NEWS
AFL’s Stockbridge Dampers Used in Wallenda’s Grand Canyon High-Wire Walk
24/06/2013
Spartanburg, S.C. – Twice in the past two years, daredevil Nik Wallenda has completed high-wire walks on two-inch-thick metal cables that were stabilized with AFL’s Stockbridge Dampers. For his most recent stunt at the Grand Canyon, 20 dampers were attached to Wallenda’s cable as he tiptoed from one side of the Little Colorado River Gorge to the other.
AFL’s Stockbridge Dampers are used to eliminate cable vibrations, which can cause damage to conductors, hardware and towers, and are the most efficient way to extend the life of a transmission line. For Wallenda, the dampers offered a steady cable during his quarter mile trek across the gorge. They also kept his cable from vibrating when he crossed over Niagara Falls in 2012.
Offering the widest range of vibration coverage in the industry, AFL’s dampers have two natural frequency modes, commonly known as “flying” and “wiggling.” AFL uses a specifically designed 19-strand messenger wire allowing the damper to dissipate vibration, or “wake up,” at lower energy levels, thereby reducing the damaging force of nature. In addition, AFL provides a Vibrec™ Damper Recommendation Program to assist in damper requirements for transmission and distribution lines.
For more information about AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.
In the photo above, released by the Discovery Channel, Nik Wallenda walks across the Grand Canyon on a 2-inch wire, as AFL’s stockbridge vibration dampers help dissipate vibration caused by steady crosswinds blowing on the aerial cable. The stockbridge dampers are attached to the full length of the tightrope. (AP Photos/Discovery Channel, Tiffany Brown)
About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.
Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.
NEWS
AFL’s Stockbridge Dampers Used in Wallenda’s Grand Canyon High-Wire Walk
06/24/2013
Spartanburg, S.C. – Twice in the past two years, daredevil Nik Wallenda has completed high-wire walks on two-inch-thick metal cables that were stabilized with AFL’s Stockbridge Dampers. For his most recent stunt at the Grand Canyon, 20 dampers were attached to Wallenda’s cable as he tiptoed from one side of the Little Colorado River Gorge to the other.
AFL’s Stockbridge Dampers are used to eliminate cable vibrations, which can cause damage to conductors, hardware and towers, and are the most efficient way to extend the life of a transmission line. For Wallenda, the dampers offered a steady cable during his quarter mile trek across the gorge. They also kept his cable from vibrating when he crossed over Niagara Falls in 2012.
Offering the widest range of vibration coverage in the industry, AFL’s dampers have two natural frequency modes, commonly known as “flying” and “wiggling.” AFL uses a specifically designed 19-strand messenger wire allowing the damper to dissipate vibration, or “wake up,” at lower energy levels, thereby reducing the damaging force of nature. In addition, AFL provides a Vibrec™ Damper Recommendation Program to assist in damper requirements for transmission and distribution lines.
For more information about AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.
In the photo above, released by the Discovery Channel, Nik Wallenda walks across the Grand Canyon on a 2-inch wire, as AFL’s stockbridge vibration dampers help dissipate vibration caused by steady crosswinds blowing on the aerial cable. The stockbridge dampers are attached to the full length of the tightrope. (AP Photos/Discovery Channel, Tiffany Brown)
About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.
Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.