HOW CAN YOU MAXIMISE CONDUCTOR LONGEVITY AND RETURN ON INVESTMENT?

Conductors are among the most substantial investments in a transmission network. As the backbone of the power grid, their performance and reliability are critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the entire system. Proper cleaning and careful installation of conductors are vital to their longevity and optimal functioning. In addition, optimal specification of fittings and system design avoid creating weak spots or damaging conductors.

This proactive approach not only enhances the reliability of power networks but also minimises costs associated with failures and reduces the need for expensive, premature replacements.

COMMON ISSUES AND FACTORS IMPACTING CONDUCTOR LIFE

Conductors in power networks are exposed to a variety of harsh environmental and operational stresses that can degrade their performance over time. These include:

Asset Age: While not a definitive indicator of condition, older conductors are more susceptible to failure.
Tensile Strength Reduction: Factors such as corrosion, overloading, and fatigue can reduce tensile strength, particularly in ACSR conductors.
Corrosion: Exposure to moisture, salt, and pollutants can lead to corrosion, with ACSR conductors being particularly vulnerable to galvanic corrosion.
Fatigue: Mechanical stresses from severe weather patterns, wind-induced vibration, debris, and bird impacts can cause conductors to fatigue and fail.
Degradation of Conductor Fittings: End-of-life (EOL) fittings like spacers and dampers can fail, leading to conductor damage at clamping points.
Poor Installation: Inadequate tensioning or improper cleaning during installation can accelerate deterioration and shorten conductor lifespan.

These deterioration mechanisms can result in consequences ranging from mild power interruptions to catastrophic failures that damage infrastructure and pose significant risks to life, property, and the environment.

PROCESSES THAT EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR CONDUCTORS

Proper cleaning and accurate torquing are crucial to maximise conductor longevity. Cleaning removes oxidation, which reduces electrical resistance. Correct torquing ensures stability and prevents mechanical failure.

RIBE is a leading supplier of conductor fittings and offers solutions and training courses to help power network companies perform these critical processes effectively.

Contact us to find out more about RIBE’s training courses >

ENHANCING CONDUCTOR LONGEVITY WITH TECHNOLOGY

Investing in good-quality fittings and partnering with experts who truly understand conductor behaviour is key to extending conductor life. RIBE’s experienced team have carried out laboratory and design studies for European operators and attend industry committees giving them in depth understanding of conductor behaviour. On the back of this understanding they have been a leading force in progressing developments on products such as wedge clamps, helically attached dampers, 4R vibration dampers, bird diverters and interphase spacers.

Partnering with industry experts allows power network companies to access best practices and technologies to optimise their networks.

Contact us for more information on RIBE’s design services and laboratory capabilities >

TRUSTED EXPERTS IN CONDUCTOR CARE

With over 100 years of experience in development, design and production, RIBE has established itself as a trusted partner to organisations around the world. They provide the T&D industry with high-quality and specialist solutions designed to enhance conductor performance and durability.

Recent innovations from RIBE

Qualification of wedge clamps for HTLS conductors (including carbon core conductors)
Flexible housing design for OPGW hood joint boxes

Design and approval of >500kV HVDC strings for German TSOs
Heavy-duty interphase spacers

MARKET LEADERSHIP

Leading supplier of conductor fittings to the German and European markets, and a trusted partner of high-profile UK power grid projects (e.g. National Grid).

Long-standing member of the IEC standards committee, RIBE conducts high-level engineering and design studies for network operators across Europe and beyond.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Each component undergoes rigorous inspection before production, and manufactured fittings are subjected to additional tests to meet the highest ISO quality standards.

RIBE production technology delivers 100% pull test on vibration dampers to ensure conductor longevity.

LEADING INNOVATOR

Leading innovator of fittings designed to protect and prolong the life of a conductor.

RIBE’s design team and high level laboratories have enabled solutions such as the first approved 4R vibration dampers in the UK, wedge clamps specifically designed for composite core conductors and line splice shunts to extend the life of conductor joints.