An innovative live working method to replace high voltage towers

In the field of high voltage live line maintenance RTE can rely on many methods for ordinary operations like replacing insulators, line hardware, or repairing damaged conductors. Nevertheless heavier maintenance is sometimes needed such as tower replacement. Therefore RTE has developed a new piece of equipment able to temporarily support the line while the tower is removed. This tool consists of a three phases holding beam lifted with a single crane. This article presents the new conductor support system and the feedback after the replacement of 24 towers on a 225 kV line in the western region of France (near Nantes).