NS126 PDF

Network Standard
Document No : NW000-S0071
Amendment No : 0
NETWORK Approved By : Head of AEP & S
Approval Date : 28/05/2015
Review Date : 31/03/2019
(Review Date Changed - 06.02.2019)
NW000-S0071 NS126 CONSTRUCTION OF HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD MAINS
NW000-S0071 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 1 of 47

NS126 Construction of High Voltage Overhead Mains Amendment No 0
ISSUE
For issue to all Ausgrid and Accredited Service Providers’ staff involved with the design and installation of overhead lines, and is for
reference by field, technical and engineering staff.
Ausgrid maintains a copy of this and other Network Standards together with updates and amendments on www.ausgrid.com.au.
Where this standard is issued as a controlled document replacing an earlier edition, remove and destroy the superseded document
DISCLAIMER
As Ausgrid’s standards are subject to ongoing review, the information contained in this document may be amended by Ausgrid at
any time. It is possible that conflict may exist between standard documents. In this event, the most recent standard shall prevail.
This document has been developed using information available from field and other sources and is suitable for most situations
encountered in Ausgrid. Particular conditions, projects or localities may require special or different practices. It is the responsibility
of the local manager, supervisor, assured quality contractor and the individuals involved to make sure that a safe system of work is
employed and that statutory requirements are met.
Ausgrid disclaims any and all liability to any person or persons for any procedure, process or any other thing done or not done, as a
result of this Standard.
All design work, and the associated supply of materials and equipment, must be undertaken in accordance with and consideration
of relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, latest revision of Ausgrid’s Network Standards and specifications and Australian
Standards. Designs submitted shall be declared as fit for purpose. Where the designer wishes to include a variation to a network
standard or an alternative material or equipment to that currently approved the designer must obtain authorisation from the Network
Standard owner before incorporating a variation to a Network Standard in a design.
External designers including those authorised as Accredited Service Providers will seek approval through the approved process as
outlined in NS181 Approval of Materials and Equipment and Network Standard Variations. Seeking approval will ensure Network
Standards are appropriately updated and that a consistent interpretation of the legislative framework is employed.
Notes: 1. Compliance with this Network Standard does not automatically satisfy the requirements of a Designer Safety Report. The
designer must comply with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (NSW - Part 6.2 Duties of designer
of structure and person who commissions construction work) which requires the designer to provide a written safety report to the
person who commissioned the design. This report must be provided to Ausgrid in all instances, including where the design was
commissioned by or on behalf of a person who proposes to connect premises to Ausgrid’s network, and will form part of the
Designer Safety Report which must also be presented to Ausgrid. Further information is provided in Network Standard (NS) 212
Integrated Support Requirements for Ausgrid Network Assets.
2. Where the procedural requirements of this document conflict with contestable project procedures, the contestable project
procedures shall take precedent for the whole project or part thereof which is classified as contestable. Any external contact with
Ausgrid for contestable works projects is to be made via the Ausgrid officer responsible for facilitating the contestable project. The
Contestable Ausgrid officer will liaise with Ausgrid internal departments and specialists as necessary to fulfil the requirements of this
standard. All other technical aspects of this document which are not procedural in nature shall apply to contestable works projects.
INTERPRETATION
In the event that any user of this Standard considers that any of its provisions is uncertain, ambiguous or otherwise in need of
interpretation, the user should request Ausgrid to clarify the provision. Ausgrid’s interpretation shall then apply as though it was
included in the Standard, and is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into with any person disputing the meaning of
the provision published in the Standard or the accuracy of Ausgrid’s interpretation.
KEYPOINTS
This standard has a summary of content labelled “KEYPOINTS FOR THIS STANDARD”. The inclusion or omission of items in this
summary does not signify any specific importance or criticality to the items described. It is meant to simply provide the reader with a
quick assessment of some of the major issues addressed by the standard. To fully appreciate the content and the requirements of
the standard it must be read in its entirety.
AMENDMENTS TO THIS STANDARD
Where there are changes to this standard from the previously approved version, any previous shading is removed and the newly
affected paragraphs are shaded with a grey background. Where the document changes exceed 25% of the document content, any
grey background in the document is to be removed and the following words should be shown below the title block on the right hand
side of the page in bold and italic, for example, Supersedes – document details (for example, “Supersedes Document Type
(Category) Document No. Amendment No.”). .

