Overhead Design Illustrations: Messengers

Notes on messengers used in wood pole construction for overhead lines

Messengers are guy wires that have been installed as a means to support either an overlashed conductor or maybe a mid-span service drop. Below are some of the differences between messengers and span guys and some tips at how you can properly identify it when one is on your design.

Because messengers are not set up like span guys to back up any load, they normally do not have a delta height; this is a first sign that should have you curious about validating this. While it is possible for there to be a delta height of 0, it definitely isn’t practical…