind stresses on insulators
According to IEC 60826
4.3.6.3 Wind stress on towers

towers
According to IEC 60826 with the following particularities:

Page 22
CxT = drag coefficient considering all sides of the tower set at 2.9 for a lattice tower (where
the solidity ratio is generally of order 0.2)
ST = total surface of one side projected normally to the side perpendicular to the wind, with
the other face being included in the drag coefficient.
4.4 Clearances between wires
4.4.1 Distances between conductors

conductors and between conductors and ground
wires
The minimum distances between phase conductors as well as between phase conductors and
overhead ground wires will be calculated according to the following formulas:
• Distance between phases with single conductors:
ecs = 0.6 . m’ . ( f +l) +t1 . 3
the term “ 0.6 . m’ . ( f +l) ” in the formula takes into account the asynchronous position of
two wires under wind conditions.
• Distance between phases with bundle conductors:
ecj = ecs + a
Where:
m’ = overload coefficient with reduced wind (ratio of the resulting forces due to wind and
weight on weight)
f= median line sag at the maximum temperature of the wire
l= length of suspension insulator assembly
t1 = minimum tension clearance (t1 = 0.0025 U)
a= distance between conductors of the same bundle (0.40 m or 0.60 m)

Page 23
4.5 C learances to Obstacles

The minimum clearances to retain between the conductors of lines and the obstacles are as
such:
Required Vertical Clearance

Feature (m)
Feature Description Comments
Code
132 kV 220 kV 400 kV
10 Natural Land 6.5 7 9
20 Cultivated land 7 7.5 9.5
30 Tree 5 5 5
40 Building 5 5 5
50 Road 8 8 8
55 Highway 9 9 9
60 Line above the Maximum
River & water area 6.5 6.5 6.5 flood level of non navigable
river
70 Telecommunication
3 4 5
Line
80 Railway Track non Clearance above the railway
18 18 18
electrified tracks
90 Railway Track Clearance above the catenary
4 4.5 5
electrified of the railway
100 66 kV Line and
3.5 5 5.5 above or below
lower
110 132 kV Line 3.5 5 5.5 above or below
120 220 kV Line 5 5 5.5 above or below
130 400 kV Line 5.5 5.5 5.5 above or below
These distances refer to the maximum conductor temperatures, without wind.
To the above clearances an additional clearance of 0.20 m is added during the studies to
provide uneven ground profile, survey and sag errors.

Page 24
4.5.1 Road Crossing
At all important road crossings, the tower should be fitted with tension insulator strings but
the ground clearance at the roads under maximum temperature and in still air are such that
even with conductor broken in adjacent span, ground clearance of the conductor from the
road surfaces should not be less than specified. At all national highways crossing, span
should not be more than 250 meters.
For Road crossings the towers on each side shall be equipped with double insulator strings.
4.5.2 Railway Crossings
The railway crossings have to follow the regulation law of the Railway Authorities:
i. The crossings shall be supported with tension towers on either side depending on the
merits of each case.
ii. The crossing shall normally be at right angle to the railway track.
iii. The minimum distance of the crossing towers will be at least equal to the height of the
tower plus 6 meters away measured from the centre of the nearest railway track.
iv. No crossing shall be located over a booster transformer, traction switching station, traction
sub-station or a track cabin location in an electrified area.
v. Minimum ground clearance above rail level of the lowest portion of any conductor under
condition of maximum sag shall be maintained as per railway regulations.
vi. The crossing span shall be limited to 300 meters.
For Railway crossings the towers on each side shall be equipped with double insulator strings.
4.5.3 River Crossings
In case of major river crossing, towers of suspension type along with tension towers on either
side of the main river crossing can be used. For non-navigable river, clearance has been
reckoned with respect to Highest Flood Level (HFL).
For River crossings the towers on each side shall be equipped with double insulator strings.
4.5.4 Power line Crossings
Each case has to be studied depending on the voltage of the lines (the one to cross and the
one to build). If the projected line crosses another line of a different voltage (lower, same,
above), the crossing can be done under or over the existing line. The temperature of the
different wires has to be the one which produces the most critical case.

Page 25
For instance, if a new line crosses a line in service below this one, the conductors of the
existing line have to be considered at the highest temperature and the ground wire of the
new line at the lowest temperature.
It is advantageous in certain cases to remove the ground-wire of the line to be crossed or the
one of the line to be built if this is possible and permitted by NEA or the Owner of the line to
be crossed.
For Power line crossings the towers on each side shall be equipped with double insulator
strings.
4.5.5 Telecommunication Line Crossings
The angle of crossing is taken as near to 90 degree as possible.