KEY POINTS OF THIS STANDARD
Covered Conductor Thick Bare Conductor Single Wire Earth Return

Scope and Risks Addressed
(CCT) Details Arrangements (SWER) and Other Sections
This standard is limited to scope identified This section provides details of major This section provides details of major This section provides details of major
below and provides controls for associated design requirements for CCT construction design requirements for bare conductor design requirements for SWER construction
risks as listed below: and includes the following: construction and includes the following: and includes the following:
 Concerns the construction  Details of  Details of  Principles of SWER systems

requirements for 11kV, 22kV or o Covering material o Manufacturing requirements  Details of SWER line design and
12.7KV SWER overhead lines within o Conductor used based on Australian Standards substation requirements
Ausgrid supply network area. o Electrical and mechanical o Electrical and mechanical  SWER standard construction drawing
 Ausgrid’s requirements for LV characteristics characteristics list is provided.
overhead mains is covered separately o Line design parameters o Line design parameters  General Design Parameters for CCT,
in NS125 and Subtransmission voltage o Insulator requirements o Insulator requirements BC and SWER systems are provided
overhead mains in NS135. o Lightning Protection provisions o Lightning Protection provisions and include:
 Ausgrid will determine which type of o CCT fittings and insulating covers o BC fittings o Structural design requirements
HV overhead mains system is to be o CCT crossarms o BC crossarms o Pole foundations
used in a given situation. o Pole-top operating devices, o Pole-top operating devices, o Rail crossings
 Covered Conductor Thick (CCT) mains capacitors, and regulators capacitors, and regulators o Crossing navigable waterways
is used in select locations to reduce o Pole mounted o Pole mounted o Provision of Network Project
risks associated with bush fires, substations/transformers substations/transformers Design Plan
conductor clashing and reduced phase  Electrical safety requirements  Electrical safety requirements  Electrical Safety principles tobe
separation. associated with operating and access associated with operating and access followed
 Lightning protection shielding for CCT lines are provided. for BC lines are provided.  Clearance information
principles are reviewed in Annexure A.  Special erection considerations and  Special erection considerations and  Pole installation
precautions are provided. precautions are provided.  Testing overhead construction
 CCT conductor standard construction  BC conductor standard construction  Access to stores and materials.
drawing list is provided. drawing list is provided.
Where to for more information? Where to for more information? Where to for more information?
Section 6 Section 7 Section 8 -14
Where to for more information? Tools and Forms Tools and Forms Tools and Forms
Section 1, 2, 5, Annexure A None None Annexure B Sample compliance checklist

Network Standard
NS126
Construction of High Voltage Overhead Mains
Contents
1.0 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................. 7

