When we review suspension and dead-end hardware for an overhead line, we begin with structural duty. Confusing the two at the enquiry stage can lead to an unsuitable fitting, incomplete load data or late tower-hardware changes. For teams assessing transmission line hardware at the Middle East Energy Exhibition, we start with one question: does the conductor continue through the structure, or does its tensile load terminate there?

Meet our team at Middle East Energy 2026

Middle East Energy 2026 will take place from Tuesday 1 to Thursday 3 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. The event's 50th edition brings the power and energy community together across generation, transmission line products, distribution, storage, digitalisation and critical power.

We will be exhibiting electrical solutions for modern grid projects. Visitors can explore ARMOR-GRIP Suspension, ARMOR-GRIP Suspension: Double and THERMOLIGN Dead-End, then discuss how route geometry, conductor construction, thermal duty and structure type shape the hardware schedule. The exhibition creates a useful setting for consultants, utility teams, contractors and procurement specialists to compare support and termination duties before preparing a submittal.

Begin with the structure's duty

We first mark whether each tower is a tangent, angle, strain or terminal structure. At a tangent or angle structure, the conductor continues into the next span. The support assembly carries vertical load, accommodates the route angle and protects the contact zone. At a strain or terminal structure, the hardware transfers longitudinal tension into the insulator string and structure.

Our selection review then checks the tower schedule against route angle, conductor construction, diameter, rated breaking strength, operating temperature and attachment arrangement. Every field must agree with the proposed assembly.

Three hardware choices, three distinct positions

Route position Hardware Published angle / duty Primary specification check
Tangent / modest angle ARMOR-GRIP Suspension 0°–30° support Conductor diameter, construction and operating temperature
Larger angle support ARMOR-GRIP Suspension: Double 30°–60° support Complete double assembly, two fittings and attachment geometry
Strain / terminal THERMOLIGN Dead-End Terminates tensile load Approved conductor family, RBS and 250°C thermal duty

ARMOR-GRIP Suspension for support points up to 30°

For a suitable support point, we assess ARMOR-GRIP Suspension hardware as a way to reduce static and dynamic stresses. Its rods, housing and elastomer insert spread the contact load and help protect the conductor against oscillation, bending stress, compression stress and abrasion. The assembly also provides protection in the support area against impulse and power flash-over.

We then match the route geometry and thermal duty. The single suspension is used for line angles from 0° to 30°. The standard version is designed for continuous conductor temperatures up to 200°C, while the high-temperature version is available for continuous temperatures up to 250°C. Extra-high-voltage versions for 345 kV and above use PARROT-BILL rod ends. The conductor-specific catalogue entry and complete attachment set still require confirmation.

ARMOR-GRIP Suspension: Double for 30°–60° angles

Where the route angle rises above the single assembly's range, we assess the double arrangement for line angles between 30° and 60°. It retains the purpose of lowering static and dynamic stress at the support point and protecting the conductor from oscillation-related effects.

In our project reviews, “double” refers to a defined assembly rather than a general instruction to install two single units. The yoke or attachment configuration, insulator interfaces, clearances and the two required fittings should all be verified when preparing the bill of materials.

THERMOLIGN Dead-End where tensile load terminates

At a strain or termination point, we assess PLP ‘sTHERMOLIGN Dead-End rather than through-support hardware. It is specifically designed for ACSS/AW, ACSS/TW and ACCR conductors and permits continuous conductor operation up to 250°C. Its multi-layer arrangement is designed for holding strength and heat dissipation, with minimal heat transfer to mating hardware and insulators.

With the correct assembly selected and applied, the published holding strength is at least 95% of conductor rated breaking strength. Installation does not require a compression press or dies. The conductor passes through the dead-end uncut, removing the need for compression or bolted electrical connections at that point. The supplied assembly includes structural reinforcing rods, dead-end components, a thimble clevis and an extension link.

The consultant's specification checklist

  • Mark each tower position - Identify tangent, angle, strain and terminal structures. Record the actual line angle on the profile and tower schedule.
  • State the complete conductor identity - Provide conductor family, construction, nominal size, outside diameter, strand lay direction and rated breaking strength. A nominal area alone is insufficient.
  • Define the thermal envelope - Give normal and emergency conductor temperatures. Confirm whether the standard or high-temperature suspension is required and whether the dead-end is approved for the named construction.
  • Submit mechanical design loads - Include vertical, transverse and longitudinal cases, unbalanced loading, line angle and project load combinations. Check the capacity of the complete string and its interfaces.
  • Coordinate voltage and hardware interfaces - State system voltage, insulation arrangement, attachment type, orientation and clearances. At 345 kV and above, confirm the appropriate EHV rod-end configuration.
  • Keep OPGW on its own schedule - An OPGW suspension clamp specification should state cable manufacturer, construction, diameter, rated tensile strength, maximum installation tension, span data and cable-specific accessories. Similar diameter does not establish interchangeability.
  • Control installation records - Use the current application procedure, confirm catalogue numbers and colour codes, inspect the components and record each installed location. Verify rod alignment and hardware completeness.

Procurement and lifecycle checks

We find that a technically complete enquiry reduces the risk of substitutions based only on diameter or voltage. It also lets procurement compare like with like: full assembly content, required attachment fittings, installation tooling, inspection access, spares strategy and technical documentation.

Our lifecycle review links inspection points to the fitting's duty. At suspension structures, teams can check rod position, housing condition, attachment security and visible conductor distress. At dead-end structures, inspection should also cover the complete load path through the thimble clevis, extension link, insulator string and structure connection. Any change in conductor type or operating temperature should trigger a fresh compatibility review.

Continue the specification discussion at MEE 2026

Visit our showcase at Dubai World Trade Centre at Hall 5 Stall D10 during the three-day exhibition to examine how each assembly maps to a specific point on an overhead line. We recommend bringing the route profile, tower schedule, conductor datasheet, design temperatures and load cases. Our team can then review the project inputs with you and help turn the discussion into a usable technical submittal.

We follow the load path to reach a reliable selection: a single suspension for a suitable through-support point up to 30°, the defined double arrangement for 30°–60° angles, and a conductor-approved dead-end where longitudinal tension terminates. This sequence keeps the hardware schedule aligned with route geometry, thermal duty and the intended service life of the line.