IS: 5613 (Part 1/Sec 2): 1985

Draft Indian Standard

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR DESIGN,
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
OVERHEAD POWER LINES

PART 1 LINES UP TO AND INCLUDING 11 KV

Section 2 Installation and Maintenance
(Second Revision)
1 SCOPE

1.1 This code (Part 1/Sec 2) covers installation and maintenance of overhead power lines up to
and including 11 KV.

1.2 This code does not cover installation and maintenance of service lines.

2 TERMINOLOGY
2.1 For the purpose of this code, the definitions given in IS 1885 (Part 32): 2019 and the
Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety & Electric Supply
Regulations) and Regulations by relevant Authorities shall apply.

3 EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION

3.1 General

A proper design of transmission line and its supporting structures, insulators, conductors, etc,
shall be finalized on the basis of CEA Regulations and relevant Indian Standards. Before
ordering for poles, insulators, conductors, etc for use in overhead power lines, complete
information should be worked out by the engineers responsible for their procurement, installation
operation and maintenance, so that the material is procured to suit the duties, locations, and
installation conditions under which the lines will operate.

3.2 Transport Facilities ─ Information about transportation particularly poles and rails should
be obtained from rail and road authorities where required.

4 GENERAL REQUIRMENTS

4.1 Materials and Appliances

All materials, fittings, appliances, etc. used in the installation shall conform to relevant Indian
Standards. In cases where there is no Indian Standard available, the items shall conform to
specifications approved by a competent authority.

4.2 Compliance with Indian Electricity Rules

4.2.1 All electrical installations shall comply with the requirements of the Central Electricity
Authority (Measures Relating to Safety & Electric Supply) Regulations as amended from time
to time. The Rules No. 29, 74 to 93 of Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 are particularly applicable.
4.2.2 It is recommended that local authorities concerned in the matter of layout and installation
of overhead power lines (for example, crossing the town development area, running the line near
the aerodrome, etc) should be consulted.

4.3 The posts and telegraphs authorities or railway authorities should also be consulted
particularly where a power line has to cross a telegraph line or a railway line respectively.
Reference should be made to the relevant provisions of regulations concerning this, made by the
power Telecommunication Co-ordination Committee and regulation formulated by the railway
authorities.

4.4 The electrical installation shall be carried out, only by authorized persons competent to
undertake such work, under the rules regulation, that may be in force indifferent States.

4.5 Preparation for the installation of overhead line should be done well in advance of the actual
commencement of the work. The route of the line should be accurately laid out on the drawing
plan, poles and accessories like insulators should be distributed along the route of the line and
site offices should be built wherever necessary and other accessories required in the installation
of the line should be arranged.

5 FOUNDATION

5.1 General

5.1.1 A hole should be drilled in the ground with use of earth-augers. However, if earth-augers
are not available a dog pit of the size 1.2 x 0.6 m should be made in the direction of the line .The
depth of the pit shall be in accordance with the length of the pole to be planted in the ground as
given in respective Indian Standards.

Note ─ Details of various type of poles and their length and depth of planting is given in IS
785:1998, IS 876: 1992, IS 1678: 1998 and IS 2713 (part 1 to 3): 1980.

5.1.2 All the poles shall be so positioned in the foundations that the bigger section modulus of
the pole in always transvers to the length of the line.

