Unlike these other programs, PLS-CADD can work together with our SAPS multi-span finite element sag-tension program when the ruling span isn't appropriate. Like most line design programs, PLS-CADD uses ruling span approximations in its sag-tension calculations. PLS-CADD can model your line both with and without the compression effect so you can see how severe it is. Most sag-tension programs do not model this effect and thus underestimate the sags. Running ACSR conductors at high temperature can cause the aluminum strands to go into compression. PLS-CADD goes beyond ordinary sag-tension programs. PLS-CADD gives you the best of both the automatic and the manual spotting worlds: cost and time savings while still maintaining control. Automatic spotting often results in designs as much as 10% lower in cost than human generated designs. In automatic spotting the program spots structures for you to obtain the lowest cost design possible subject to your constraints. With manual spotting you use the mouse to add, delete, edit or move a structure. PLS-CADD supports both automatic and manual spotting. Clearances, loading trees and many other functions are just as easily accessed.

Select 'Section/Sag-Tension' and click on a span and you get a sag-tension report. Select 'Structure/Check' and click on a structure and you are told if you have a structure strength or insulator swing problem. Once standards are setup you are only a few mouse clicks away from engineering calculations. The fact that over 125 countries use PLS-CADD is a testament to its adaptability to a wide range of standards. You can work in either imperial or metric units and can even switch back and forth between these unit systems. Next, you tell the program which combinations to use for loading trees, for insulator swing checks, for clearance checks, wire tension checks. You start by defining the combinations of wind, ice, temperature and safety factors you wish to use. PLS-CADD’s engineering functions are very flexible and are easily adapted to conform to your standards.

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