2.0 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.0 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Ausgrid documents .................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Other standards and documents................................................................................................ 8
3.3 Acts and regulations................................................................................................................... 8
4.0 DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 9
5.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 10
5.1 Application of 11kV distribution mains ..................................................................................... 10
6.0 COVERED CONDUCTOR THICK (CCT) DETAILS ............................................................................ 11
6.1 General details ......................................................................................................................... 11
6.1.1 Covering ....................................................................................................................... 11
6.1.2 Water-blocking compound ........................................................................................... 11
6.1.3 Conductor alloy ............................................................................................................ 11
6.2 Covered conductor thick line design ........................................................................................ 12
6.2.1 Phasing ........................................................................................................................ 12
6.2.2 Clearances and spacing ............................................................................................... 12
6.3 Insulators.................................................................................................................................. 13
6.4 Lightning Protection ................................................................................................................. 14
6.4.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 14
6.4.2 Surge arresters............................................................................................................. 14
6.4.3 Polymeric surge arrester .............................................................................................. 15
6.4.4 Current limiting arcing horn (CLAH) ............................................................................. 15
6.4.5 Insulation co-ordination ................................................................................................ 16
6.5 CCT Fittings and insulating covers .......................................................................................... 16
6.5.1 General ......................................................................................................................... 16
6.5.2 Strain clamp and cover ................................................................................................ 16
6.5.3 Parallel groove clamp and cover .................................................................................. 17
6.5.4 Standard earthing point and cover ............................................................................... 17
6.5.5 Tie wires ....................................................................................................................... 18
6.5.6 Full tension joint ........................................................................................................... 18
6.5.7 Compression lugs......................................................................................................... 19
6.6 CCT crossarms ........................................................................................................................ 19
6.6.1 Crossarm for post insulators ........................................................................................ 19
6.7 Pole-top operating devices ...................................................................................................... 19
6.8 Pole substations/transformers ................................................................................................. 19
6.9 Regulators ................................................................................................................................ 19
6.10 Capacitors ................................................................................................................................ 19
6.11 Electrical safety procedures ..................................................................................................... 19
6.11.1 Isolation and proving de-energised .............................................................................. 20
6.11.2 Earthing and short-circuiting ........................................................................................ 20

6.11.3 Identification ................................................................................................................. 20

6.12 Erection of CCT lines ............................................................................................................... 20
6.12.1 Precautions .................................................................................................................. 20
6.12.2 Angle of deviation specifications .................................................................................. 21
6.13 11kV UGOH constructions ....................................................................................................... 21
6.14 Construction diagrams of covered conductor thick arrangements .......................................... 21
6.15 General details ......................................................................................................................... 24
6.16 Bare conductor line design ...................................................................................................... 24
6.16.1 Phasing ........................................................................................................................ 24
6.16.2 Clearances and spacings of bare conductors .............................................................. 25
6.16.3 Vibration dampers ........................................................................................................ 25
6.17 Insulators.................................................................................................................................. 25
6.17.1 Through constructions .................................................................................................. 25
6.17.2 Termination constructions ............................................................................................ 25
6.18 Lightning protection .................................................................................................................. 26
6.19 BC Fittings................................................................................................................................ 26
6.19.1 Parallel Groove (PG) clamp ......................................................................................... 26
6.19.2 Full tension sleeve........................................................................................................ 26
6.19.3 Non-tension sleeve....................................................................................................... 26
6.19.4 Spiral vibration damper ................................................................................................ 26
6.19.5 Armour rod ................................................................................................................... 26
6.19.6 Compression lugs......................................................................................................... 26
6.19.7 Preformed dead-end .................................................................................................... 26
6.19.8 Tie wire ......................................................................................................................... 26
6.19.9 Joint compound ............................................................................................................ 27
6.20 Crossarms ................................................................................................................................ 27
6.21 Pole-top operating devices ...................................................................................................... 27
6.21.1 Air break switches ........................................................................................................ 27
6.21.2 Pole mounted circuit breakers (reclosers) ................................................................... 27
6.21.3 Under-slung links.......................................................................................................... 27
6.21.4 Drop-out fuses .............................................................................................................. 27
6.21.5 Enclosed load break switches ...................................................................................... 27
6.22 Pole substations/transformers ................................................................................................. 27
6.23 Regulators ................................................................................................................................ 28
6.24 Capacitors ................................................................................................................................ 28
6.25 Erection of BC lines.................................................................................................................. 28
6.26 11kV UGOH constructions ....................................................................................................... 28
6.27 Construction diagrams of BC arrangements ............................................................................ 28
7.0 SINGLE WIRE EARTH RETURN (SWER) .......................................................................................... 31
7.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 31
7.1.1 Distribution systems ..................................................................................................... 31
7.1.2 Advantages .................................................................................................................. 31
7.1.3 Disadvantages.............................................................................................................. 31
7.1.4 Use ............................................................................................................................... 31
7.2 SWER line design .................................................................................................................... 32
7.3 SWER substations ................................................................................................................... 32
7.4 Construction diagrams of SWER arrangements ...................................................................... 32
8.0 DESIGN PARAMETERS ..................................................................................................................... 33
8.1 Design standards and parameters ........................................................................................... 33
8.2 Foundation design.................................................................................................................... 33
8.3 Railway crossings .................................................................................................................... 33

