Protection and Insulation ofPow erLines

Leakage path
In dry air sparks can jump 1cm for

every 10000V
Thus a spark can jump from a power
line carrying 200 kV and its
supporting structure if it is within a
distance of 20 cm
An insulator is used to increase the
distance between the power line and
the supporting structure

Insulators
Insulators must
support the conductors and
withstand both the normal operating voltage and

surges due to switching and lightning.

Insulators are broadly classified as either

pin-type, which support the conductor above the

structure, or
suspension type, where the conductor hangs below the
structure.

both types are commonly used for voltages up to

about 33 kV.
only suspension-type insulators are used at
higher voltages

Pin type insulators

Pin type insulators

Increases the leakage path
The greater the voltage the greater the number

of discs used
Usually made of porcelain or toughened glass,
with increasing use of glass-reinforced polymer
The shape reduces the likelihood of grime
building up on the underside or getting wet
Grime becomes a conductor when wet
The shape also increases the distance the
current must travel
These both reduce the fire hazard

Suspension insulators

Suspension insulators
made of multiple units, with the number of unit

insulator disks increasing at higher voltages.

The number of disks is chosen based on line
voltage, lightning withstand requirement, altitude,
and environmental factors such as fog, pollution, or
salt spray.
Longer insulators, with longer creepage distance
for leakage current, are required in these cases.
Strain insulators must be strong enough
mechanically to support the full weight of the span
of conductor, as well as loads due to ice
accumulation, and wind.

Porcelain insulators
may have a semi-conductive glaze

finish, so that a small current (a few

mA) passes through the insulator. This
warms the surface slightly and reduces
the effect of fog and dirt accumulation.
The semiconducting glaze also insures
a more even distribution of voltage
along the length of the chain of
insulator units.

Lightning P rotection
Lightning is a huge static electric

spark created during a thunderstorm.

Lightning strikes can be damaging to
buildings and equipment, as well as
dangerous to people.
Earth line is a continuous cable
which only carries a current if a fault
develops

Static dischargers

Static dischargers

Earth or G round W ire

There are usually 2 wires at the top of high

voltage transmission lines (or 1 on low

voltage) which are connected to the earth
Act as a lightning conductor to shield the
current- carrying wires below, by
intercepting the lightning strike
If struck, the electricity will be conducted to
the earth by the metal tower (or earth wire
for wooden poles)
Avoids current surges and damage to
substations