5.2 Wood Poles- Wood poles shall not be concerted or provided with concrete collar (muff) at
the ground level. Due to change in weather, wood pole contracts and lives crevices at the ground
level if a concrete pillar is collar is provided. The termite’s white ants, etc make their home in
these revise and destroy the pole. The portion of wood poles below ground should be painted
with bitumen to avoid deterioration. After a wood poles is erected, the pit should be partially
filled with brick-bats and immed well with a crowbar. Thereafter earth filling should be done
with simultaneous ramming. Baulk as shown in Fig. 1 or other means, shall be provided where
the ground or local conditions call for additional strength in the foundations.
5.2 Steel Tubular Poles, Rolled Steel Joists and Rails
A suitable pad of cement concrete, stone or steel shall be provided at the bottom of the pit ,
before the metallic pole is erected . Where metal works are likely to get corroded (points where
the pole emerges out of the ground), a cement concrete muff, 20 cm above and 20 cm below the
ground with sloping top shall be provided.
5.3 Pre - stressed and Reinforced Concrete Poles
RCC poles generally have larger cross - section than the PCC poles and, therefore, the base
plates or muffings are usually not provided for these types of poles. However, for PCC poles, a
base plate (40 x 40 x 7 cm concrete block) shall be provided. Cement concrete muff with sloping
top may also be provided, 20cm above and 20 cm below the ground level, when the ground or
local conditions call for the same.
After the first rainy season, inspection shall be made of the foundations and the pits shall be back
- filled with earth and rammed well wherever the first filling has sunk due to rains.
6 ERECTION OF POLES
6.1 Poles are normally buried directly in the ground. Heavier poles are generally erected by the
derrick pole method while lighter poles are normally erected by the dead - man's method. The
details of derrick poles and dead-man's methods are given in 6.2 and 6.3 respectively.
6.2 Derrick poles method
The pole is laid out along the line route in such a way that the bottom of the pole is above the pit
and is touching the skid board on the opposite side inside the pit. A derrick pole supported by a
rope is erected vertically so that its leg is near the bottom of the pole. Two side pulling ropes
(rope 1 in Fig. 1) are connected near the top of the pole, so that the pole does not bend laterally
during erection . Another rope (rope 2 in Fig. 1) tied at the top of the support and passes over the
derrick pole over a pulley and is pulled manually in the direction shown in Fig. 1. A rope 3 tied
at the top of the pole and is pulled when the pole has risen about 45 degree from the ground
level. To raise the support in position, rope 2 is tied and the pole slides down the pit on the slid
board. Finally rope 3 is also pulled till the pole stands vertical. Rope 1 is all the time kept tight.
The pole is held vertical by means of ropes 1, 3 and 4. When the pole reaches the vertical
position, it is plumbed and adjusted if necessary by mean of the various ropes so that the pole
comes in complete alignment and is in plumb. The pit is back filled in layers taking care to ram
the earth in one layer at a time. In loose soils special foundations may be necessary (see Fig. 1B).
Wherever necessary baulks may be used to give additional support to the poles.
 Fig 1 Erection of Wooden Poles by the Derrick Pole Method
6.3 Dead - Man's Method
The pole is laid out along the line route. A skid board is placed vertically at the back of the hole
and the pole is moved forward till it rests against the board. The pole is then raised manually and
is supported on the dead - man. Guy ropes are attached to the pole at a distance more than half
the length of the pole from the butt. The pole is raised and the dead - man is moved forward until
a pole - spike or a ladder approximately 3 m in height can be put in. The ladder is used to take
the first lift and the dead - man is moved forward. The ladder is moved forward and another
ladder approximately 4 m in height or a pole spike is put in. The dead - man is now removed and
the side guys are tightened to prevent the pole from swinging. Another ladder of approximately 5
m height is introduced and lifts are taken alternatively with each ladder until the pole reaches an
angle approximately 70 ° from the horizontal. The back and side guys are slackened. The front
guy is tightened and the back guy is slackened till the pole is pushed up to vertical position. The
5 m ladder will be required only if the pole height is more than about 12 m. The pole is then
carefully plumbed with the help of guy rope and the butt of the pole is lined in with the poles
already erected and the next to be erected. The pit is then filled in with soil and rammed. Special
baulk may be used to give additional support to the poles.
6.4 If required cross arms and insulators may be attached to the poles before they are erected.
6.5 Erection procedure for ' H ' type poles is similar to the one described in 6.2 and 6.3 except
that two pits are made in the ground and two derricks or two sets of ladders , as necessary , are
required.
7 POLE FITTINGS AND CROSS ARMS
7.1 Lines up to 650 Volts
7.1.1 The phase conductors in horizontal configuration should be run on pin or shackle
insulators. The neutral conductors may be run on reel insulators. The earth wire may be run on
cast iron reel mounted directly on the cross arm.
7.1.2 For vertical configuration, the insulators may be fixed on the pole the use of D - type or
other suitable clamps. The earth wire in this case may be run directly on a D-clamp.
7.1.3 Typical methods of fixing the cross arms and insulators are given in Fig 2 and 3.

