Energized downed power lines are dangerous whether they are on the ground or simply hanging low enough to be touched. Of all electric claims reported to AEGIS, 33% involve contact with sagging or downed power lines. Based on historical data, the key ignition sources of at least two large California wildfires were connector and conductor failures. Preventing overhead power lines from falling, whether they are transmission or distribution, is critical in keeping the public safe. The liability associated with even a single electric contact or a wildfire claim can result in a multi-million dollar loss.
This webinar will examine how utilities can reduce their electric contact and wildfire risks by incorporating engineered electrical mechanical shunts into their overhead transmission and distribution systems. Using photos and videos, the presenters will show how to prevent overhead conductors from failing by strategically placing engineered electrical mechanical shunts on hardware such as splices, dead-ends and suspension clamps in overhead transmission and distribution systems. This system-hardening technology helps overhead lines withstand extreme weather conditions and other forces, so utilities can improve system reliability and reduce the number of outages.
The presentation will be made by Chris Costanzo, Director of Marketing and Communications for Classic Connectors and Carl Tamm, President of Classic Connectors. Chris has been in the power utility industry for more than 16 years and has spent eight years marketing power plant and equipment productivity improvement solutions through the implementation of reliability and preventive maintenance strategies, process optimization, and asset management information technologies. He has spent the last 24 years working with power utilities and other industries to provide strategies and solutions for increased asset availability while improving safety compliance and decreasing unplanned outages and wildfires. Carl is a 32-year veteran of the electrical industry. He is a voting member of International Council on Large Electric Systems’ (CIGRE) US National Committee, the IEEE-PES TP&C Committees, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C119 Committees and former Chair of the ANSI C119.7 Committee. Carl’s extensive forensic analysis of hundreds of failed connectors has made him a leading authority and subject matter expert for connector failure causes on overhead power lines.