In the crossing span, power line support should be as near the telecommunication line as
possible, to obtain increased vertical clearance between the wires.
Power tele-communications line shall be located enough far from a nearby

telecommunication line to meet the following limits of interference:
Maximum value of induced electromagnetic voltage in

volts for faults duration equal to or less than 200 ms 650
Maximum value of induced noise in micro volts (noise

interference) shall be measured and taken cognizance,
2 000
if the noise is persistent.
For Telecommunication crossings the towers on each side shall be equipped with double
insulator strings.
4.5.6 Protection angle

angle of overhead ground wire – Angle of Shielding
In order to properly protect the power line against direct lightning strikes on the conductors,
the overhead ground wire shall be positioned in such a way that the phase conductors are
below two half-planes that are parallel to the axis of the line, passing through the suspension
or anchoring clamps of the overhead ground wire and forming an angle on either side of the
vertical equal to:
• For towers with single overhead ground wire: Angle of Shielding of 20 degrees. It is worth
taking into account the standardisation of single-phase tripping/resetting in the network
which greatly limits any network disturbances in the event of lightning strikes.
• For towers with 2 insulated overhead ground wires: 15 degrees, a value easily obtained
with 2 cross arms supporting the overhead ground wires.

Page 26
5. TRANSMISSION TOWERS
5.1 Types of towers

towers
Given the consistency of terrain that exist five types of supports are sufficient to economically
meet virtually all conditions of use. The functions and conditions of use of each of these
types are defined hereafter:
Designation of
Type of Tower Stringing Usage
Towers
Up to a 2 deg. line
Tangent Tower A Suspension
angle
Suspension & Up to a 15 deg. line
Small Angle Tower B
Tension angle
Medium Angle Up to a 30 deg. line
C Tension
Tower angle
Large Angle & Dead Up to a 60 deg. Line
D Tension
end Tower angle
Towers required for
long spans and
Special Towers E Tension
major crossings
(Rivers, Valley, ...)

Page 27
5.2 Length of Sections & Spans
5.2.1 General
The maximum length of a section in a plain terrain shall be limited to 15 spans or 5 km and
10 spans or 3 km in hilly terrain.
The values given below for the wind & weight spans are the ones to follow for the pre-design
of the lines. For the real design, these values can be changed in order to obtain the best
technical/economical compromise solution.
5.2.2 132 kV Line
5.2.2.1 Plain Terrain
Wind Span Maximum Minimum Comments

(meter) Weight Span Weight Span
(meter) (meter)
Suspension 350 500 100 No uplift
Tension 350 500 -250

small/medium
Angle
Tension Large 350 500 -250

Angle
5.2.2.2 Hilly Terrain

(meter) (meter)
Tension 350 700 -500

small/medium
Angle

Angle

Page 28
5.2.3 220 kV Line

(meter) (meter)
Tension 400 600 -300

small/medium
Angle

Angle

(meter) (meter)
Tension 400 800 -400

small/medium
Angle

Angle

Page 29
5.2.4 400 kV Line

(meter) (meter)
Tension 500 700 -400

small/medium
Angle

Angle

(meter) (meter)
Tension 500 1000 -500

small/medium
Angle

Angle
5.3 Construction characteristics
5.3.1 General charact

characte
aracteristic
ristics
The towers consist of a lattice structure, square base, and are made of hot galvanised steel.
They have four legs fitted with separate base plates embedded into the foundation
structures. In order to adapt to the terrain conditions; each type of tower includes:
• A main body that can be extended in height using extensions of 3 meters or 6 meters
height depending on the line to be built. The Hilly and Mountain regions need more
extensions (heights) than the Terai region.

Page 30
• A set of interchangeable legs of 1.0 m to 3 m in steps of 1 m or 1.0 m to 6 m. These legs

are connected to the body by a joining part (intermediate beam) that is specific to each
extension. The set of legs is the same for each type of tower.
The conductor configuration of towers, which will depend on the electrical properties of the
line, will be chosen from the following possibilities:
• 3 conductors arranged in a triangular formation and 1 overhead ground wire for a single
circuit line,
• 6 conductors arranged in vertical formation and 1 overhead ground wire for a dual circuit
line, or one ground wire and one OPGW.
5.3.2 Materials
Materials and assembling
5.3.2.1 Galvanisation
All steel components are hot dip galvanised. The galvanisation quality must comply with a
relevant standard (ASTM, ISO, BS, IS, AFNOR).
5.3.3 Accessor
Accessories
• Coupling inside insulator strings and between insulator strings and structures
Shackles are not permitted due to the punctual contact which causes early damage to the
galvanisation and also due to the friction/erosion at this punctual contact. All the couplings
have to be Clevis/Tongue type following the IEC standard 60471 & 60471-A1.
• Bolts
The assembling bolts situated below an anti-climbing device will be equipped with a special
disassembling device to prevent theft of corner plates.
• Step bolts
In order to allow maintenance of towers and their accessories, each tower is fitted with step
bolts placed in a staggered configuration alternately on each of two exterior sides of 2
diagonally opposite leg members. The spacing between two step bolts can’t exceed 380 mm.
The step bolts have to be 160 mm long with a diameter of 16 mm.
• Anti-climbing devices
All towers must be equipped with a protective belt at a height of 3 to 6m above the ground
so that it is not possible to climb without special means.
• Nameplates

Page 31
All towers are provided with a nameplate. It is attached using anti-vandalism bolts on a
support structure situated above the anti-climbing device.
On all 20 towers a plate designed for helicopter tracking, is secured to the upper section of
the tower.
The plates are made of aluminium alloy, are resistant to bad weather (rain, sun) and the
writing will be stamped, and then painted with permanent paint.
5.3.4 Tower tests
The towers are subject to full scale tests in a specialised testing station and according to the
IEC recommendation. The time of latest load application has to be 5 minutes.
Each type of tower is tested up to the sizing loads of each case. Besides this, the suspension
tower will be tested for breakages.
5.3.5 Transposing the conductors

conductors
With the aim of improving the balance of currents and voltages in the three phases, it is
necessary to transpose the position of the conductors, when lines or line sections exceed
100km.
This is to ensure that each conductor occupies each of the three geometric positions on a
third of the line length.
The transposing process must be completed and shall include three successive 1/3 rotations.

