What is the primary purpose of guy wires?

The primary purpose of guy wires is to provide support to structures, especially tall and freestanding structures like utility poles, towers, and antennas. Guy wires are tensioned cables that stabilize these structures against lateral forces, such as wind or their own weight, preventing them from tipping over or swaying excessively. By anchoring the structure securely and distributing the load, guy wires ensure stability and integrity, which is crucial to maintaining safe and reliable utility services.

While other options touch on aspects related to utility infrastructure, they do not address the function of guy wires. Guy wires do not conduct electricity, serve as insulation, or provide grounding. Instead, their design and installation focus specifically on providing the necessary support to keep structures upright and secure in various environmental conditions.