Updates & Events
Info for members about events, updates, and results
In 2026 we are planning to undertake several tasks in P35.010, Live Working, including those listed below:
- Update The Live Working Reference Guide (The Tan Book): The Tan Book is a comprehensive technical resource on live working and includes 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 any aspect of live work, from transmission maintenance managers and supervisors to line workers. An updated version of the guide is published each year including new or reviewed content based on input from project members.
- Evaluate Live Working Rope: Dielectric ropes are used in live work along with rigid insulating tools. EPRI has initiated evaluations of the electrical and mechanical performance of multiple makes and models of dielectric ropes. These tests include existing standard methods as well as simulated “real-world” conditions. In 2026, EPRI intends to perform additional exploratory testing and issue a technical guide on inspection and retirement of ropes intended for energized work.
- Evaluate Portable Hot Stick Testing Devices: Hot stick handheld field testers are used to determine if fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) sticks are electrically safe for contact with energized lines prior to work. Many utilities have questioned the detection effectiveness of such devices. This task intends to identify the commercially available testers and conduct tests to evaluate their performance. In 2026, laboratory testing results of some of these devices (e.g., Hubbell Wet/Dry Hotstick Tester, Hastings Hot Stick Tester, PENTA TTr2) are intended to be presented in a report.
- Update the Minimum Approach Distance Calculator: 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 2026, EPRI plans to update the software with new features and bug fixes, and to start the development of a new structure model builder. This new structure module is to be designed to enable the creation of custom structures, incorporating features such as underbuilt conductors, braced post configurations, and asymmetric crossarms.
- Perform Testing to Understand Insulating Tool Flashovers at Normal AC Voltages: Past industry insulating tool flashovers at normal ac system voltages have led EPRI to initiate a multi-year investigation to determine the root cause of the flashovers. Laboratory tests have been developed and performed based on hypotheses and/or numerical models to understand these occurrences. This research is part of a broader research effort that intends to investigate degradation and failure modes of insulating tools, research new materials to enhance tool performance, develop/search for new tool testing and inspection technologies, and develop reference and training materials that enhance worker safety in the use, inspection, testing, and care of insulating tools used in live work. In 2026, EPRI intends to conduct full-scale electrical testing of the hot stick flashover case studied through Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) analysis previously developed. Additionally, EPRI intends to issue a test report These small and full-scale test results are planned to be published in the EPRI report Understanding Insulating Tool Flashovers at Normal AC Voltages.
- Evaluate Conductive Suits: This task aims to update and expand the investigation of conductive suits performed previously. 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 2026, EPRI intends to include the investigation of conductive suits intended for AC induction.
- Evaluate Effects of High Temperature on Insulating Tools: This multi-year task seeks to identify mechanical and electrical effects on insulating tools, such as hot sticks and ropes, caused by contact exposure with conductors operating at high temperatures. This task is important as utilities have replaced conventional ACSR for HTLS conductors in order to increase the transmission capacity trough higher temperature operation (up to 250°C).
- Evaluate Performance of Insulating Tools in Realistic Environments: This task intends to perform electrical testing of lightly contaminated FRP sticks exposed to realistic scenarios, such as high humidity and light fog, in vertical and horizontal positions.
- Host an OHTL Temporary Protective Grounding and Bonding Workshop: EPRI intends to host a 2-day workshop on temporary protective grounding and bonding practices including laboratory demonstrations, at its high voltage laboratory facility in Lenox, MA.
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 |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Live Working (P35.010) | May 7 2:00-3:00 pm ET | Webcast | Alessandro Berredo | More information coming soon |
| EPRI R&D Information Exchange Webcast: Temporary Potective Grounding - Lessons Learned (P35.010) | May 21 10:00 - 11:30 am ET | Webcast | Alessandro Berredo | 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 |
| Temporary Protective Grounding Workshop | July 22 (TIME) | Lenox, MA | Alessandro Berredo | 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: Live Working (P35.010) | December 12 2:00-3:00 pm ET | Webcast | Alessandro Berredo | More information coming soon |
2026 Anticipated Deliverables
| Deliverable | Deliverable Type |
|---|---|
| Live Working Reference Book(Tan Book) | Reference Book |
| Live Working Rope Testing and Evaluation – Development of Inspection and Retirement Guide | Technical Update |
| Evaluation of Portable HotStick Testing Devices | Technical Update |
| Understanding Insulating Tool Flashovers at Normal AC Voltages: Electrical Testing Results | Technical Update |
| OHTL Temporary Protective Grounding and Bonding Workshop | Workshop |
2025 Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Working 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 |
| Live Working Workshop: Care and Testing of Insulating Tools | April 30 8:30-4:30 pm ET |
Charlotte, NC | |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Live Working (P35.010) | May 21 2:00-3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Information Exchange Webcast: Live Line Procedures for EHV Lines (P35.010) | June 12 2:00-3:00 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 |
| Live Working Task Force | August 18-22 (In-person) August 25-29 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI End of Year Webcast: Live Working (P35.010) | November 20 2:00-3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
2025 Deliverables
| PID | Deliverable Title |
|---|---|
| In-Person Live Working Workshop: Care and Testing of Insulating Tools | |
| TRC | MAD Calculator Web App |
| 3002032771 | Minimum Approach Distance Calculator (Software) |
| 3002032772 | Live Working Reference Book (The Tan Book): 2025 Edition |
| 3002032773 | Insulating Ropes for Live Working: Thermoplastic Extruded Jacketed Ropes, Fall Arrest Performance, and Stringing Lines |
| 3002032774 | Evaluation of Conductive Suits for Live Line Work |
| 3002032775 | Evaluation of Dielectric Rope Handheld Field Testers |