Page 32
6. CONDUCTORS
6.1 Nature and section of phase conductors

conductors
Currently, the most widely used cables for high voltage lines are the aluminium conductors
with steel wire cores known for short as ACSR (Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced), the
homogenous conductors made from aluminium alloy known for short as AAAC (All
Aluminium Alloy Conductor), and to a lesser extent, the conductors made from aluminium
alloy with steel wire cores known for short as ACAR (Aluminium Conductor Alloy Reinforced).
For the NEA network only the following wires have to be used as conductors. They have to
follow the IEC standards.
Description Voltage (kV) Cross Sec (mm2) Thermal Limit (MVA)
Single Panther 132 210 104

Single Bear 132 265 124
Single Duck 132 344 159
Single Duck 220 344 265
Twin Duck 220 2 x 344 530
Single Bison 220 381 271
Twin Bison 220 2 x 381 542
Triple Bison 220 3 x 381 813
Twin Zebra 220 2 x 428 662
Twin Moose 220 2 x 528 691
Quad Moose 220 4 x 528 1381
Single Bison 400 381 492
Twin Bison 400 2 x 381 985
Triple Bison 400 3 x 381 1477
Twin Moose 400 2 x 528 1256
Triple Moose 400 3 x 528 1883
Quad Moose 400 4 x 528 2511
Twin Bersemis 400 2 x 724 1454
6.2 Nature and section of overhead ground wires

wires
The overhead ground wires have multiple roles
• They primarily help reduce the spark-over rate of insulation from lightning strikes,
specifically for high voltages,

Page 33
• Being connected to the ground, they noticeably reduce voltages induced by HV lines in
the telecommunication circuits parallel to these lines,
• They can be insulated and powered in medium voltages, and may be used for rural
distribution,
• The telecommunication circuits (telephone wires or optical fibres) may be incorporated in

overhead ground wires.
Justifying the number of overhead ground wires (0, 1 or 2) is based on the study of the spark-
over rate to lightning strikes or, for insulated cables, based on the type of desired rural
distribution (single-phase or three-phase).
The choice of cable type and section is determined by the mechanical considerations (line
sag less than or equal to that of phase conductors) and electrical considerations (withstand to
short-circuit current).
6.3 Optical ground wires (OP

(OPGW)
GW)
To address the growing requirements for transmission of information, the NEA has chosen
optical fibres as its large capacity and high flow transmission media. Overhead lines represent
a preferred media for installing the optical fibres. These will be installed in an overhead
ground wire of HV lines.
The choice of type and section of the overhead ground wire is determined by the mechanical
considerations (line sag less than or equal to that of phase conductors) and electrical
considerations (withstand to short-circuit current). These same considerations apply to
OPGW. Junction boxes are installed in the lower part of the tower, directly above the anti-
climbing device.
When the OPGW is also used for rural distribution, it is subject to a voltage and current in
continuous operation which represents further constraints to take into account for the choice
of cable. These additional constraints lead to insulating the junction boxes from the ground.
The junction box voltage shall be at the same potential as the cable and junction boxes will
therefore be placed on the insulators at the top of the pole.
The number of fibres depends on the line and is under the responsibility of NEA.
7. INSULATORS
The conductor insulating strings are preferably based of cap and pin toughened glass
insulators type.

Page 34
8. EQUIPMENT
8.1 Gen eral aspects

In general, the line accessories are constructed according to the IEC recommendations. The
various parts do not have any sharp edges or spikes that could cause corona discharge and
radio interferences. Parts in contact with the cables are studied and machined so as not to
damage them. The contact surfaces between the different successive parts are developed to
facilitate the flow of high short-circuit currents.
All ferrous parts other than the stainless steel ones are hot dip galvanised. The galvanisation
complies with the requirements of the ASTM standards, applicable codes and standards.
8.2 Protection fittings

