Abstract :
The rural Electricity Supply Board (ESB) distribution system consists of 5500 km of (arc suppressed) 38 kV network feeding 320 38/10 kV substations ranging in capacity from 2 MVA to 10 MVA. The rural 10 kV network is operated with its neutral isolated from ground and consists of more than 18000 km of three phase, three wire backbone lines which feed a network of more than 54000 km of two phase, two wire lines. A strategic decision has been undertaken to prevent and minimise outages. The author looks at neutral treatment and lightning prevention to prevent outages; prevention of transient faults; and causes and effects of permanent faults
