When determining the sag in lines, what is typically required?

Determining the sag in overhead power lines relies primarily on both the wire type and the length of the ruling span. The ruling span is essentially the distance between two supports, and it has a direct impact on how much sag will occur in the wire due to its own weight and external influences like wind or ice loading. The specific characteristics of the wire, such as its material and diameter, also play a crucial role because they determine how the wire reacts to weight and tension.

When assessing sag, it's essential to take both the wire type and ruling span into account, as they provide the necessary parameters for calculating the amount of sag accurately. Other factors might also influence sag, but they are less directly related to the fundamental relationship between the properties of the wire and the specific layout of the span.