The use of portable protective air gaps in liveline maintenance

Portable Protective Air Gaps (PPAG) may be used as a liveline tool to control the maximum voltage that can electrically stress the air gap at a worksite. The worker’s Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) may be reduced to a withstand distance coordinated with the sparkover voltage of the PPAG. PPAGs are currently limited to applications at 230 through 500 kV. The factors affecting the design and performance of PPAGs are provided. The design dimensions and sparkover characteristics of several PPAGs are discussed.Work rules for use of PPAGs, that are based on field experience, are provided.