Some simple examples of transmission line surges

The paper treats of the true wave phenomena which take place on a transmission line when switches are opened and closed or when a circuit breaker operates. These phenomena are practically the same in alternating- and direct-current systems for transmission lines up to say 150 or 200 mi. (240 or 320 km.) in length, and therefore the surges which are described in the paper are the surges which take place when a steady voltage is connected to the line or when the line is disconnected with a steady current flowing in it. The details of line surging which takes place under such conditions are most easily described in terms of what may be called the “ribbon wave”, and the first part of the paper is devoted to a discussion of the ribbon wave. Then a number of practical examples are described in detail.