Magneto-mechanical loads on bus supports

Current progress in electrical development and the increasing capacity of power systems has brought into prominence many factors of mechanical strength that were previously negligible in the design of electric stations and circuits. Heavy currents, that may develop during short circuits in stations that are connected to large generating systems, make it essential that bus and cable supports be strong mechanically as well as adequately insulated. Formulas are given for estimating the forces that may be developed under various conditions with different arrangements of conductors and supports. The mechanical strength of bus and cable supports should be guaranteed by manufacturers and tested as well as the insulating qualities. In order to facilitate the selection of bus and cable supports, it is desirable that uniform terms for expressing the various kinds of loads, standard methods of conducting tests and a minimum factor of safety for mechanical strength be adopted.