A Review of Nesc Wind-Load Requirements with Relation to Conductor Diameter

The National Electric Safety Code (NESC) wind-loading requirements contain certain inconsistencies for the heavy- and medium-loading districts. These inconsistencies, for utilities using NESC loads as design loads, can result in underdesigned transmission line structures, especially for large-diameter conductors. These inconsistencies are caused by considering a wind acting on an ice-coated conductor. The NESC light-loading requirement provides a minimum working limit that guards against values becoming too low, for the larger conductors.