Wildlife and Asset Protection Products: Preventing unplanned power outages
Did you know that wildlife interference with electricity distribution systems is a major cause of unplanned power outages? And while the costs to repair these systems can be significant for utility companies, this is often compounded by the fines they have to pay for violating bird and animal protection acts and laws. Moreover, power interruptions create an inconvenience for customers, and put additional financial strain on the local economy. Fortunately, solutions like those in TE Connectivity’s range of Wildlife and Asset Protection Products stocked by Tank Industries can prevent these issues.
Understanding the problem
Essentially, there are two causes of system trips: bridging and wildlife guano pollution flashover.
Bridging occurs when birds or animals create contact between phases and ground, leading to a short circuit. Repeated bridging events can result in damage, potentially causing hardware failure, with medium-voltage systems being particularly vulnerable.
Less frequent but equally damaging is pollution flashover associated with accumulated excrement or guano. This occurs when guano builds up on insulators during dry conditions, changing into a semi-liquid state during mist, fog or rain. The build-up can reduce surface resistance, leading to a high-voltage electric short circuit.
The solution
Insulating the bare metalwork using TE Connectivity’s range of Wildlife and Asset Protection Products on substations and overhead lines not only allows wildlife to safely access these areas but do so without damaging any part of the system. Comprised of tubes, tapes, sheets, pre-formed covers and barriers, these insulating and isolating components provide a cost-effective and easy-to-install precaution for bird- and animal-related outages.
These solutions are applicable to both new and established overhead lines and substations and boast a lifespan of 30 years - outperforming competing products which typically last between two and five years. All products in the range have undergone rigorous UV, thermal and electrical testing and have been proven to withstand the harshest environments.
Ultimately, these products help utility companies save resources and time. Reducing unplanned outages equates to improved efficiency, ensuring that utility customers enjoy reliable service.
Contact us today for an assessment of your wildlife and asset protection needs.