Lightning investigation on 132-kv transmission system of the American gas and electric company: Field study of natural lightning currents measured in towers, line wires, and ground wires; and currents and voltages at stations

THE field study of the characteristics of natural lightning on transmission systems, started some 15 years ago, has been carried on with continued persistence by various investigators up to the present time. On the American Gas and Electric Company 132-kv inter-connected system, investigation was started in 1927, and the results obtained have been reported in papers^1–9 before the Institute from time to time, the last appearing in 1937. This present paper presents largely the data obtained from the field work which we have carried on since that time on the above system in an attempt to learn more about the characteristics of natural lightning, particularly lightning currents and rates of voltage rise, as they affect transmission lines and equipment. It includes field data for the past four years, combined in some cases with previous field data in order to make the records complete and inclusive.