Recent experience in Eskom with pole-top fires on 22 kV woodpole lines

This paper reviews Eskom's experiences with seasonal pole-top fires on 22 kV pole-top lines in northern Kwazulu Natal. The context of the problem is described, together with the results of a novel field experiment to determine the underlying causes of the burning. The corrective measures applied by Eskom are reviewed and their efficacy assessed. It is shown how the experience with 22 kV pole-top fires will help the designers and operators of woodpole line networks understand and avoid such problems.