Use of fault recorders to provide information during overhead line fault location and supply restoration procedures

Northern Ireland Electricity are investigating various methods of optimising the application of telecontrol. The objective is for the control centre staff and field staff to work as a team with the control centre staff being able to co-ordinate the activities of the field staff more effectively because of the information available. A further objective is to minimise the need for field staff to visit the 33/11 kV substations during fault location procedures. The author outlines possible benefits of having data available, captured by fault recorders when the fault occurs. The argument developed in the paper is that clear fault information available to the control centre staff, in a readily understood format would enable the team to be more responsive to the fault condition, enhancing customer service to all affected by the fault