The purpose of protection fittings is twofold:
1) It mainly involves keeping the power arc far enough away from the insulators and
conductor fixing accessories in order to prevent these parts from being damaged,
2) It helps ensure a more favourable distribution of voltages between the insulators and
prevent corona discharges from forming on the chain or lessen the significance of them in
order to maintain an acceptable level of interference.
All insulator strings are fitted with earthing devices (spark gaps) at both ends corresponding
to a nominal withstand voltage to the lightning strikes according to NEA Network Electrical
Conditions (see § 3.2 page 12) and IEC 60071.
Such earthing devices are made of horns or horns and rackets open rings with ball. They’re
arranged in a plane normal to the conductor.
The tension insulator string of dead end towers situated in front of substations are fitted with
spark devices at varying distances enabling to adjust the withstand voltage to lightning
strikes in order to protect the equipment against voltage surges and short-duration currents.
8.3 Components linking

linking the chains to the structure
• Anchoring support structures:
Clevis and tongue coupling are adapted directly to towers which can enable oscillations of
the insulator string.
• Suspension support structures:

Page 35
Clevis and tongue coupling are adapted directly to towers which can enable oscillations of
the insulator string.
8.4 Suspension clamps

The suspension clamps are controlled sliding type. They are equipped with a hinge at the
level of the conductor thus enabling maximum oscillations.
They are made of aluminium alloy at least with respect to parts in contact with the conductor
and they are designed for cables equipped with armour rods.
8.5 Armour
Armour-
ur-rods
In order to strengthen the phase conductor and overhead ground wires for each suspension
clamp, a twisted wire lining, made of the same alloy as the one used in the conductor, is
inserted between the conductor and suspension clamp.
This lining (or armour-rods) is preformed, enabling installation without special tools.
8.6 Dead-
Dead-end and mid-
mid-span tension joints
The dead-end and mid-span tension joints are of "compression" type.
8.7 Vibration dampers

dampers
In order to limit the low amplitude cable vibrations, “Stockbridge” type dampers are installed
on all conductors and overhead ground wires. Their fastening is designed to prevent any
sliding on the cables without however causing damage or injury to the cables.
The number and characteristics of dampers to be set up as well as their positioning on the
cables is determined based on the type of cable and the characteristics of the line span.
8.8 Cou
Counterweight
nterweights
rweights
The counterweights can be fixed under the suspension clamps of suspension towers. The
counterweights will consist of plates. The hanging system is developed so as to not prevent
or limit the rotation of the suspension clamps around its axis.

Page 36
8.9 Aeri
Aerial
rial markers
markers
The following arrangements will be made in the areas deemed dangerous for air navigation:
river or stream crossings, steep-sided valley crossings, airport and aerodrome approaches.
This will involve power line markers with minimum diameter of 500mm fitted with holes to
allow flow of water. They will be made either of fibreglass reinforced polyester, or a synthetic
material approved by the Contracting Owner. The assembling of these power line markers
will be straightforward without threading on the taut cable, and equipped with armour-rods.
The marker colours (red and white) shall comply with International Recommendations, the
Convention on International Civil Aviation, the law of NEPAL and the practises of NEA.

Page 37
9. EARTHING
9.1 Earthing of overhead ground wires

wires
The overhead ground wires are power connected to the metallic framework of all towers
using a jumper and adapted contact parts. The jumpers are made up of a steel cable identical
to the overhead ground wire.
9.2 Earthing of towers

towers
Towers are connected at the earth potential via the metallic section of foundations electrically
extended by a copper strip that is at least 50mm2. If necessary, ground rods or radial
connection strips, if the ground is too hard, are used to reduce ground resistance.
For towers situated at least 100m away from a village, a ring strip or cable ring will be
positioned 1m from the foundations and at a depth of 0.5m so as to reduce the pace and
contact voltages in the event of a short-circuit.

Page 38
10. FOUNDATIONS
10.1 Gen
Gen eral aspects
The majority of towers used by the NEA have a metallic lattice structure, and the foundations
are on separated feet, except in areas of very rough terrain where there are slab-like
foundations.
The choice of foundations considers the type of soil and the significance of the loads which
are applied to these foundations. If the ground is of good quality (as is usually the case)
concrete slab and chimney foundations shall be utilised. If the ground is of poor quality, deep
stake or slab type foundations are utilised. Note: metallic foundations, which considerably
increase the importation of metallic structures, don’t have to be considered.
If the soil is consistent enough and the stresses are not too high, the chimney and slab
foundations may be replaced by drilled cylinder-shaped foundations. After the drilling
process, the base of these foundations is enlarged using a template which helps improve the
embedding of the foundation in the ground.
The upper section of the foundations is 0.30m above ground level on normal ground and, on
land liable to flooding, 0.50m above the expected water level. The top is diamond-shaped so
as to prevent water from stagnating at the top of the foundation and is covered with a
bituminous paint.
Calculating the structures takes into account any possible uneven terrain of 10%. Beyond this
figure, a special calculation is made for each specific case.
10.2 Types of foundation structures

For each type of tower, four types of foundation structures cover the majority of ground
cases encountered:
• Good terrain without water, including soft rocks, clay, clayey sand, shale,
• Average terrain without water, including consistent terrain, marl, clay, slightly weathered
rocks,
• Poor terrain or land underwater, including saturated soft clay, mud/silt, peat turf,
• Rocky terrain, including hard rocks.
The foundation structures are calculated for the most restrictive tower setup (whatever its
height) so that they can be used for all possible set-ups.