8.4 Crossings of navigable waterways........................................................................................... 33

8.5 Additional design information ................................................................................................... 33
9.0 ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROCEDURES ............................................................................................. 34
9.1 Basic safety principles ............................................................................................................. 34
9.2 Proving de-energised ............................................................................................................... 34
10.0 CLEARANCES..................................................................................................................................... 34
10.1 Clearance Criteria .................................................................................................................... 34
11.0 POLE INSTALLATION ......................................................................................................................... 35
11.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 35
11.2 Staying of poles with unbalanced loads ................................................................................... 35
11.3 Positioning of poles .................................................................................................................. 35
12.0 TESTING HV OVERHEAD CONSTRUCTION .................................................................................... 35
12.1 General .................................................................................................................................... 35
12.2 Phasing and insulation resistance ........................................................................................... 35
12.3 Minimum IR values................................................................................................................... 35
13.0 STORES AND MATERIALS ................................................................................................................ 36
14.0 RECORDKEEPING ............................................................................................................................. 36
15.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................... 36
16.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL...................................................................................................................... 36
ANNEXURE A - LIGHTNING PROTECTION SHIELDING ............................................................................. 37
A1 Assumptions............................................................................................................................. 37
A2 Additional information............................................................................................................... 37
A3 Explanations of graphs ............................................................................................................ 37
A4 Inclined lines ............................................................................................................................ 38
ANNEXURE B – SAMPLE COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST ................................................................................ 46

1.0 PURPOSE
This Network Standard is Ausgrid’s specification for the construction of 11kV, 22kV or 12.7kV
Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) Overhead lines within the Ausgrid Supply Network area.
Ausgrid’s requirements for Low Voltage overhead mains are detailed in NS125 Specification for
Low Voltage Overhead Mains. Ausgrid’s requirements for subtransmission voltage overhead mains
are detailed in NS135 Specification for the Design & Construction of Overhead Sub-transmission
Lines. For other system voltages design and construction documentation will be issued by Ausgrid
on a project specific basis.
2.0 SCOPE
This Network Standard together with other referenced standards and guidelines describes
Ausgrid’s construction requirements for 11kV, 22kV and SWER High Voltage (HV) Overhead (OH)
mains.
The following types of HV OH mains systems are currently in use in the Ausgrid 11kV distribution
network:
 Bare Conductor (BC), and

 Covered Conductor Thick (CCT)
3.0 REFERENCES
All work covered in this document shall conform to all relevant Legislation, Standards, Codes of
Practice and Network Standards. Current Network Standards are available on Ausgrid’s Internet
site at www.ausgrid.com.au.
3.1 Ausgrid documents

 Bush Fire Risk Management Plan
 Company Procedure (Governance) - Network Document Endorsement and Approval
 Company Procedure (Network) - Production / Review of Network Standards
 Company Form (Governance) - Network Document Endorsement and Approval
 Customer Installation Safety Plan
 Electrical Safety Rules
 Electricity Network Safety Management System Manual
 ES4 Service Provider Authorisation
 NEG OH14 Guide to the Assessment of Waterway Crossing Risks
 NS100 Field Recording of Network Assets
 NS104 Specification for Electrical Network Project Design Plans
 NS116 Design Standards for Distribution Earthing
 NS122 Pole Mounted Substation Construction
 NS125 Specification for Low Voltage Overhead Mains
 NS128 Specification for Pole Installation and Removal
 NS129 11kV Joints and Terminations – Paper Insulated Lead Covered Cables
 NS135 Specification for the Design & Construction of Overhead Sub-transmission Lines
 NS167 Positioning of Poles and Lighting Columns
 NS174 Environmental Procedures
 NS177 11kV Joints (including Transition Joints) & Terminations - Polymeric Insulated Cables
 NS179 Vegetation Safety Clearances
 NS181 Approval of Materials and Equipment and Network Standard Variations
 NS212 Integrated Support Requirements for Ausgrid Network Assets
 NS214 Guide to Live Line Design Principles
 NS220 Overhead Design Manual
 NS261 Requirement for Design Compliance Framework for Network Standards

