How to Tension Guy Wires

Guy wires transfer some of a tall structure's weight to the ground off to the side through their stress. One end of the wire connects to a high point on the structure, while the other anchors into the ground. The entire wire setup creates a diagonal line that helps secure the structure from the foundation all the way up. 

Since guy wires stabilize structures and transfer their weight, installing them at the proper tension is crucial. Wires that are too tight may cause compression failure in a structure, causing it to buckle and even collapse from too much pressure. High tension can also make the wires vibrate during heavy wind or earthquakes, inducing excessive wear and tear on wire and structure components. 

Wires that are too loose can gallop, meaning they'll move with the wind and other weather events, which can become an issue if they contact nearby objects or if the excessive movement places stress on the structure's operating components. Loose guy wires also raise the risk of mechanical failure and fatigue damage and can even cause structural insecurities.

For best tension results, only use high-quality products, and always enlist the help of a professional. Routinely check on your guy wires' tensions to ensure your commercial structures are as stable as possible, and adjust the tension as needed.

Standard indirect methods for measuring guy wire tension are:

• Pulse method: After making the guy wire pulse, or oscillate, you can measure the time it takes for the pulse to move up and down the wire. Trained professionals can accurately perform this test and the appropriate calculations.
• Tangent intercept method: The tangent intercept method is a useful test for structures with larger guy wires managed by crews with specialized training. By sighting up a guy wire and finding an intercept point at the sag of the wire, professionals can calculate the tension based on where the direct line of sight intercepts the point where the guy attaches to the tower.
• Shunt dynamometer: The shunt dynamometer method uses a tool that attaches to the guy wire and applies force. This device measures the wire's deflection and converts this to a tension measurement.

As with any guy wire procedures, professionals should follow all proper steps and safety procedures. Find a professional you trust to follow these parameters:

• Safety: Crew safety should be everyone's top priority in any situations involving tensioned guy wires. When working in the vicinity of any electrical wires, installers should always note any live wires that could pose a safety risk. They should also wear proper personal protection equipment, including hardhats, rubber-soled boots and protective sleeves. 
• Weather: Only install guy wires on dry days without wind when there's no chance of rain or electrical storms. Harsh weather can make guy wire installation difficult and cause safety hazards.

When ready to begin the installation, first confirm all wires and hardware are secure on the structure the crew is lifting. A gin pole is a common tool professionals use to raise and lower guy wire structures. Guy wires secure the gin pole to the ground, and raising or lowering the gin pole raises and lowers the structure it carries.

As the team raises or lowers the structure, some of the gin pole's anchoring guy wires will tighten, while others will loosen. To keep each wire at optimal tension, check and adjust them as needed throughout the process until the structure is entirely in position.

To tighten guy wires on an erected structure, professionals should attach the come-along to a wire-pulling grip and use this mechanical combination to draw in slack. After the wire is tense enough, tightening the wire rope clamps will help ensure the structure stays at optimal tension levels.

The crew can follow their tightening methods in reverse to loosen guy wires, repeating these two procedures as necessary to achieve the best results.