Laboratory testing of aged conductors and groundwires

As overhead conductors and groundwires age substantially beyond their respective design lives, there is increasing pressure on owners of these assets to know their present physical condition to help make decisions on major capital expenditures. Physical assessment is the only way of knowing the current condition of conductors and groundwires with any degree of reliability and accuracy. This discussion presents some laboratory tests that have been used to assess the condition of conductors and groundwires. It is beyond the scope of the discussion to define end of life or remaining life.