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What is a Transmission Line?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A transmission line is a conductor which is capable of transmitting energy from one point to another. Some examples of transmission lines include electric power lines, wiring, and coaxial cable. Depending on the project, there are a number of characteristics which a transmission line must have in order to function effectively. For large-scale products and systems, specialty products may need to be engineered and designed to meet the specific need.

Several types of energy can be transmitted over a transmission line. Electrical power is a familiar example for many people, but these lines can also carry acoustic energy and electromagnetic energy which may include light. Transmission lines can be designed to carry large quantities or small ones, and can operate in a variety of conditions including extreme temperatures and pressures, along with wet environments. The lines are usually rated to indicate what kind of energy they can transmit and in what volume, with people selecting transmission lines which are rated well above the intended use to increase safety.

Electric power lines are transmission lines.
Electric power lines are transmission lines.

Transmission of energy inevitably results in some loss along the way. The longer the transmission line, the more severe this problem will be. Companies which design and manufacture transmission lines must take this into account when producing their products, and they make products with measures which are designed to minimize loss. Interference can also be an issue, with proper insulation being critical so that interference does not cause problems along the line or on either end.

Some transmission lines are quite large, especially when they are designed to carry high volumes of energy. The size is in part because of the wiring inside the line, and also because of the insulation necessary for safety and efficiency. For lines designed to be used outdoors, the insulation may include a thick layer of material which is designed to prevent penetration of the line in the event that it is struck.

The science behind transmission lines dates to the 1800s, when several researchers began experimenting with the idea of transmitting energy over a conductor. This laid the groundwork for the development of things like electricity. Some researchers have argued that the development of accessible electricity was one of the most important events in human history, revolutionizing the approach to everything from the workday to life at home. The transmission line's role in this was quite critical, as without conductors to move it around, electricity is not very useful for humans.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

David09

@miriam98 - I have to say that, in the electrical industry, I believe that copper, aluminum and steel will still continue to be the material of choice. This is because of their low cost and abundance. They're not flashy like fiber, but they are abundant and do a good job.

miriam98

I worked in the telecommunications industry for many years. In my humble opinion, nothing beats fiber optics as the material for a telephone transmission line. You can put massive amounts of information on that beam of light, and it’s far more durable and flexible than copper.

I realize that fiber can’t be used for everything. Around the house you’ll have copper or coaxial for most of your needs and they will suffice. However, fiber is the medium of the 21st century, in my opinion, for communications needs that we face.

Personally, I don’t think this medium has really been tapped. There are miles and miles of dark (unlit) fiber sitting underground waiting to be used. This is largely due massive infrastructure spending in telecommunications companies that eventually went bust, but I believe that we will need all of this fiber again one day.

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    • Electric power lines are transmission lines.
      By: marcincom
      Electric power lines are transmission lines.