Abstract
FROM time to time overhead lines fail by mechanical overstresses alone, due to excessive ice loading. These deposits have been widespread, and in view of the severity of recent winters, J. McCombe (Elec. Rev., Aug. 21) suggests that an amendment of the Electricity Commissioners' Overhead Line Regulations El. C. 53 (revised) is necessary. The suggestion issupported with the following observations and criticisms. In the first place the selection of a different basic loading for high- and low-voltage lines is very much open to criticism since wind and ice loading are functions of exposure and altitude and definitely not of line vo.ltage orconductor size. Deposits on overhead lines in exposed places are more orless constant irrespective of voltage. If a better standard of construction is desired, then the more logical method would be to adopt a higher factor of safety of erection. Low-voltage lines with the same ice coating will always have a greater security owing to the shorter span-length employed.
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Ice on Conductors. Nature 150, 345 (1942). https://doi.org/10.1038/150345d0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/150345d0