Pole top fires: Review of work to date and a case for further research

Pole-top fires may occur on woodpole structures of electrical distribution networks because of leakage current flowing over the insulators and thereafter onto or into the wood of the structure. These fires may be severe enough to burn through the wooden cross arm or pole. Various local and international researchers have conducted work in this regard. However, further work was found to be necessary. The paper reports the results of a literature review of South African and Australian experiences and further South African field experiences for 11 kV and 22 kV distribution systems. Discussion of the preceding sections is used to obtain an advanced engineering understanding of the problem. This results in the need for further tests. The rationale of these tests is explained, the test methodology is also described.