Fig 2 typical methods of fixing cross arms and insulators in Horizontal Formation For Low And
Medium Voltage Lines
7.2 Lines Beyond 650 V and up to 11kV
7.2.1 These lines are usually arranged in delta formation generally by placing the top conductor
on the top of the pole by fixing an insulator with a bracket clamp and by placing the bottom
conductors on a suitable Cross arm.
7.2.2 In situations where birds are found in large numbers , such as refuse dumping grounds , ' V
' or ' U ' type cross arms made of mild steel sections should be used . Bird guards may also be
provided in such locations.

Fig. 3 Typical Methods of Fixing Cross Arms And Insulators I Horizontal Formation For Low
And Medium Voltage Lines – Contd
7.2.3 Typical methods of fixing the cross arms and insulators are given in Fig. 4 and 5

7.3 A typical method of installing both high voltage and medium voltage lines on a common pole
is given in Fig. 6.
7.4 Factor of Safety

The supports shall be suitable for the wind loads. The minimum factor of safety for supports
shall be as per Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electricity
Supply), Regulations as and when these are notified by the Authority.

8 INSULATORS
8.1 The following types of insulators are generally used on overhead power lines:
 a) Pin insulators (see IS 1445: 1977 and IS 731: 1971),
b) Disc insulators (for high voltage lines) (see IS 731: 1971).
c) Shackle insulators (for low and medium voltage lines) (see IS 1445: 1977), and
d) Stay insulators (or egg type insulators) for stay and guy wires (see IS 5300: 1969).

