Overview & Events

Research Value

• Enhance safety for utility workers and the public.
• Provide foundation for effective specification, design, and installation of line switches.
• Optimize commissioning protocols of new line switches.
• Improve effectiveness of in-service inspections and condition assessments.
• Enhance understanding of line switch performance, component aging and deterioration mechanisms.
• Provide technical basis for decision-making based on field data and condition ratings.
• Provide cost-effective methods for implementing condition-based maintenance and replacement strategies.

Member Benefits

• Offer guidance on components specification.
• Provide knowledge on siting, installation, and commissioning practices of new line switches.
• Provide guidance on inspection, live line and safety aspects related to maintenance of line switches.
• Provide knowledge on new inspection technologies and how they work in the field.
• Provide guidance on testing and evaluation of quick break whip devices and vacuum interrupters.

At A Glance

Transmission line switches are critical assets for the resilience of the transmission system, given that they minimize outage impacts by remotely isolating faulted line sections following outage events. Therefore, they should reliably operate in any condition and meet a variety of environmental requirements.
Line switches may have different designs, purposes, installation practices, and maintenance requirements. There is very limited understanding and scarce technical information of installation, inspection, and maintenance to ensure that line switches are reliable to operate when required. Project 35.018 aims to incorporate design, installation, inspection, assessment, and maintenance practices to increase the reliability of line switches.

Key Activities for 2024

Quick Break Whip Device Testing: This task intends to develop guidelines and determine, through laboratory testing, the performance and current handling of quick break whip arc interrupting devices. Since there is currently no test methodology for evaluating quick break whips, this research is intended to advance the knowledge and understanding of laboratory evaluation of these devices. In 2024 EPRI aims to continue performing laboratory electrical tests and providing preliminary analysis on additional devices from different manufacturers.

Inspection and Maintenance Considerations for Line Switches: This task aims to investigate the use and application of existing, new, and emerging technologies for inspecting, assessing, and monitoring the conditions of line switches. The information obtained is intended to be compiled into a comprehensive guide, to form the basis for understanding components, inspection, and monitoring techniques. Technologies such as unmanned aerial systems, testers and sensors are intended to be explored

Vintage Guide: This task aims to develop a comprehensive technical resource intended to provide guidance and strategies on procedures to assess the condition of transmission line switches in service by model and vintage, identifying and cataloguing underlying failure and degradation modes and mechanisms, to help determine life expectancy and required maintenance actions, as well as assisting in the performance of root cause and failure analyses. In 2024, EPRI aims to initiate forensic investigations on failed components, and compile case studies provided by utilities.

Engagement Opportunities