Pole Fires Due to Insulator Contamination

Wood poles and crossarms of overhead electric lines may become ignited and damaged when the surface of the insulators and wooden parts become contaminated by industrial dust and upon the occurrence of certain atmospheric conditions. A study was made in the laboratory of all the factors which might contribute to the causes of pole fires. Conditions of dirt and fog and also burning of poles similar to occurrences in the field were reproduced. An explanation of the causes of pole fires was found and finally a simple and effective method of preventing the burning was developed.