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Book 25, Question 73

Why do wires sag between poles?

Wires hang in a gentle curve because of their own weight, and they are installed with some slack on purpose.

In hot weather, metal expands and the wires sag more. In cold weather, the metal shrinks and they pull tighter. Ice and wind can add weight and tug. Designers leave enough slack so that wires won't snap in winter.

Why I wrote this