Discussion on “engineering data relating to high-tension transmission systems” (sub-committee report: Thomas), Detroit, Mich., June 25, 1914. (see proceedings for October, 1914)

John B. Fisken: On page 1457 it is stated for the Washington Waterpower Company, “We have noted no deterioration in conductors.” That, as far as I know, was true up to within the past few weeks. Since I left home I have been advised that a very serious deterioration has been noticed in some of the conductors. I have a small sample of wire here which was sent to me at Detroit, which I will give to the chairman; it shows the deterioration to which I refer. I do not know what the cause is, and I cannot account for it, unless it is a corona effect. It appears to be a very serious matter. This line has been in operation about eleven years. The first eighteen months it was operated at about 45,000 volts, and since then at 60,000 volts. The triangle is 42 inches. The insulators are carried on iron pins and wooden poles, and until about two years ago the pins were not grounded. At that time we did ground the pins and that has had some effect on the wire, possibly. I merely call your attention to this to show that we at any rate have found deterioration in the conductors.