Practical aspects of using line sensors in the field

Distribution voltage and current sensors must be designed to be economical to install and robust in their design to survive the elements. Various design and routine tests are recommended to help insure the survivability of these sensors. Available existing sensor technologies are described along with typical accuracies that can be expected from sensors, and complete integrated sensor systems, in the field. In addition to distribution sensors, it is also important to consider sensing more than the commonly measured electrical parameters on remote transmission lines. Real time monitoring of operational parameters, such as conductor sag, can increase the thermal limits of lines during critical periods.