A method for estimating the reliability of distribution circuits

The expected reliability performance of primary distribution circuits can be estimated by a direct assessment of the configuration and exposure of the circuit. By combining the effects of length, conductor, sectionalizing devices, and hazards with the number of customers affected, numerical indexes can be calculated for the entire circuit or any of its parts. These indexes are then usable as guides for selecting circuits for improvement and for highlighting the parts of the circuit to improve. This method has two important advantages: it does not require historical data (which may not be valid or even available), and it identifies specific locations requiring corrective action