Updates & Events
Info for members about events, updates, and results
In 2026 we are planning to undertake several tasks in P35.018, Line Switches, including those listed below:**
- Test Quick Break Whip Devices: 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 2026 EPRI intends to continue to work on electrical and endurance testing, and on developing a free-air arc model.
- Develop Inspection and Maintenance Considerations for Line Switches: This task investigates the use and application of existing, new, and emerging technologies for inspecting, assessing, and monitoring the health 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. In 2026 EPRI intends to work on additional detailed inspection procedures for specific components, such as motor operators, and to include new line switch models in the electronic form for inspection of line switches.
- Develop Transmission Line Switch 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. For that, underlying failure and degradation modes and mechanisms have been identified and catalogued by component to help estimating life expectancy and required maintenance actions. In addition, this task assists utilities in the performance of root cause and failure analyses. In 2026, EPRI aims to include results of additional forensic investigations, and compile case studies provided by utilities.
- Catalog Component Degradation Modes: This task seeks to catalog degradation modes of line switch components from different manufacturers. Every year EPRI updates the Transmission Resource Center (TRC) with new findings from forensic investigations performed in previous years and utility reports.
- Update Practical Installation Guide of Line Switches: This is a living task intended to provide the technical basis and guidelines to support and help in the field engineers and technical staff with information regarding component specification, design, installation, and commissioning protocols of new equipment, as learned through best practices. In 2026 EPRI intends to continue working on a compilation of utility line switch installation design templates.
- Evaluate Motorized Switches: This task seeks to gain a better understanding of the functionality of, and the inspection techniques required for motorized switches compared to manually operated switches. Possible topics include the additional components needed for motorization, such as batteries, SCADA and alternatives of power supply. Findings from this task are shared through the inspection and Maintenance Guide and the Line Switch Vintage Guide Technical Update.
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 Information Exchange Webcast:** Inspection and Maintenance Practices (P35.018) | April 16 2:**00- 3:**00 pm ET | Webcast | Alessandro Berredo | More information coming soon |
| 2026 IAM Workshop | April 28-30 | Charlotte, NC | Rachel Moore Alessandro Berredo Tim Shaw Neal Murray |
More information coming soon |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast:** Line Switch Management (P35.018) | May 6 2:**00-3:**00 pm 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 |
| 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:** Line Switch Management (P35.018) | December 10 2:**00-3:**00 pm ET | Webcast | Alessandro Berredo | More information coming soon |
2026 Anticipated Deliverables
| Deliverable Title | Deliverable Type |
|---|---|
| Quick Break Whip Testing – Electrical and Mechanical Endurance Testing | Technical Update Report |
| Inspection and Maintenance Guide | Technical Update Report |
| Transmission Line Switch Vintage Guide | Technical Update Report |
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:** Line Switch Management (P35.018) | May 7 2:**00-3:**00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI R&D Information Exchange Webcast:** Technical and Economic Impacts of Operational Failures of Disconnect Switches due to Mechanical Seizure in Transmission Utilities (P35.018) |
June 19 2:**00-3:**00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Overhead Transmission 2024 ARP Rollout #1 | July 17 10:**00 am - 11:**00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Overhead Transmission 2024 ARP Rollout #2 | July 24 2:**00 pm - 3:**30 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | August 18-22 (In-person) August 25-29 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Meeting Materials |
| EPRI End of Year Webcast:** Line Switch Management (P35.018) | November 25 2:**00-3:**00 pm ET |
Webcast | Meeting Materials |
2025 Deliverables
| PID | Deliverable Title |
|---|---|
| 3002032805 | Test Procedure for Quick Break Whip Devices: Recovery Withstand Voltage Vs Gap Length |
| 3002032806 | Inspection and Maintenance of Transmission Line Switches: Economic and Technical Impacts of Mechanical Seizures |
| 3002032807 | Line Switch Vintage Guide 2025: Investigation of Solid Insulation Vacuum Interrupters and Blade and Jaw Contacts |