[College of ACES] [University of Illinois] [Illinois CES]

Re: Electrical cable system eliminates pruning

Phil_Graham@mindlink.bc.ca
Mon, 28 Oct 1996 18:03:35 -0600

No reasons were cited other than the potential of branches
to wear down the coating (which is not a rated insulation)
and the resulting fault as the conductor burns through.

Here at BC Hydro we questioned the hazards presented when a
tree brings the line down and the coating prevents normal
protection from operating. It seems there is a greater
likelihood of downed lines remaining energized and if there
is any electrical or mechanical damage to the insulation
then there is an increased risk to the public.

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone with operational
experience with Hendrix Cable, specifically in terms of
allowable clearances, cost (12% sounds pretty low to me),
and repair experiences. I have some concern that with
this type of construction we would have spans of downed
lines and broken poles, instead of broken (and shorted out)
conductor with traditional construction.

Phil Graham
BC Hydro, Prince George, BC