Updates & Events
Task: Testing of Quick Break Whip Devices
Task Description: Laboratory tests to develop guidelines and determine the performance and current handling of quick break whip arc interrupting devices.
Update:
- Laboratory test results and preliminary analysis were published in 2023.
- Additional laboratory tests are intended in 2024. EPRI aims to test two additional whip devices, from different manufacturers.
- In 2024 EPRI intends to estimate the minimum whip requirements for effective arc extinguishing, based on the laboratory test results.
Task: Inspection and Maintenance Considerations for Line Switches
Task Description: A comprehensive guide is being compiled to form the basis for inspection, assessment, condition monitoring and maintenance technologies and techniques applicable to line switches. This task aims to explore the use and application of existing, new, and emerging technologies such as unmanned aerial systems and sensors. In 2024 EPRI seeks to:
- Compile information regarding utilities inspection and preventive maintenance intervals and practices.
- Investigate and include information regarding the use of monitoring systems for condition-based maintenance.
- Investigate and include information regarding new inspection technologies available.
Update:
- Initiate a new chapter on testing techniques.
- Initiate a new chapter on monitoring systems for condition-based maintenance, including EPRI Monitors.
- Include information regarding existing, new, and emerging technologies.
Task: Vintage Guide of Transmission Line Switches
Task Description: Identify and catalog failure modes and degradation mechanisms of line switches by model and vintage to help determine life expectancy and required maintenance actions and assist in performing analysis of root cause and failure. In 2024, EPRI seeks to initiate the work on forensic investigations of failed components and case studies provided by utilities.
Update:
- The first forensic investigation on a failed vacuum interrupter is planned for publication in December 2024. It intends to include the step-by-step approach, tests performed and analysis of root cause and failure. Results from this investigation may contribute to developing a systematic protocol for forensic analysis of vacuum interrupters.
- An initial test plan was developed.
- Preliminary visual inspection and electrical testing have been initiated.
Engagement Opportunities
| Meeting | Date | Location | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | March 10-13 (In-person) March 17-20 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | Register Here |
| EPRI R&D Project Update Webcast: Line Switch Management (P35.018) | May 7 2:00-3:00 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| 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 | |
| Overhead Transmission 2024 ARP Rollout #1 | July 17 10:00 am - 11:00 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| Overhead Transmission 2024 ARP Rollout #2 | July 24 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm ET |
Webcast | |
| Inspection and Assessment Task Force | August 18-22 (In-person) August 25-29 (Virtual) |
Charlotte, NC | |
| EPRI End of Year Webcast: Line Switch Management (P35.018) | November 25 2:00-3:00 pm ET |
Webcast |
Anticipated 2025 Deliverables
| Deliverable | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Break Whip Testing: Electrical and Mechanical Endurance | Technical Update | December 2025 |
| Inspection and Maintenance Guide | Technical Update | December 2025 |
| Transmission Line Switch Vintage Guide | Technical Update | December 2025 |
2024 Deliverables
| Product ID | Name |
Type |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | Test Procedure for Quick Break Whip Devices: Comparative Performance of Gap Length versus Time |
Technical Update |
| TBD | Inspection and Maintenance of Transmission Line Switches: Procedures, Monitoring and Testing |
Technical Update |
| TBD | Transmission Line Switch Vintage Guide: 2024 Updates on Failures and Degradation Modes |