A ground-based sensor for the detection of transmission line conductor motion

A novel lower-cost method of detecting transmission line conductor motion has been developed. The detector is ground based and can be installed by two people with no line outage or physical connection to the transmission line structure. Detection sensitivity is approximately 0.3 m (1 ft) p-p (peak-to-peak). Field testing has shown that the detector can detect several modes of conductor motion, including both single and double-loop motion, as well conductor blowout conditions. It is concluded that this detector can greatly aid in conductor motion data gathering with reduced cost and enhanced personnel safety over alternate approaches