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Extending the Life of Overhead Aging Assets with Focus on the Energized Portion of Transmission Line

CARL R. TAMM Classic Connectors, Inc USA SUMMARY The 21st Century has been deemed “The Era of Rebuilding.” Infrastructure around the globe, much built in the early 20th century, including roads, bridges, pipelines, and not to be ignored, our electrical…


Mitigate Wire-Down Incidents and Wildfires

During a routine wildfire mitigation inspection on this 500kV 2300 kcmil, AAC line, a suspect repair sleeve adjacent to a suspension clamp was identified. Rather than taking a risk to spend time and money performing a detailed inspection and analysis of…


Do You Change the Tires on the Family Auto?

By, Carl Tamm Most of us gray haired guys well remember the advent of radial belted tires!  There was significant skepticism initially, as some of the early models wound up with bulging “pump knots” on the sidewalls, but eventually the problems were…


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…


Alabama Power Repairs Hot Splice In 8 Minutes and 23 seconds!

Following annual line surveys at Alabama Power, with the discovery of some hot (aged) splices found with IR Thermography, a decision was made to utilize the advantage of a helicopter to quickly and efficiently install ClampStar units over the hot splices…


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…


New "CSS" Style ClampStar

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…


Line Crews Repair Failing Splices with No Power Interruption!

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…


Los Angeles Department of Water & Power corrects failing splices in record time!

On a recent Tuesday morning at 10:00, two linemen from LADWP, Mike Traweek and Sammy Sempelsz lifted off the ground in their new Altec bucket truck to begin the first round of ClampStar® installations. They completed the first 6 installations in 55…