8.1 Fixing of Insulators ─ The insulators should be attached to the poles directly with the help
of 'D' type or other suitable clamps in case of vertical configuration of conductors or be attached
to the cross arms with the help of pins in case of horizontal configuration.
8.2 Pin insulators are recommended for use on straight runs and up to maximum of 10 degree
deviation. The disc insulators are intended for use a pole positions having more than 30 degree
angle or for dead ending of 11 kV lines. For lines having a bend of 10° to 30 ° , either double
cross arms or disc insulators should be used for HT lines up to 11 kV . For low and medium
voltage lines, shackle insulators should be used.
8.3 When insulators are assembled on the cross arms the porcelain should be inspected for
breakage, chipped spots, cracks, scratches and bare unglazed areas. The fittings should also be
inspected for cracks, damaged galvanized coating, etc. Parts which cannot be remedied should be
replaced.
9 STAYS AND STAYING ARRANGEMENT
9.1 General
Overhead lines supports at angles and terminal positions should be well stayed with stay wire,
rod, etc. The angle between the pole and the wire should be about 45 ° and in no case should be
less than 30 °. If site conditions are such that an angle or more than 30 ° between the pole and the
stay wire cannot be obtained, special stays such as foot stay, flying stay or struts may be used .
The stays and staying arrangement shall conform to the CEA Central Electricity Authority
(Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) Regulations.
9.2 Stay Wire Rods and Plates
9.2.1 Stay Wires
Hard drawn galvanized steel wires should be used as stay wires. The tensile strength of these
wires shall not be less than 70kgf/mm². Only standard wires should be used for staying
purpose.
9.2.2 Stay Rods
 Mild steel rods should be used for stay rods. The tensile strength of these rods shall not be less
than 42 kgf/mm².
9.2.3 Stay Anchoring
Stays should be anchored either by providing base plates of suitable dimensions or by
providing angle iron or rail anchors of table dimensions and lengths .
9.3 Fixing of Stay Wires and Rods
Stay wires and rods should be connected to the pole with a porcelain guy insulator. Wooden
insulators should not be used. Suitable clamps should be used to connect stay wires and rods to
its anchor. For low and medium voltage lines, a porcelain guy insulator should be inserted in the
stay wire at a height of 3 m vertically above the ground level. For high voltage lines, however,
the stays may be directly anchored.
9.4 Setting of Stays
The inclination of stay relative to the ground is roughly determined before making the hole for
excavation. This enables the position of the stay hole to be fixed so that when the stay is set, the
stay rod will have the correct inclination and will come out of the ground at the correct distance
from the pole. The stay rods should be securely fixed to the ground by means of a suitable
anchor.
10. INSTALLATION OF CONDUCTORS
10.1 Paving off the Conductors
In loading, transportation and unloading conductor drums should be protected against injury. The
conductor drums should never be dropped and may be rolled only as indicated by the arrow on
the drum side. The drums should be distributed along the route at distance approximately equal
to the length of the conductor wound on the drum. The conductors should be run out along the
route of the line. As the conductor is played out, it is passed through gloved hands and examined
for defects and damage by feel. When a defect is found, paying out is discontinued and the faulty
section is either cut out or repaired. Conductors should not rub against the ground while being
pulled as they are likely to get damaged. The conductor should be run out by putting it over
roller blocks.
10.2 After paying off, the conductor is placed on poles. The conductor should be pulled tight to
remove excess slack. To avoid friction while the conductors is being pulled, it should be kept on
free running shackles or blocks mounted on the poles. It should further be pulled so as to bring
the sag to required value. Sagging should be done in sections from one tension point in the line
to the other. However, if no tension point comes automatically in the line for a distance of 3 km,
one such point should be made either by using a disc insulator or by dead ending the line,
whichever is applicable. While sagging the conductor tension in it should be kept uniform
throughout the length of the section being sagged.
10.3 Clearances
The clearances shall be maintained in accordance with the Central Electricity Authority
(Measures relating to Safety and Electricity Supply) Regulations as and when these are notified
by the Authority.
10.4 Attachment of Conductors with Insulators
The insulators should be bound with the line conductors with the help of copper binding wire in
case of copper conductors, galvanized iron binding wire for galvanized iron conductors and
aluminum binding wire or tape for aluminum and steel-inforced aluminium conductors (ACSR).
The size of the binding wire shall not be less than 2 mm².
10.5 Conductors of Different Voltages on Same Supports
Where conductors forming parts of systems at different voltages are erected on the same
supports, adequate clearance and guarding shall be provided to guard against the danger to the
lineman and others from the lower voltage system being charged above its normal working
voltage by leakage from or contact with the higher voltage system. The clearance between the
bottom most conductor of the system placed at the top and the top most conductor of the other
system should not be less than 1.2 m.
11 JUMPERS
11.1 Jumpers from dead end points on one side of the pole to the dead end side on the other wide
of the pole should be made with conductor of same material and current carrying capacity as that
of the line conductor. The jumper should be fixed with the line conductor with a suitable clamp.
If the material of the jumper wire is different from that of the line conductor, suitable bimetallic
clamps should be used. If copper and aluminum metallic clamps are to be used, it should be
ensured that the aluminum conductor is situated above the copper conductor so that no copper
contaminated water comes in contact with aluminum.
11.2 For high voltage lines the jumpers should be so arranged that there is minimum clearance of
0.3 m under maximum deflection condition due to wind between the live jumpers and other
metallic parts. This may involve erection of insulators and dead weights specially for fixing the
jumpers.
11.3 Tee - Off
11.3.1 The tee - off from a line should be done only on a pole and it in between any span. The
