Lightning and other experiences with 132 — kv.-steel tower transmission lines, and its bearing on tower-line design from the continuity of service standpoint

A large number of transmission lines have been erected without adequate consideration having been given to the ability of the line to stay in circuit electrically during the occurrence of lightning or other disturbance conditions. These come, however, within the range of the transmission engineer's field of action. The author's experience with a 55 — mi., 132 — kv. transmission line since 1917 to date is cited, the particular line being one which has been very successful from a standpoint of continuity of service. Further experience with other lines built with variations on the original design and placed in service in 1924 and 1925 is given. A detailed analysis is given of eighty-eight cases of lightning trouble on one of these lines during 1925, the various steps taken to reduce the frequency of this trouble, the effect of increased clearances and separations, of additional insulators, of flux control units, and of arcing horns and shields on the amount of trouble and on the damage to insulator and conductor are discussed both from the standpoint of actual experience and from the laboratory analyses and investigations made. A general discussion of the ground wire and its effect on lightning voltages is given and the arguments for and against it are discussed. The importance of paying attention to the mechanical side of the ground wire and the effect of such attention on continuity of service is pointed out. A summation is given of the analysis and experience of the authors in operation of 132,000 — volt lines as applied to transmission line design from the standpoint of continuity of service.