Helicopter-based live-line work. Volume 2, Bosun`s chair work near suspension insulators: Final report
This Report presents experimental data on tests of a configuration consisting of a live-line worker placed next to the energized end of the insulator assembly on a vertical tower arrangement. The configuration is that related to live-line work with the worker suspended from above, either from the tower or from a hovering helicopter. AC and switching surge sparkover tests were performed with phase-to-ground energization. In the research program, three vertical tower configurations (500 kV, 345 kV and 230 kV) were investigated. The worker, simulated by a wire mesh mannequin, was placed in three positions relative to the energized conductors: with the feet at conductor level (Position 1), with the waist at conductor level (Position 2), and with the shoulders at conductor level (Position 3). For AC tests, the applied voltage was raised until sparkover occurred or a predetermined voltage level was reached. For switching surge tests, the up-and-down method was used to determine the 50% sparkover voltage. The results of this research show that the sparkover voltage depends on the position of the worker relative to the energized conductors and grounded tower parts. For most cases, the normal working position (Position 2) resulted in the highest sparkover voltages for both AC and switching surge energization. Recommendations for future research include other tower configurations, effects of tools and metal objects, working with non-ceramic insulators, and effects of damaged insulators.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 10171554
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR-102318-Vol.2; ON: UN93016840; NC: NONE; TRN: AHC29304%%5
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Jun 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POWER TRANSMISSION TOWERS
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE FACILITIES
SAFETY ANALYSIS
ELECTRIC SPARKS
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
US OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT
ELECTRICAL INSULATORS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTORS
OVERHEAD POWER TRANSMISSION
HELICOPTERS
POWER RANGE 100-1000 KW
SIMULATION
SURGES
ORIENTATION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
240400
240303
HEALTH AND SAFETY
OVERHEAD LINES