Component issues [overhead lines]

The performance of an overhead line is related to a combination of design and component issues. This paper concentrates on factors affecting component performance. In order to achieve an understanding of the effect of issues related to individual components and the overall performance of overhead lines it is necessary to consider a range of issues including original specification, degradation and failure processes and the application of appropriate condition assessment procedures. The main thrust of this paper is to discuss the degradation and failure processes which affect individual components on overhead lines (conductors, fittings, insulators, wood poles) and consider how this knowledge can then be used to optimise the performance and ongoing management of existing lines. Following this, the benefits to be gained by applying this understanding to the design and installation of new components are briefly addressed