FAQs

When was the Sagometer developed?

The technology was developed in 1997, with the first unit installed on a utility system in 1999.

How many Sagometers have been installed since then?

Over 80 systems have been installed throughout North America.

What does the Sagometer measure?

The system measures conductor sag, ground clearance, and horizontal displacement. Optional weather sensors can help establish a baseline for ambient conditions by monitoring temperature, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, and precipitation.

How does the Sagometer work?

A "smart" machine-vision camera captures the image of a target attached to the conductor, then calculates and reports ground clearance in real-time. In tandem with weather data, the utility will receive a comprehensive real-time report from which to establish load capability conclusions.

How accurate are the Sagometer measurements?

Measurement accuracy is +0.5in / 15mm  in both horizontal and vertical directions.  This accuracy equates to approximately +1.2-2.0in / 30-50 mm at mid-span on most spans.

Can the Sagometer be installed while the line is energized?

Yes.  A majority of installations are made on energized lines.  Only the target is attached to the conductor using a standard hotstick; all other components attach to the adjacent structure outside of the energized work area.

Are there any limitations on where the Sagometer can be installed?

No.  The Sagometer can monitor any span where access is available for mounting the Sagometer on the structure and the target on the conductor.

Are any line or structure modifications required for installing a Sagometer?

Not generally.  The Sagometer conveniently attaches to all types of pole and latticed structures using the hardware provided and the target easily attaches to the conductor via an integral hot line clamp.  The only exception is for very high voltages where the target is placed in a corona ring or conductor spacer.

Does the Sagometer have data quality indicators to provide invalid data alerts?

Yes, a quality indicator is reported for every measurement.

How long does it take to install a Sagometer system?

Typically a single line crew can install the system within 3-4 hours.

Can the Sagometer be relocated to another line?

Yes. A Sagometer system can easily be removed and reinstalled in another location. Many deployed Sagometers have been used at multiple sites, and the "plug & play" system requires no field wiring.

How is the Sagometer powered?

Normally the Sagometer is powered by a self-contained photovoltaic system.  An optional AC power supply is also available but is usually not recommended due to cost and reliability.

What options are available for communicating with the Sagometer?

Sagometers can be deployed using a variety of communication systems, including CDMA or GSM network, local radio transceiver, or fiber optic.

Does the Sagometer work at night?

Yes. Near-Infrared laser illumination provides consistent monitoring day and night.

How does the Sagometer perform in bad weather?

The system will function under all but the most extreme conditions, although dense fog or heavy snow may compromise the target image clarity. Pre-planning the camera orientation will also address any issues with the sun temporarily being in line with the camera field of vision.

What are the Sagometer’s calibration requirements?

The initial field measurement needed to calibrate the system is the ground clearance at the target location. A subsequent line survey will define clearances along the span catenary at various points, which may be performed during installation, or any time thereafter.

Can the Sagometer be configured to monitor more than one conductor?

Yes. A single system can accept input from two cameras, providing monitoring for adjacent spans.

What software options are available to support line rating analysis?

EDM provides a real-time web-based data service called GridWatchRT, available via any web browser over the Internet. The Sagometer may also be integrated with EPRI's DTCR package or PLS-CADD.

What type of warranty comes with the Sagometer?

A one year full service warranty is included, with annual extended warranties available.

Is installation assistance available?

Yes