Updates & Events
Info for members about events, updates, and results
In 2026 we are planning to undertake several tasks in P35.004, Traditional Conductors and Connectors, including those listed below:
- Identify Methods for In-Service Conductor Identification: In 2026, new and emerging conductor and connector inspection technologies are expected to be identified, reviewed, and evaluated. Some utilities struggle to identify conductors that have been on their system for decades. EPRI intends on evaluating methods and tools to identify in-service conductors and update the Traditional Conductor and Connector Inspection Guide with their findings.
- Analyze Failed or Removed from Service Conductors and Connectors: Conductors and connectors that have failed in service or have been removed from service are evaluated in the laboratory to better understand aging and failure modes. Tests may include resistance measurements, thermal responses, IR measurements, radiographic analysis, and dissection or mechanical tensile testing to failure. EPRI aims to include and track this information in a database to identify trends in the industry. In 2026, EPRI plans to continue evaluating aged and failed samples and update to the report Evaluation of Aged Traditional Conductors and Connectors.
- Continue Accelerated Aging of Single-Stage Compression Fittings at 93°C: EPRI has provided guidelines to assist utilities with the inspection and management of line connectors based on previous EPRI empirical testing of traditional conductors and connectors. Recently, manufacturers have developed new single-stage compression connector designs for traditional conductors, however, their long-term performance is unknown. In 2026, EPRI intends to continue the accelerated aging of newly developed single stage compression fittings for traditional conductors at 93°C to understand their performance and degradation mechanisms over a simulated 40-year lifespan.
- Provide Guidance on Inspection and Assessment of T-Tap Connectors: Guidelines help to assist utilities with managing connectors through their lifetime, including scheduling of inspections, selection inspection methods, data collection and use, prioritizing, and mitigation strategies. In 2026, EPRI intends on detailing inspection methods and acceptance criteria for t-tap connectors in the Traditional Conductor and Connector Management Guide.
- Evaluate the Effects of Joint Compound Application in Compression Connector Performance. Accelerated aging at 93°C of test lines assembled with different amounts of joint compound is to be continued into 2026 to evaluate the impact of joint compound on the thermal and electrical performance of two-stage compression connectors. In 2026, thermal-mechanical aging is anticipated to finish on the two-stage compression fittings with different amounts of joint compound applied and post-accelerated aging evaluations are planned. An update to the Effects of Connector Compound Application in Overhead Transmission Compression Connector Performance report is anticipated.
- Provide Training on Traditional Conductors: With the loss of experienced personnel, it is imperative that we educate and train new personnel efficiently and effectively. In 2026, EPRI intends on providing new training introducing different types of traditional conductors, their degradation mechanisms, inspection techniques, acceptance criteria, and mitigation methods.
2026 Engagement Opportunities
| Event Name | Date | Location | Contact | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and Substations Task Force Meeting | February 9 - 12 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | Meeting Information |
| Transmission & Substations Advisory Meeting | March 30 - April 1 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | Meeting Information |
| 2026 IAM Workshop | April 28-30 | Charlotte, NC | Rachel Moore Alessandro Berredo Tim Shaw Neal Murray |
More information coming soon |
| Overhead Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #1 | June 18 10:00 - 11:30 am ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Connector Management (P35.004) | June 18 2:00-2:30 pm ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore Rajnish Deo |
More information coming soon |
| Overhead Transmission 2025 ARP Rollout #2 | July 30 10:00 - 11:30 am ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Transmission and Substations Task Force Meeting | August 10-14 | Charlotte, NC EPRI Offices | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon |
| Transmission & Substations Advisory Meeting | August 31- September 2 | Rachel Moore | More information coming soon | |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Connector Management (P35.004) | December 10 2:00-2:30 pm ET | Webcast | Rachel Moore Rajnish Deo |
More information coming soon |
2026 Anticipated Deliverables
| Deliverable | Deliverable Type |
|---|---|
| Traditional Conductor and Connector Inspection Guide | Technical Update Report |
| Traditional Conductor and Connector Management Guide | Technical Update Report |
| Evaluation of Aged Traditional Conductors and Connectors | Technical Update Report |
| Effects of Connector Compound Application in Overhead Transmission Compression Connector Performance | Technical Update Report |
| Traditional Conductors 101 | Web-Based Training |
2025 Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | March 10-13 (In-person) March 17-20 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI Overhead Transmission Program (P35) New Supplemental Launch Webcast | April 3 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Connector Management (P35.004) | June 17 2:00-2:30 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #1 | July 17 10:00 am - 11:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Material |
| Overhead Transmission 2026 ARP Rollout #2 | July 24 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Material |
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | August 18-22 (In-person) August 25-29 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI End of Year Webcast: Connector Management (P35.004) | December 11 2:00-2:30 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
2025 Deliverables
| PID | Deliverable Title |
|---|---|
| 3002032737 | Connector Inspection Guide |
| 3002032738 | Connector Management Guide |
| 3002032739 | Evaluation of Aged Connectors |
| 3002032740 | Effects of Connector Compound Application in Overhead Transmission Compression Connector Performance |