Eskom transmission live line maintenance techniques and practices

The Eskom transmission network comprises of some 30 000 kilometres of HV and EHV overhead transmission line ranging in voltage from 220 kV to 765 kV AC and 533 kV DC. Quality and continuity of supply and network outage constraints requires the use of live line maintenance techniques to achieve required network performance and circuit availability. Stick and bare hand techniques using insulated ladders, insulated aerial platforms, rope hoisting methods and helicopters are utilised to gain access to live conductors and structures to carry out essential preventative maintenance. Tools and techniques have been developed and optimised for local conditions and designs, based on maintenance requirements and available resources.