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PLS-CADD/LITE^™

PLS-CADD/LITE is a streamlined version of PLS-CADD used to quickly model a few spans. Developed specifically for Joint-Use type applications, PLS-CADD/LITE is the ideal tool for quick sag-tension, clearance and loads calculations. While the program can be used in stand-alone mode, it can also be combined with our PLS-POLE program to provide the ultimate Joint-Use structural analysis system.

Our goal in developing LITE was to provide a tool that lets you model simple systems of a couple spans as quickly and as simply as possible. Each wire in LITE is represented by a single row of input data. This row defines the span's end points and wire tension. The interface is flexible and allows definition of span geometry by the coordinates of its attachment points or by span length and bearing. Likewise, the program gives a range of options for sagging the wire including input of tension, catenary constant, sag, or entry of coordinates of a surveyed point on the wire. A wizard interface walks you through the process of creating your model. This wizard can link to the Wood Pole Wizard in PLS-POLE to provide a seamless experience creating not only the wires, but also the structure that supports them.

PLS-CADD/LITE uses the same cable libraries and engineering criteria as the full version of PLS-CADD. It also shares many of the same proven calculation routines. Its streamlined interface does away with the need for the terrain and structure modeling in the full version of PLS-CADD (see a table comparing PLS-CADD editions).

Many clients ask whether PLS-CADD/LITE or SAGSEC is better suited for solving a certain kind of problem. The following chart should help you decide which program will best meet your needs.

Comparison of PLS-CADD/LITE vs. SAGSEC

	PLS-CADD/LITE	SAGSEC
Built in ruling span sag-tension
Includes finite element sag-tension1
Can use linear material conductor model2
Can use nonlinear material conductor model3
Calculates wire loads at each end of span
Structure loading trees with user supplied overload factors
Supports NESC constant
Automatic adjustment of wind with height as per ASCE, NESC, IEC 60826, EN50341-1 and various other codes
Links to PLS-POLE and TOWER for checking structures
Models all wires attached to a single structure
Creates stringing charts
IEEE 738 and Cigre Brochure 207 based thermal rating
Checks wire clearance to structure (including guys)4
Checks clearance between wires
Creates galloping ellipse drawings

Summary of Features:

• Models up to 60 wires fanning out in all directions
• Built-in sag-tension calculations
• Galloping ellipses
• IEEE 738 and Cigre Brochure 207 thermal rating calculations
• Structure loading calculations
• Clearances between wires and crossing spans
• Check clearances between conductors and structures (including guy wires)
• Powerful 3D graphics to let you visualize your work
• Option to string wires to and develop loads for PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE and TOWER structures
• Span geometry entered using your choice of:
  • X, Y and Z coordinates of attachment points
  • Span bearing, length and change in elevation
  • Span bearing, wind span and weight span
• Wire tension entered using one of following:
  • Tension
  • Catenary constant
  • Mid span sag
  • X, Y and Z of point on wire
  • Automatic sagging criteria (% of RTS)
• A Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8 (32 bit or x64) environment that lets you:
  • Run on powerful yet inexpensive computers
  • Use the most common graphical user interface (GUI) in the world
  • Print reports and plot drawings directly on any Windows compatible printer or plotter
• A simple system for strength and clearance design criteria that lets you specify:
  • Weather cases with individual wind, ice, temperature, and reliability adjustments
  • Load factors for checking the strength of structures
  • Cable conditions (Initial, after Creep or after Heavy load)

Sample Graphics

PLS-CADD/LITE graphic of a PLS-POLE wood pole structure with transmission, distribution and cable TV.

PLS-POLE program graphic comparing wood pole usage with transmission, transmission and distribution, and finally tranmission with distribution and cable TV.

Using PLS-CADD/LITE to string wires to a complicated PLS-POLE structure

PLS-CADD/LITE IEEE Std. 738 Static Rating Graph

PLS-CADD/LITE Related Links

• Video showing check of clearances in a roll from a horizontal substation structure to a vertical transmission structure.
• Video of joint use example in PLS-CADD/LITE and PLS-POLE (demonstrates new wizard interface).

• PLS-CADD/LITE chapter of the PLS-CADD Manual (Adobe PDF format, requires Acrobat Reader available from www.adobe.com)
• An online library of conductor data ready to use in PLS-CADD format
• An online library of NESC 2007, 2002 and 1997 PLS-CADD criteria

• Description and example of wire and structure clearances functions
• Modeling ADSS Cables in PLS-CADD and PLS-CADD/Lite
• Design Codes, Standards, and Manuals Used in Power Line Systems' Software
• Application of NESC Insulator Requirements in PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE and TOWER
• Generating Ruling Span Sag-Tension Runs in PLS-CADD/LITE
• Allowable Wind & Weight Spans vs. Real Structure Models
• Understanding the Use of Weight Spans

• Recent Program Improvements
• PLS-CADD: Complete line design package
• PLS-POLE: Structural analysis of wood, steel, conrete and/or FRP poles and frames
• TOWER: Analysis and design of steel latticed tower
• Price List