A Field Study of Acsr Cable in Severe Marine and Industrial Environment

It is believed that, for the first time in this country, a comprehensive test program involving the controlled service exposure of ACSR conductors in various heavy-corrosion environments has been put into operation. With the variables of weather known and the variables of conductor construction, installation, operation, and sampling controlled, much valuable data on the behavior of such conductors has been obtained and will continue to accumulate. The observations and the reported changes in electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the various conductors form a somewhat general picture of initial weathering. Most of the changes are negligible; others appear surprisingly large. It is not possible to say at this time which of the changes will bear significant influences on service life. This first year of exposure is undoubtedly a form of adjustment period; the changes therein may be expected to be large. The following stages of weathering may be expected to be slower as the various exposed surfaces tend towards equilibrium with their environments. Several interesting facts concerning the initial weathering period for ACSR conductors have emerged. Some of these, briefly summarized, are as follows: 1. Exposure on the Pacific Coast at San Diego, Calif., has proved thus far to be the most severe of the marine weathering environments. 2. Exposure at the industrial site of Hammond, Ind., and the Salt Lake area has caused little or no change in the conductors thus far. 3. The single-layer no.