At what temperature in degrees Fahrenheit is a conductor under heavy electrical load typically considered to be at maximum sag?

The correct answer is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which corresponds to the boiling point of water. At this temperature, conductors can experience significant sag due to thermal expansion. When a conductor is under heavy electrical load, it generates heat from the resistance of the material, which causes the conductor to expand. This thermal expansion can impact the tension and sag of the line, making it crucial to consider these factors during installation and maintenance.

In overhead line construction and maintenance, engineers and linemen often use a sag-tension curve that shows how curves change based on temperature. Beyond this point, the risk of excessive sag increases, which can lead to safety hazards or reliability issues. The understanding of maximum sag at elevated temperatures is essential for ensuring the proper clearance and maintaining safety standards.

Factors such as weight, tension, and external environmental conditions are also important, but the maximum sag due to thermal expansion is critical at or near the boiling point of water, which defines the operational limits of the conductors under heavy load conditions.