When using the stop watch method to check the sag of a conductor, how far from the pole should a rope be placed?

Using the stopwatch method to check the sag of a conductor involves placing a rope a specific distance from the pole to ensure accurate measurements. The correct placement of the rope at a distance of 3 feet from the pole is based on recommendations in industry practices.

At this distance, the effects of the anchor point on the tension and resultant sag in the conductor are minimized. The 3-foot distance allows for a sufficient length of rope to enable an accurate determination of how much the conductor sags due to its own weight, as the sag itself is affected by the span length and tension in the line.

If the rope were placed too close to the pole, the measurements may not accurately reflect the sag induced by the weight of the conductor. Similarly, placing the rope too far from the pole could lead to complications in measurement due to excessive slack or unnecessary variables. Thus, the choice of 3 feet balances these factors effectively, making it the appropriate distance for obtaining reliable measurements when checking the sag of a conductor.