By Carl R. Tamm

If your concept of corona is that it is commonly consumed with a slice of lime, you might wish to read a bit more about issues in our industry that differ slightly from that concept!

Fair weather radio and television interference (RIV and TVI) generated by overhead lines are most frequently caused by corona. Corona results from voltage overstress on the surfaces of conductors and other energized components. On distribution lines, sparking at lightly loaded connections and associated non-conductive films may also generate RIV/TVI. Corona also results in resistive power loss on transmission and distribution lines. Under foul weather conditions virtually all energized conductors and components are in corona.

With all this concern about Corona and at the request of a few customers we recently conducted RIV and Corona tests on CSF-1108-024-COR345 and CSF-1302-024-COR500 standard production ClampStar® units.

The tests were conducted in the HPS (Ohio Brass Company) high voltage environmental test chamber in Wadsworth, OH on September 13, 2012. The RIV tests were conducted in accordance with NEMA 107, “methods of measurement of radio influence voltage (RIV) of high-voltage apparatus”. Corona observations in complete darkness were made with the aid of a Noctron V night vision system (night image intensifier) S/N 5046. Click here to get the full report.

Jim Wilhelm, Tower Patrol T&D Assets, Distribution Services Lineman for Sacramento Municipal Utility District said “Installation was difficult due to the movement of the helicopter, but allowed us to do this over a deep gorge, not accessible from a bucket truck. Had we not had ClampStar, this would have required a minimum of an 8 hour outage on the line, purchasing wheel (backup) power, letting the line down to the ground and changing out the splice and adding about 150’ of conductor in the “old” conventional manner of repair.

It would have been even easier if we could have worked it with the skid board on the chopper, but because it was the middle phase, it required the work be done suspended 60 feet below the aircraft. It is significantly more difficult to hover steady in this position, as the pilot has no close reference point on which to fix his position.”

Installing ClampStar from 60' below the chopper

“With ClampStar, not only did we save many thousands of dollars and many man-hours but got the extra benefit of having a superior connection, much better than we would have if we had put yet another connector up in place of the one that had already failed!” Click to see photos.

Due to popular demand, CCI has developed the New “CSS” style ClampStar units for use on Deadends and Suspension Clamp applications!  Made with a single conductor leg, the new unit installs in minutes, the same as the traditional ClampStar units that are installed over splices.

Several applications have given rise to the need for this new design. While the standard “CSF” ClampStar units can be installed on deadends and suspension clamps, it is more difficult than installing them over splices, as the torque nuts must be tightened from above. This new “CSS” design allows the installer to approach from below, with the fasteners positioned downward as well, allowing the same easy access to tightening them as that of a traditional ClampStar over a splice. Read More……

May 01, 2010, Transmission & Distribution World, By Mike Dario, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

Corrosive salt water and high winds in Los Angeles’ beach areas were wreaking havoc on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s automatic quick sleeves. Linemen were noticing more failures of these sleeves, which are spring-loaded with jaws that grip the wire. To solve the problem, linemen had to support the wire with a hoist and grips, and install a temporary jumper to maintain electrical Read more….

Major Breakthrough With New Cost Saving Connector Technology Propels Classic Connectors, Inc. And Their Revolutionary Product “ClampStar®” Into Electric Utilities Must-Have Product For 2010

For the past several years, utilities have been under considerable pressure to operate aging power lines and equipment at higher levels, forcing them to transport large amounts of energy over an aged and antiquated system. Many of the components that make up the power grid are approaching their 30−50-year useful lives. Utilities therefore are constantly searching for cost-effective alternatives while maintaining technical and safety requirements as well as reliability. Enter “ClampStar®”! READ MORE….

Welcome to the new Classic Connectors blog. This is where we will post industry related items as well as new product introductions and company achievements.

Please feel free to post comments and ask questions. Our connector and industry experts are happy to respond.

Visit often, we intend to add new content regularly.

Regards,

Chris Costanzo
Director of Marketing and Communications
CCostanzo@ClassicConnectors.com
800-249-1462 Ext. 1

There is a serious problem in the electric power utility industry that is getting worse every day. Almost half of the installed infrastructure has reached the end of its original design life. Because the assessment and replacement of these components is expensive and difficult, and because it is very challenging for new installations to keep up with new demand, there are many that fail in-service causing power outages and other consequences. But if mitigation steps are not taken, or repairs are not performed, the potential liability when components fail is huge. A ClampStar® applied to a deteriorating fitting is not only the most economical means of preventing a premature and unexpected failure but also prevents potential injury to the public and avoids the extraordinary costs associated with the liability issues.

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