connection from the main line to the feed line may be made in the same way as for jumpers.
11.3.2 Suitable parallel - groove clamps may be used for tappings from main lines of heavier
cross - section to tee - off lines of lighter cross - section .
12 ROAD CROSSINGS
12.1 The maximum interval between poles, when the line has to cross a road, shall be in
accordance with the requirements laid in the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to
Safety and Electricity Supply) Regulations as and when these are notified by the Authority.
12.2 In some cases it is found that even if one line breaks and falls to the ground, the circuit fuse
will not blow due to the high resistance involved in the circuit. To ensure blowing off of the fuse
and to make the line electrically harmless in case the line breaks and falls on the ground, it is
recommended to provide protective guarding as shown in Fig. 7A and 7B.
13 RAILWAY CROSSINGS
13.1 Crossing of electric power lines and railway tracks shall be governed accordance with
regulations laid down by the Indian Railways. All crossings up to and including 11 kV shall be
by underground cables, except very exceptional cases.
13.2 The span at the crossing should be kept down to a minimum in order to avoid excessive
height of poles and specially - reinforced concrete foundation.
13.3 The approval of the railway authorities shall be obtained before any crossing is commenced
and before any works are taken. Notice shall be given to the railway authorities at least 7 days
before any crossing is put to service for the first time.
14 CROSSING OF POWER LINES AND TELECOMMUNICATION LINES
14.1 General
For the safety of telecommunication lines at locations where the overhead power line may be
crossing over the same, the recommendations laid down in the code of practice of the Power and
Telecommunication Co-ordination Committee shall be followed. Briefly the methods to be
adopted for protection of telephone and telegraph line from contact with power line can be
classified under following two groups:
a) Low and medium voltage lines, and
b) High voltage lines up to and including 11 kV.
14.2 Crossing of Low Voltage Distribution Line and Telecommunication Lines
14.2.1 A continuous split neutral earth guard has been provided in the past and may be required
occasionally in future, where for any definite reason, the cage type of guarding cannot be
adopted. The split neutral construction will include 2 longitudinal wires erected on each side of
the phase wires band below the same, so that the horizontal separation from each split neutral
wire to the adjacent phase wire is not less than two - thirds of the corresponding vertical
separation from each split neutral wire to the lowest adjacent phase wire subject to the condition
that the horizontal separation as referred to above is not less than 200 mm in any case. The cross
lacings should be fixed between the two horizontal wires for the purpose of preventing a power
wire from falling on a telephone or telegraph wire. The distance between the adjacent cross
lacing should be 0.6m. The distance between the telephone and telegraph wires and guard wires
(split neutral or cage guards including earth wires) shall not be less than 0-6 m at any point.
14.2.2 When erecting low voltage power lines the conductors of the same should wherever
possible, be arranged to cross over (not below) existing telephone or telegraph lines. For any
special cases where it would not be convenient or economical to remove existing telephone or
telegraph wires and erect them below the power wires, special guarding arrangements of suitable
design must be provided to comply with requirements the Chief Electrical Inspector of the
concerned State.
14.3 Crossing of High Voltage Lines and Telecommunication Lines
For high voltage lines two longitudinal 18 to 27mm² galvanized steel earth wires are to be
provided with 6 mm diameter galvanized steel cross lacings. The longitudinal earth wires are to
be located at a horizontal distance outside the conductors of not less than two - thirds of the
vertical distance between the lowest adjacent high voltage conductor and the earth wire or 200
mm, whichever is the greater.
14.4 Where a telephone or telegraph line passes under high voltage aerial line on suspension
type insulators , the protective arrangements should not be erected on the power lines but a
separate guard should be located over the telephone or telegraph line , which should consist of
two horizontal stranded solid galvanized steel conductors not less than 2 m above the telephone
or telegraph line , with additional horizontal conductors at the sides where necessary to prevent a
broken power conductor from coming into contact with the telegraph or telephone line conductor
and to earth the broken power conductor for sufficient duration to ensure the power circuit being
stripped out by the automatic protective devices . The crossing of the telephone or telegraph line
(under the power line) should be as nearly as possible at right angles to the power line and
adjacent to a power of other supporting structures of the latter.
14.5 Joint Use of Poles at Crossing Locations
In all power lines or telecommunication lines, the possibility (except in the case of unusual
difficulty) of joint use of poles for crossings between communication lines and power lines
should be investigated and adopted. From the point of view of safety and structural
considerations , the use of common pole to support both the power lines and telecommunication
lines the crossing is an advantageous proposition .
14.5.1 Adequate clearance shall be provided on the common pole to enable employees of either
party to carry out the maintenance work on their respective lines. The clearance provided on the
jointly used pole shall not less than the values given below:
NOTE 1 - Neutral wire on the power alignment shall be treated as power conductor for the
purpose of clearance, except in the case of multiple - earthed neutral that is not carried on
insulators.
NOTE 2 - When the voltage of the power line carried on the same pole as the telecommunication
line is more than 3 kV ( phase to earth ) , power contact protectors shall be installed at the
crossings on covers occupying the top bracket of the telecommunication line .
NOTE 3 In order to minimize the maintenance work, common pole shall be used only for
supporting the two crossing alignments. No apparatus or equipment such as switches, fuses and
function boxes shall be mounted on such a pole and no line shall be teed - off from it. There is,
however, no objection to installation on the pole of protectors or arresters for the protection of
telecommunication wires.