Page 39
10.3 Foundation calculations
10.3.1 Calculating
Calculating the breakout force
Generally speaking, the calculation uses the said lifting angle method or any other
recognized method. This involves determining the tensile force of a foundation structure by
taking into account the weight of the ground raised by the slab in addition to the structure
weight. It is considered that the raised ground forms a pyramid frustum whose side faces
form an angle with the vertical side depending on the quality of the terrain. This angle is zero
for bad terrain, about 30° for normal terrain and can reach 70° for rocky terrain.
An estimate of the lifting angles that are likely to occur is given by the surveys carried out
along the line. However, during the construction of the line, a test is carried out at each tower
location to determine the peak resistance and side friction up to a minimum depth of 2.5
times the width of the foundation below the level of the foundation base.
10.3.2 Calculating
Calculating the compression force
The compression force applied on the ground is the sum of the following forces:
• Force transferred by the base plate under the assumption considered,

• Concrete weight,
• Ground weight above the slab.
This compression force must not, while under the slab, result in a pressure greater than the
maximum eligible ground pressure.
10.3.3 Chimney calcul

calculati
alculatio
ation
It is accepted that on common ground, the shearing force applied to the structure is
absorbed by the reaction of the surrounding soil. The aboveground part of chimneys is
regarded as a cross arm embedded in the ground and subject to a bending force. For
aboveground heights greater than 0.70m, the concrete of the chimney should be reinforced.
If required, the foundation is reinforced to ensure proper distribution of forces on the slab
and to prevent concrete from moving while under tension.

Page 40
11. CONSTRUCTION
11.1 Introduction
Construction works include the following main stages:
• Re-staking the line,

• Deforestation and brush clearing,
• Preparation of access tracks and their maintenance,
• Ground tests,
• Complete installation of foundations, including earthing means and the measuring of
tower ground resistances,
• Assembling the towers,
• Stringing, pulling, adjusting and clamping of cables,
• Implementation of vibration dampers and power line markers,
• Cleaning the work site,
• Establishment of control forms,
• Various tests and acceptance.
11.2 Re-
Re-staking
• Topographical works – Longitudinal profile
Topographical works involve recognition of the line route on the ground attended by the
Contracting Owner where the preliminary routes and major obstacles to avoid are marked
out, and where the definition of principles to be respected is given. A line route marking with
the materialisation of vertices angles is thus carried out, and then after approval, the ground-
based survey of the longitudinal profile of the line is conducted. The chosen scales are:
- Horizontal scale: 1 : 2500
- Vertical scale: 1 : 500
A point is raised at least every 50m, the density of points being increased if required by the
ground.
• Location of towers

Page 41
The re-staking phase involves reviewing and updating the longitudinal profile (usually made
available to the Contractor by the Contracting Owner), then following approval of the
definitive longitudinal profile including tower positioning, the re-staking of the power line
and final installation of all towers commences.
Towers are located on the ground using numbered wooden stakes, a yellow stake in the
centre and two red stakes indicating the two directions of the line.
For lattice towers, the survey of ground cross-sections at the location of towers situated on
sloping ground is carried out so as to determine the exact lengths of the uneven tower legs.
This unevenness is indicated in the final staking log book.
11.3 Deforestation and brush clearing

The width of deforestation on the power line right-of-way, on either side of the line axis, is
established for each span length according to the instructions given by NEA. It is then
marked out on the ground with use of red flags set up as soon as the line axis is established.
The actual deforestation involves felling and stump removal of trees and bushes as well as
brush clearing on the entire right-of-way width specified beforehand. The deforestation
process can be done in 2 ways:
• Cutting and stump removal of trees after disbranching, with branches and trunks stored at
the border of the right-of-way passage,
• Deforestation using a bulldozer, where branches and trunks are stored at the border of the
right-of-way passage whereas stumps are got rid of and the holes in the ground are filled
in and levelled.
Outside the felling trench, all trees whose height + 2m is equal to the distance between the
foot of the tree and the vertical plane passing through the nearest conductor, must be felled.
Deforestation is done early enough to allow for a final inspection of the line profile and
enable the normal unreeling of cables.
11.4 Damage census

During the final inspection of the longitudinal profile, a comprehensive and contradictory
damage census caused to crops (perennial and seasonal) and construction work will be
carried out in accordance with the Law of NEPAL.

Page 42
11.5 Access tracks

This work involves creating an access track that is longitudinal to the various towers along
the power line and cross-path tracks for quicker access to the various points of the line from
the main roads. These tracks are properly levelled and have enough side vegetation
clearance.
The cross-path access tracks are signposted from the start of the main road with help from
signpost markers of minimum size 1.0 x 0.5 m and are indicated on the longitudinal profile.
The general characteristics of the tracks are:
− Track width: 3 m.
− Accessible by an off-road vehicle even during rainy season.
− Fitted with lightweight seasonal river crossing structures (riffles, gabions, short cut
bridges, buried pipes with protection at the pipe ends).
The basic implementation principles:
A – Tracks
1. Scraping off
∗ Depth: (0-50 cm), scraping off a layer of top soil
∗ Width: sufficient to accustom a tyre path width of 3 m.
2. Profiling and drainage

