Effect of Shield Design on Performance of Aerial Cable

Lightning and other surges have been a major problem on aerial cable systems connected to open-wire lines. In 1957, an experimental cable line with variation in shield construction was installed in an area with high lightning incidence. This paper reports the service and test record of the line. In seven years, the line has suffered 19 test failures and one service failure. These failures occurred first and most frequently on cables having relatively high shield impedance.