Apparatus and method for enhancing the reconductoring of overhead electric power lines

A method of replacing a live existing overhead electric transmission line conductor that is supported by a series of spaced towers and that is carrying an electrical load, with a replacement conductor, comprising:

• providing a replacement conductor;
• physically and electrically coupling the replacement conductor to the live existing conductor, such that the replacement conductor is carrying an electrical load;
• providing a conductor pulling assembly that is adapted and arranged to pull a conductor;
• physically and electrically coupling the existing conductor to the pulling assembly;
• providing a conductor tensioning assembly that is adapted and arranged to place tension on a conductor;
• physically and electrically coupling the existing conductor to the tensioning assembly so as to maintain tension on the existing conductor as it is moved by the pulling assembly;
• providing insulated support structures on which are located the pulling and tensioning assemblies, to insulate the pulling and tensioning assemblies from ground potential;
• providing a plurality of rotating contactor wheels mounted in mechanical opposition to one another, wherein the existing and replacement conductors run over the wheels so as to accomplish a clamping action on the conductors as they pass over the wheels;
• and
• operating the pulling assembly to move the live existing conductor and thereby also move the live replacement conductor, to thereby replace at least part of the live existing conductor from one or more of the series of spaced towers with the live replacement conductor.