∗ Making longitudinal ditches with leveller.
∗ Making diverging and outlet ditches.
∗ Track slope of at least 2 %.
3. Backfill and surfacing

∗ Difficult passage ways
• Flood plain areas
• Access to crossing structures
- Areas with high excavation
- Existing tracks intersections
4. Excavation
∗ Flattening slopes which are greater than 10 %.
B – Engineering structures
∗ Riffles liable to flooding
∗ Gabions and ripraps

Page 43
∗ Culverts with abutment protection

∗ Pipes on riffles with protection at the head
The track route shall be prepared as follows:
The passage from one tower to another shall be preferably in a straight line, along the power
line or by returning a short antenna to the existing tracks and structures.
The route shall be prepared beforehand, during a joint visit. Some minor changes could be
introduced at a later stage depending on the experience gained during the work.
11.6 Fou
Foundations
11.6.1 Ground recognition
At each tower position, a penetration test is conducted so as to determine the peak

resistance and side friction up to a minimum depth of 2.5 times the width of the foundation
below the base level of the scheduled foundation.
In the event where the type of ground does not allow carrying out this type of test, a
pressure-metre test is conducted.
11.6.2 Choice of fou

foundations
Foundations are chosen on the basis of ground test results and foundation types outlined in
the previous paragraph.
In places where, the ground is deemed not resistant enough for foundation footings, taking
into account the predetermined differential ground settlement, a foundation slab with tower
legs connected is used.
11.6.3 Work performance
The excavation of support foundations is carried out to the dimensions indicated on the
foundation drawings. If necessary, temporary reinforcements of the excavation walls are
installed and removed as and when concreting begins. The bottom of the excavation is kept
in natural state, perfectly adjusted to the relative and overall correct levels because the
foundations can only be put back on backfill materials.
After excavation, the type of soil at the excavation bottom is checked together with the
presence of ground water so as to make all decisions that may be required in case of
divergence from assumptions.
On good terrain, excavation with use of an auger is recommended.
• Safety markings

Page 44
A safety marking will be installed around the excavation site prior to backfilling.
• Top of the foundations
The top of the foundations is 30cm above the natural ground level and ends with a diamond-
shaped point to prevent water from stagnating. In flood prone areas, the top of the
foundations is 50cm above the highest water level so that the metallic parts are never
underwater.
11.7 Installation of tower bases

bases
Attention is drawn to the need for stable and extremely accurate installation of foundations
and tower legs, in all directions, while respecting the distances, angles, positioning, relative
levels and overall levels. These precautions are essential to avoid creating imbalances in the
distribution of forces between the main legs and diagonal components, as well as avoiding
any unacceptable secondary forces.
The bottom of the excavation must be covered with 10cm of stabilised sand (made from
100kg of cement per m3 of sand), and perfectly levelled for introducing the vertical angle legs
and obtaining a correct support surface. The excavation depth is adapted accordingly.
Adjusting the bases must be done using an approved method (with use of templates or
theodolites). The acceptable tolerances on the tower positioning and adjustment of bases
are:
Tower positioning tolerances
• Longitudinal deviation: less than 50cm
• Diagonal deviation in relation to the line axis: (D/500 + 5cm), D being the distance in
metres from the point considered to the nearest angle point.
• Vertical deviation: 3mm per metre
Tolerances on adjusting the bases
• The distance between the top of the base and real alignment axis must not exceed 5mm
per metre with a maximum of 50mm. For angle towers, (B and C type), these distances are
measured from the internal bisector of the line angle.
• The distances between the tops of the bases must not be different from the values
indicated on the manufacturing drawings by more than 0.5mm per metre with a maximum
of 10mm.
The difference on the diagonals from the top of the bases must be less than 1mm per meter,
with a maximum of 20mm.

Page 45
The difference in the gradient of bases must be less than 3mm per metre (0.3 percent).
The distance between the theoretical central point (bearing) of the tower and the intersection
points of the diagonals must be less than 2mm per diagonal metre, with a maximum of
50mm.
The top of the bases must be in the same plane. The maximum difference in level between
the two bases must not exceed 5mm.
11.8 Earth connection of towers

A survey of the electrical ground resistance is conducted for all towers at the same time as
the ground tests. The resulting values provide the basis for choosing the type of earth
connection to perform.
The earth resistance value should not exceed 10 ohms. After completion, the value of each
earth connection is measured, and if needed, the earth connection is improved.
11.9 Tower construction

This operation includes at the very least:
• Acceptance,
• Unpacking, sorting and inspection of parts,
• Transportation to the construction site,
• Actual construction,
• Checking the tightening of bolts and their punching shear,
• Repair work by painting over minor damages suffered by galvanising.
The construction takes place either gradually, piece by piece with help from a lifting mast
which is gradually moved in the tower body, or with use of a crane which enables lifting the
towers that have been previously assembled on the ground.
Once constructed and checked, the default vertical height of a support structure must not
exceed 50mm, whatever the height of the support structure.
11.10 Repa
Repai
pa iring damages
For the areas of tower components put in place which have experienced a slight deterioration
of the zinc layer during installation, reconditioning may be allowed by repair with use of an
approved high zinc-content paint.

