BPA's field test evaluation of 500-kV PCB's rated to limit line switching overvoltages to 1.5 per unit

Since 1968 Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has purchased 500-kV PCB's required to limit line switching overvoltages to 1.5 per unit or less. This paper presents characteristics of six different 500-kV PCB designs tested, system conditions during tests, test sequence, instrumentation used, test results, evaluation of results, and criteria used in establishing acceptable performance of the breakers tested.