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Problem Connectors on Multiple Sub-Conductors

By Carl R. Tamm If you have a line with two or more sub-conductors per phase, and during an infrared inspection, a scenario is found where one of the sub-conductors has a fitting that is hotter than the one next to it, the natural tendency is to assume…


Surge Arrester Lead Length Revisited

By Waymon P. Goch Surge arrester manufacturers always recommend that line and ground leads be as short and straight as possible in all surge arrester applications. Why? The primary reason is inductive surge impedance. The selection of the best surge…


Avoiding Splice Failures

By Lisa Nelson, EDM International, Inc. One of the primary root causes for splicing failures is poor cleaning of aluminum strands prior to compression.   The Electric Power Research Institute has developed technology that enables line crews to properly…


Corrosion and Splices

By Waymon P. Goch Worldwide, the annual cost of corrosion is $2.2 trillion (US); and is currently estimated to be $429 billion (US) annually in the United States.(1) Corrosion that results in failure of aircraft, pipelines, bridges and other critical…


Inner Workings of an Automatic Splice and Using ClampStar as a Safety Tool

By, Carl R. Tamm ClampStar is used as a tool by several utilities as a “safety” when performing line work on a conductor that contains an automatic splice in the span. As a work method precaution, many utilities require the crew to install a “safety”…


DO YOU KNOW THE CONDITION OF YOUR SPLICES?

Joe Renowden, Consulting Engineer (Article provided by SensorLink) Why would that question be important when industry wide there have been relatively few failures? The answer is: The risk of failure can’t be managed until the splice’s condition is…


Fault Current versus Distance

Background: A major utility noted that they were having far more splice failures on their 34.5 kV distribution lines within a few miles of the substation than they were toward the end of their circuits. The primary reason is the available system fault…


The Truth About Infrared Inspections

Hangin’ Your Repairs on Temperature? By, Kimberly Lewis HOT/SHOT Infrared Inspections, Inc. Infrared technology has been heavily utilized by the utility industry for over 30 years and yet it is still vastly misunderstood.  In a perfect world,…


Connectors - The Weak Link

When considering increased conductor temperatures, numerous issues are of concern, particularly with the dynamic effects on electrical connectors when suspended overhead aluminum conductors are operated at high temperatures, specifically above 93°C…


SMUD Uses Helicopter to Install ClampStar Unit After IR Inspection Identifies Hot Splice

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…