Discussion on “the maximum distance to which power can be economically transmitted,” at Philadelphia, Pa., January 9, 1905

Wm. McClellan: The chief value of the author´s paper is its exposition of the methods used. So far as results are concerned, there will be widely differing opinions. The speaker believes that the author has been very liberal except in what might be called the factor of safety. Apparently, three circuits have been provided, each with one-third load capacity. If one of these nine wires should fail only two-thirds of the rated load could be carried. We have, however, plenty of reserve in the converters, etc. In a line projected some time ago there was one extra wire provided for emergencies. The provision in this respect does not seem quite consistent. On the other hand, one must remember that these conductors are of solid copper, one inch and a half in diameter, and not likely to get in trouble except in the land of cyclones.