Page 46
The repairs are done as follows:
• Rust removal with sandpaper or wire brush of any areas where corrosion and non-
adhesive thin zinc layers appear. Clean with a solvent and wipe dry. Treatment with
phosphoric acid is not allowed.
• Applying one or two layers of pre-mentioned paint (minimum dry film thickness: 100
microns) based on the supplier requirements.
The holes drilled on site will be painted as indicated above before assembling the
components.
11.11 Assembling insulator strings and accessor

accessories
• Sorting of parts,
• Checking the consistency of parts with scheduled assembly,
• Transportation to installation sites,
• Actual assembling,
• Cleaning and installation of towers.
The pulleys designed for pulling the cables are set up at that point.
11.12 Pulling and adjusting cables

• Transportation of cable drums, accessories and equipment to the pulling sites,
• Installation of protection templates for railway crossings, road crossings, etc.,
• Stringing under mechanical tension, pulling and adjusting cables,
• Manufacturing of joints, anchoring clamps and conductor jumpers,
• Conducting inspections on the gantries of transformer substations,
• Establishment of diverse accessories (armour-rods, vibration dampers, power line markers,

connector struts, etc.),
• Returning surplus material, cleaning the work site and refurbishing the premises.

Page 47
11.12.1 Pulling cables
The protection of cable drums during the storage, handling and transportation is such that,
during the pulling, the cable drums do not show any signs of wear, nor do the cables show
any damage.
The installation of protective gantries for passing over houses, communication routes, HV,
MV or LV power lines and other obstacles is an integral part of the work.
The stringing and pulling of cables takes place under mechanical tension with use of a winch
and clamping jaw which helps stretch the cable and ensure that the conductor does not rub
on the ground and risk being damaged when in contact with sharp edges.
The cables, to support structures, are based on the pulleys with approved model ball bearing
in order to prevent any cable deterioration. The effective diameter is at least 20 times the
cable diameter for the phase conductor and for the overhead ground wire. Alternatively, if a
set of smaller pulleys is used, they must be arranged such that the cable is based on a radius
equivalent to at least 20 times the diameter of the conductor. The pulley hooks must be of
uniform length in such a way that the conductors are maintained at an even distance, not
more than 500mm above or below their final position when they are hooked on.
The tension in the cables at the end of the cable drums may not exceed the value indicated
by the cable supplier. This value must be verifiable through constant indication at the bull-
wheel tensioner.
Unless they are tightened on the ends of the cable to be standardised, the pulling clamps are
of parallel jaw gripper type and smooth contact surface type, without ripples; the length is
suitable for energizing the cable without folding, notching or sliding the cable strands as well
as free from relative sliding of the steel core soaked in grease.
The cables are not lifted using tools with a short bending radius or that are likely to cause
damage; the curvature of the contact surface is at least equal to that imposed above for the
pulleys.
Any cable section showing any form of damage is eliminated. The rejected lengths of cables
whose length is less than 150m will not be used as a replacement. However, they could be
used for making conductor jumpers.
During the pulling and adjusting operations, the cables are earthed so as to prevent any
accident due to lightning strikes.
11.12.2 Manufacturing joints and anchoring clamps
The compression type joints and anchoring clamps are manufactured according to the
supplier instructions and in a way as to ensure they have, firstly, a guarantee of electrical
conductivity, and secondly, mechanical resistance of stretched parts which is at least equal to
95% of the theoretical breaking load of cables on which the joints and clamps are attached.

Page 48
The cable ends are thoroughly cleaned before being inserted into the joints or clamps and
are especially free from grease. The coupling sleeves to compress are filled with special paste,
according to the supplier’s instructions.
After compression, the joints must be as straight as possible.
The joining surfaces between the leg of the anchoring clamp body and the end neck must be
clean and flat. For this reason, the two contact surfaces are brushed in order to eliminate the
aluminium oxide layer and coated with grease or a suitable contact paste recommended by
the manufacturer of the fittings.
Outside the ends of the lengths on the cable drum, the use of joints is normally avoided.
There is no more than one joint per cable for 3 spans, nor is there a joint within 15m of the
nearest clamp. There are no joints in the road, railway, inland water, river crossings, etc...
In case of cable deterioration, the Contractor shall submit a repair procedure to the Project
Manager: normal or repair joint, or cutting some cable lengths.
11.12.3 Adjusting the cables
The adjustment takes place separately for each installation section, delimited by the support
structures equipped with tension insulator sets. Intermediate adjustments are made
whenever the horizontal component of the voltage cannot be guaranteed because of friction
in the pulleys and the high number of span distances or height level differences.
The pulling operations under mechanical tension and adjusting operations are carried out in
such a way that the towers are never overloaded. For this purpose, it is up to the Contractor
to gather all necessary information, in particular the tables of maximum acceptable forces for
the support structures and the planned loading cases. The Contractor may be required to guy
certain unexpected support structure or support cross arms for the loading cases faced
during the installation process. This kind of operation should be limited to an absolute
minimum.
Moreover, the voltage applied to the cables must not exceed the maximum mechanical
tension indicated on the installation panel, given that the cable experiences certain
phenomena such as creep behaviour as a result of stresses which the cable is subject to after
installation.
During each adjustment, the conductors are treated as evenly as possible, so that they
undergo the same creep behaviour at a later stage. For this reason, any adjustment is hoped
to be completed as much as possible within the same day and for all conductors of a given
section.
After this operation, the suspension insulator strings must be vertical, the tolerance on the
adjusting line sag must not be more than 15cm and the tolerance between the line sag of
various conductors of the same span must not exceed 7.5cm.

