The process of removing old overhead wires and stringing new conductors on existing towers or poles. Utilities do this to increase the current-carrying capacity of a line without acquiring new rights-of-way or building completely new structures. The new wire is often a high-temperature composite that can handle more power.
We're planning to reconductor the 132 kV line next spring to handle the new wind farm output.
Reconductoring is much cheaper and faster than building a new line, provided the existing pylons can handle the mechanical tension of the heavier wire.
Related terms
Conductor
A physical material or wire designed to carry electric current with minimal resistance.
Sag
Brief drop in RMS supply voltage, usually to between 10 and 90 percent of nominal, lasting up to about a minute.
Power cable
A robust, insulated assembly of conductors used to transmit bulk electrical energy.