Team braving the heights to pull conductors in Herentals

Elia is currently at work in Herentals within the scope of the reinforcement works on the high-voltage line between the Massenhoven and Van Eyck substations. The old electrical cables there are being replaced with new HTLS conductors. The works involve heavy equipment, like a tower crane and pulling and braking machines, and an experienced team with a head for heights.

Working in phases

The route from Massenhoven to Van Eyck consists of 77 pylons and is approximately 90 kilometres long. So, Elia has decided to work in phases - focusing on approximately eight pylons per phase. Elia is currently replacing existing high-voltage cables with HTLS conductors between the pylon on the towpath alongside the Albertkanaal in Grobbendonk and the pylon at Sint-Janneke in Herentals. Last year, all the conductors on the left side were replaced; this year, attention has turned to the conductors on the right side. After visiting the site, the press wrote an article. Click here to read it (in Dutch).

Replacing electrical cables

Elia has brought in pulling and braking machines to remove the existing electrical cables from the pylons. These cables are being used as pull cords for the new HTLS conductors. This means that in just one movement, the new conductors are pulled onto the high-voltage pylons, while the old electrical cables are rolled up onto cable drums. The conductors are then secured to the pylons and spacers fitted to stop the conductors knocking against each other in strong winds. The team is braving the heights to fit the spacers between the electrical cables.