Techniques for in-service and laboratory assessment of splices and conductors from overhead lines

Economic opportunity resulting for utility has resulted in increased loading for many transmission lines. Economic pressures are also resulting in increased concerns for cost and reliability of both transmission and distribution circuits. An assessment of older circuits is needed to determine the need for replacement or upgrade to address reliability or capacity criteria. This discussion summarizes available techniques for assessment, and provides a systematic approach for evaluation of ACSR, AAC and copper conductors. A spreadsheet used for analysis of laboratory conductor data is presented.