15 GUARDING ARRANGEMENT OF LINE CROSSING TROLLEY WIRES

15.1 Guarding arrangement for lines crossing trolley wires shall be in accordance with Electricity
Act 2003.
16 JOINTING AND BINDING OF CONDUCTORS
16.1 Binding
The steel inforced aluminum conductors (ACSR) may be bound to the insulators with the use of
flat aluminum tape as shown in Fig 8.
9A Top
Groove
Binding

9B Side Groove Binding

Fig. 9 Method of Binding Inforced Aluminium Conductors
 (ACSR) Using Flat Aluminium Tape

NOTE ─ Attention is drawn to the use of helically formed fittings for overhead lines for
dead ending, connections, jointing, splicing , insulator tieing, etc. An Indian Standard on
helically formed fittings for overhead lines is under preparation.

17 MAINTENANCE OF OVERHEAD LINES

17.1 General
The overhead lines should be inspected periodically for maintenance purposes to detect any
faults which may lead to breakdown electric supply and necessary repairs should be done
immediately.
NOTE- The details of live line inspection shall be added at a later date.

17.2 Patrolling of Overhead Lines from the Ground

All overhead lines should be patrolled periodically at intervals not exceeding 3 months from
ground when the line is live. The petrols should write the inspection noted and pass them on to
the repair men for carrying out the necessary repairs. The main points to be noted while
patrolling are as follows:
17.1.1 Metal and Wood Poles ─ Tilted poles , deformed cross arms and earthwise supports,
settled or bulging soil around pole foundations , yielding foundation , cracks or breaks in the
poles above the ground level , missing s , and rust and cracks and missing nuts on anchor bolts .
17.1.2 Conductors and Earth Wires ─ Kite strings and other extraneous matters , excessive or
loose sags , improper clearance and broken strands ,loose or broken binding wires or tapes ,
clearance with other lines , etc.
17.1.3 Insulators ─ Broken porcelain, burnt and fused spots on the glaze, burning and tilting of
insulator and fittings, and dirty insulator and rusty fittings.
17.1.4 Earth Equipment ─ Damaged or broken earthwire at the ground level, missing conductor,
fixing stapples on supports , and missing clamps at the tops .
17.1.5 Stays ─ Loose and overtight stays.
17.1.6 Trees ─ The trees which have become dangerous for the lines and uire felling or
trimming.
17.1.7 Various works such as laying of roads, bridges , telephone lines , power lines being done
near the overhead lines .
17.1.8 Bird Nests ─ Bird nests coming on the overhead lines.
17.1.9 Jumpers ─ Loose jumpers, jumpers jumbling on the poles, and overhead jumpers.
17.2 Inspection of Overhead Lines from Pole Tops ─ Many breakdowns including slipping of
conductor due to loose clamps , cracks in the porcelain insulator and defects on the suspension
fittings can only be discovered seen by going on top of every pole . This inspection should be
carried Out of by taking a shutdown of the line at least once in a year and should be done in as
little time as possible. Along with such inspection, repairs should also be carried out and
replacement of cracked insulator, etc. be also made. Other points which cannot be examined
from the ground , such as defective clamps , sleeves and connectors , missing bolts , washers ,
sign of overheating of conductor with insulators and lightning arrestors should be checked on
clamps or connectors , loose earth wire and loose binding and repairs carried out .
17.3 Special Inspections ─ A special inspection of the overhead lines should be carried out after
wind storm, heavy rains, thunder storms, etc. The purpose of such inspection is to detect any
damage or breakage on the lines and to effect necessary repairs.
17.4 Emergency Inspection ─ When an overhead line trips on fault frequently it should be
inspected to find out the nature of the fault such as loose sag and faults caused by birds and tree
branches touching the line and to find out the amount of repairs involved with a view to avoid
reoccurrence of such faults in future.
17.5 Maintenance Tests on Overhead Lines ─ In addition to the above mentioned inspection ,
overhead line should be given regular tests and checks as part of preventive maintenance . After
5 years of service, the wood poles stub poles and cross arms should be tested for a decay due to
fungi.
The metal poles should be checked at random after every 5 years to detect any rust at the joints.
The underground parts are also liable to corrosion and, therefore, should be inspected for
effecting any repairs or replacement.
17.6 Measurement of Clearance of Overhead Lines ─ The conductor clearance should be
checked periodically at least year as they will be changed due to a variety of service conditions.
The clearance may change due to unequal tension in adjacent spans, due to elongation with time,
or due to displacement of poles after a repair or construction of new roads and earth fillings
under or near the line.
