Research Status & Deliverables

Task: Evaluation of AC Voltage Detectors
Task Description: When conducting deenergized maintenance, it is important that line workers verify that there is no voltage on the line being worked on. Devices known as voltage detectors are used to determine if there is a voltage on the line. This task intends to identify the commercially available ac voltage detectors and conduct tests to evaluate their performance. In 2024, results from the testing of commercially available detectors are intended to be presented in a report.
Update:

• A test plan is being developed.
• The evaluation criteria are being developed.
• AC voltage detectors are being selected for purchasing.

Task: Live Working Reference Guide (Tan Book)
Task Description: This is a comprehensive technical resource on live working, including de-energized work, North American and international standards, and fundamentals and principles related to live working tools, equipment, methods, and training resources. The guide is designed to be used by utility personnel engaged in all aspects of live work, from transmission maintenance managers and supervisors to line workers. A new version of the guide is published each year including new or reviewed content based on input from project members.
Update:

• Main updates will be decided in consonance with utility members interest during 2024 Spring Task Force.

Task: Evaluation and Testing of Live Line Ropes
Task Description: Dielectric ropes are used in Live Work along with rigid insulating tools. Currently available live working ropes have several advantages and disadvantages. An updated research plan intends to evaluate electrical and mechanical performance of new rope designs coming to market as well as aged ropes provided by utilities. Testing will be performed according to existing standards, but also based on “real-world” exposure. In 2024, a technical update detailing results of electrical and mechanical testing of ropes and fall arresters is intended to be completed.
Update:

• The following rope types from Barry Cordage were purchased for electrical and mechanical testing:
  • Barry D.E.W Line Dielectric Rope Link
  • Barry D.E.W Line Dielectric Throw Line
  • Barry D.E.W Line Dielectric Tag Line
  • Barry D.E.W Line Dielectric Rescue Rope
• A preliminary test plan is being developed.
• A new electrical testing rig is being developed.
• A mechanical wear testing device is being designed.
• Additional electrical and mechanical exploratory tests are being evaluated.

Task: Temporary Protective Grounding Rating Calculator (Software)
Task Description: A calculator to determine the size of temporary protective ground cables is intended to be developed. This calculator is envisioned to be a simple tool that enables utility personnel to quickly calculate the appropriate temporary protective ground cable size.
Update:

• The original programming language is being converted to a more sophisticated language.
• A new software interface is being developed with new features.

Task: Minimum Approach Distance Calculator (Software)
Task Description: This desktop software tool calculates and illustrates the minimum approach distance (MAD) for phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase clearances based on IEEE 516 and IEC 61472 formulae for utility-specific structures using line components and dimensions for that specific structure’s location. In 2024, the new software interface using Unity 3D is expected to be updated with realistic features. In addition, the insulator builder module that includes a calculator to determine the minimum number of healthy ceramic insulators for live line work is anticipated to be incorporated.
Update:

• The software update has been initiated.

Task: Understanding Insulating Tool Flashovers at Normal AC Voltages
Task Description: This is a multi-year task to support and complement Industry and member problem solving efforts related to past Industry insulating tool flashovers at normal ac system voltages. In 2024, the “Insulating Tools Flashover Incidents” report is intended to be updated with a 345 kV flashover incident.
Update:

• The report update has been initiated.

Task: Finite Element Modeling of Insulating Tool Flashover under 60 Hz
Task Description: This task is part of a broader research effort that intends to investigate degradation and failure modes of FRP insulating tools. It consists of the development, verification, and parametric analysis of a Finite Element Model of an anomalous insulating tool flashover incident. In 2024, preliminary results from a Finite Difference Time Domain modeling (FDTD) are intended to be presented in a report.
Update:

• The initial Finite Element Model (FEM) has been developed and tested.
• Preliminary results have been obtained and verified.
• The technical update has been initiated.

Task: Conductive Suit Evaluation
Task Description: This task aims to update and expand the investigation of conductive suits published in 1995. it seeks to verify electrical performance of conductive suits available on the market, including shielding efficiency, current carrying capacity, and electric resistance degradation due to washing cycles. In 2024, EPRI intend to initiate the investigation and test conductive suits from two manufacturers.
Update:

• Conductive suits have been ordered
• The initial test plan is being developed.

Planned 2024 Deliverables

2023 Deliverables

Additional Deliverables