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Catenary Calculator — Overhead Line Equipment

Calculate overhead wire heights, mast spacing and wire sag for electrified lines.

How We Calculate This

Scales UK overhead line equipment (OLE) dimensions to your chosen gauge.

UK OLE Standards (Scaled)

  • Contact wire height = 4800mm / Scale ratio
  • Mast spacing = 54000mm / Scale ratio (straight track)
  • Mast count = Track length / Mast spacing + 1
  • Wire sag = Mast spacing / 40

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.