17.7 Inspection of Insulators ─ The insulators of an overhead line are subject to mechanical and
electrical stresses which shorten their life. Deterioration of insulators, is also caused by vibration
temperature changes stressing mechanically beyond their design strength or over - voltages lead
to the failure of the insulator. Damaged insulators are detected during periodical inspection.
These should be replaced as soon as shut down of the line can be taken.
17.8 Inspection of Joints ─ The joints in conductors deteriorate in service with time and loose
some of their conductivity due to short - circuits which cause considerable heating and impairs
the joint. Joints also deteriorate due to corrosion on the contact surfaces which causes
redistribution of current through the joint.
Poor jointing and use of improper type of connection for the line conductors also cause the
failure of joints. Poor electric contact or low mechanical strength in a joint may lead to
overheating and breaking of a conductor. Defective joints should be detected and replaced during
the periodical inspection. Any sparking of red hot joints should be repaired.
17.9 Inspection of Conductors and Overhead Earth Wires
In service, Conductors and earth wires are subjected to static tensile stress due to conductor
tension, static bending stresses in the conductor at and near the last point of contact of the
conductor with the clamp, clamping stresses and alternating bending stresses due to conductor
vibration. The condition of conductor may also be effected by constructional defects at the time
stringing such as kinks, damaged strands, disturbed galvanized coating and excessive tension.
All static stresses act as stress risers on which dynamic tresses due to conductor vibration are
superimposed. The failure is caused by the combined action of static stresses and dynamic
stresses. He significant contribution will be from dynamic stresses. As a result , some strands on
the conductor as a whole may break specially at a place where it is secured on clamps on line
supports , less frequently at one point of application of the vibration dampers , at discontinuities
such s mid span joints . The conductors should therefore be inspected at the lamps.
7.10 Line Repairs
The overhead lines should be repaired periodically after each inspection and overhauled once a
year. The purpose of routine repair is to maintain the line and the supporting structure at the
necessary level of operational reliability. The purpose of overhaul is to fully restore damage line
and its supporting structure to the necessary strength. The repair work should be carried out of
deadlines which should be fully cleared, opened and earthed. Before any repair is started, the
workmen assigned the job of the repairs should be briefed on the works to the under taken by
them and the safety precautions to be observed. The actual repair work to be done on overhead
lines is scheduled on the basis of the data obtained through inspection and maintenance checks.
Any fault which is considered to result in break - down of supply should be attended to on
emergency basis. The schedule of line repairs should include the following:
a) Replacement of damaged parts of wood poles and cross arms,
b) Replacement of defective poles as a whole,
c) Painting of metal poles and parts,
d) Replacement of damaged insulators and string,
e) Replacement of line fittings,
f) Cutting out and replacement of damaged conductor sections,
g) Sag adjustment on conductor and earth wires,
h) Repair of lightning arresters,
i) Tightening of clamps,
j) Replacement of overheated and weather - beaten jumpers,
k) m) Removing of kite strings and extraneous matters over the lines, and
l) n) Trimming of tree branches fouling or likely to foul in the near future with lines.
18. EARTHING
18.1 All metallic supports shall be permanently and effectively earthed. The earthing
arrangement shall conform CEA Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for
Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) Regulations. All metal poles including
reinforced cement concrete and pre - stressed cement concrete poles shall be permanently and
efficiently earthed. For this purpose a continuous earth wire shall be provided and securely
fastened to each pole and connected with earth ordinarily at 3 points in every kilometer, the
spacing between the points being as nearly equidistant as possible. Alternatively, each pole, and
metallic fitting attached thereto shall be efficiently earthed.
18.2 All stay wires of low and medium voltage lines other than those which are connected with
earth by means of a continuous earth wire (see 18.) shall have an insulator inserted at a height of
not less than 3 m from the ground.
18.3 The cross - sectional area of the earth conductor shall not be less than 16 mm² if of copper,
and 25 mm² if of galvanized iron or steel.
18.4 Reference is also invited to 18 of IS 3043: 2018.