11.
Constructing field wire lines under unusual conditions.
a.
Terrain and climatic conditions will affect speed and types of construction used in
installing field wire lines. Speed of installation, however, should not restrict good construction
practices. Some areas that need emphasis are:
(1)
Wire lines should be tagged more often for identification during maintenance.
(2)
Test stations should be installed to facilitate maintenance.
(3)
Wire lines should be suitable for the climatic conditions and to the type of
construction. Wire ties should be made carefully to hold the wire lines in place.
b.
The construction and maintenance of field wire lines in mountainous terrain is usually
more difficult than in other areas. The lack of roads may make it necessary to lay wire lines by aircraft
or by manpack wire laying equipment.
(1)
When air-laying field wire in mountains, it is advantageous to lay the wire on top
of trees and shrubs where possible and away from roads and trails to protect the lines from damage
caused by traffic or rock slides.
(2)
An air reconnaissance of the area should be made to determine route and areas to
be avoided. If the lines are to be laid on the ground, it will be necessary to establish resupply points
along the route. Supplies may be air dropped to speed the work.
c.
In the arctic, there are additional problem areas of concern.
(1)
The crew will need a heated shelter mounted on an M-35A2 or track vehicle.
(2)
Tie three lance poles together at the top to form a tripod.
(3)
Use a basket hitch or weave tie to tie wire lines to the top of this tripod. Never tie
wire lines in arctic areas. Bending the lines will crack and break the insulation, causing a short.
(4)
Use electrical insulation tape TL-600/U (polyethylene).
d.
In the desert, there are other conditions that may cause concern. Field wire lines should
last a long time with proper installation and maintenance. Since there are no trees or poles in the desert,
lance poles may be used for aerial construction. Buried lines will give good service. They should be
tagged more often and whenever a new reel of wire is spliced. Shifting sand will cover the lines and
make location of the lines difficult.
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SS0440
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