Page 49
11.13 Establis
Establish
tablishment of control forms
Throughout the work duration, the Contractor must check its own capacities with forms that
have been established for all work stages.
The forms must be filled out by the Site Manager of the Company during the course of work
and subject to approval from the Project Manager. They help control the quality of work as
well as work progress in relation to the projected work plans.
11.14 Testing and acceptance of the complete line

At the end of the work and before commissioning, the final inspection of the line and
electrical tests are carried out.
• Final inspection of the line
Inspection of the work structure is done in the presence of the Consultant – Project Manager
and in response to a notification from the Contractor. This inspection consists of a thorough
examination of a limited number of towers. In the event of a finding of non-compliance with
the contractual documents, the inspection shall be suspended and the Contractor shall carry
out the checks and make any corrections on the entire work structure. The inspection
attended by the Project Manager can then resume on the same basis.
• Electrical tests.
• Measurement of the phase consistency
• Measurement of the insulation level
• Measurement of the direct current line resistance
• Measurement of the alternating current line resistance
• Measurement of the service reactance and impedance
• Measurement of the phase-to-earth reactance and impedance
• Measurement of the direct capacity
• Measurement of the zero-sequence capacity.
All these measurements, including equipment are performed by and at the expense of the
Contractor, and are subject to a report drafted by the Contractor and transmitted to the
Project Manager.

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Nepal Electricity Authority

EDF-CIST/DP/MPN/14-349 Septembre 2014

1.1 GENERAL ASPECTS __________________________________________________________________ 1

2.1 GENERAL ASPECTS __________________________________________________________________ 5

3. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE _________________________________________________ 10

3.1 GENERAL ASPECTS _________________________________________________________________ 10

4. CRITERIA FOR THE DESIGN_________________________________________________________ 15

EDF-CIST/DP/MPN/14-349 Septembre 2014

4.1 WEATHER CASES __________________________________________________________________ 15

5. TRANSMISSION TOWERS __________________________________________________________ 26

5.1 TYPES OF TOWERS _________________________________________________________________ 26

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6.1 NATURE AND SECTION OF PHASE CONDUCTORS ____________________________________________ 32

8.1 GENERAL ASPECTS _________________________________________________________________ 34

9.1 EARTHING OF OVERHEAD GROUND WIRES ________________________________________________ 37

10. FOUNDATIONS _________________________________________________________________ 38

10.1 GENERAL ASPECTS ________________________________________________________________ 38

11. CONSTRUCTION ________________________________________________________________ 40

11.1 INTRODUCTION __________________________________________________________________ 40

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11.9 TOWER CONSTRUCTION ____________________________________________________________ 45

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GENERAL ABBREVIATIONS ABBREVIATIONS CONCERNING

m meter k kilo (103)

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1.1 General aspects

1.3 Choice of standards

EDF-CIST/DP/MPN/14-349 Septembre 2014

ISO : International Standardisation Organisation

IEC : International Electro-technical Commission

ASCE : American Society of Civil Engineers

ASTM : American Society for Testing and Materials

NF : French Standards (published by AFNOR)

UTE : Technical Union of Electricity

IEEE : The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc

• List of the main IEC applicable standards

IEC 60826: Design criteria of overhead transmission lines

IEC 60652: Loading tests on overhead line structures

EDF-CIST/DP/MPN/14-349 Septembre 2014

IEC 60050-466: International Electric Vocabulary – Chapter 466: Overhead lines

IEC 60437: Radio interference test on high-voltage insulators

IEC 61284: Overhead lines – Requirements and tests for fittings

IEC 60507 Artificial Pollution Tests on High-Voltage Insulators to Be Used on AC Systems

IEC 60060-2: High voltage test techniques - Part 2: Measuring systems

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IEC 60889: Hard-Drawn Aluminum Wire for Overhead Line Conductors

IEC 61773: Overhead Lines - Testing of Foundations for Structures.

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2.1 General Aspects

Nepal is made up of three strikingly contrasted areas.

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EDF-CIST/DP/MPN/14-349 Septembre 2014

EDF-CIST/DP/MPN/14-349 Septembre 2014

2.4.1 Alluvial soil

2.4.2 Sandy and alluvial soil

2.4.3 Gravelly soil

2.4.4 Residual soil

2.4.5 Glacial soil

EDF-CIST/DP/MPN/14-349 Septembre 2014

2.4.6 Climatic Regions in Nepal

Figure 1 : Climatic Regions in Nepal