 NSA 1494 Polymeric Insulator Handling Guide

 Public Electrical Safety Awareness Plan
 Public Lighting Management Plan
 Policy for ASP/1 Premises Connections
 Tree Safety Management Plan
 TS4200 Fuse Standard
3.2 Other standards and documents

 AS 1154 Insulator and conductor fittings for overhead power lines - Series
 AS 1222 Steel conductors and stays – Bare overhead
 AS 1307.2 Surge arresters - Metal-oxide surge arresters without gaps for a.c. systems
 AS 1531 Conductors – Bare overhead, Aluminium and aluminium alloy
 AS 1746 Conductors – Bare overhead – Hard-drawn copper
 AS 1824.1 Insulation co-ordination - Definitions, principles and rules
 AS 1824.2 Insulation coordination (phase-to-earth and phase-to-phase, above 1 kV) -
Application guide
 AS/NZS 2947 Insulators - Porcelain and glass for overhead power lines - Voltages greater than
1000 V a.c. - Test methods
 AS 3607 Conductors – Bare overhead, Aluminium and aluminium alloy – Steel reinforced
 AS/NZS 3675 Conductors - Covered overhead - For working voltages 6.35/11(12) kV up to and
including 19/33(36) kV
 AS/NZS 3599.1 Electric cables - Aerial bundled - Polymeric insulated - Voltages 6.35/11(12) kV
and 12.7/22(24) kV - Metallic screened
 AS/NZS 3599.2Electric cables - Aerial bundled - Polymeric insulated - Voltages 6.35/11(12) kV
and 12.7/22(24) kV - Non-metallic screened
 AS/NZS 4676 Structural design requirements for utility services poles
 AS 6947 Crossing of waterways by electricity infrastructure
 AS/NZS 7000 Overhead line design - Detailed procedures
 Crossings of NSW Navigable Waters: Electricity Industry Code
 ENA Doc 001-2008 National Electricity Network Safety Code
 Relevant Industry and WorkCover Guides and Codes of Practice
3.3 Acts and regulations

 All pertinent Environmental Regulations and Acts
 Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2014 (NSW)
 Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014
 Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 No 4
 Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2006
 Electricity Supply Act 1995 No 94
 Electricity Supply (Corrosion Protection) Regulation 2008
 Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Regulation 2011

4.0 DEFINITIONS
Accredited Service An individual or entity accredited by the NSW Department of Planning and
Provider (ASP) Environment, Energy, Water and Portfolio Strategy Division, in accordance
with the Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation
2014 (NSW).
Business An Ausgrid internal integrated policy and procedure framework that contains
Management the approved version of documents.
System (BMS)
Bare conductor In this standard a bare conductor refers to a conductor (manufactured to
(BC) AS1222, AS3607, AS1531 or AS1746) which is not covered or insulated.
Covered Conductor An unscreened conductor around which is applied a specified thickness of
Thick (CCT) insulating material for the nominal working voltage of 11kV.
Customer A customer is an individual or an entity that is an end-user of electricity.
Document control Ausgrid employees who work with printed copies of document must check
the BMS regularly to monitor version control. Documents are considered
“UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED”, as indicated in the footer.
HDPE High-density Polyethylene.
High Voltage, Aerial A screened cable system used by Ausgrid for the high voltage overhead
Bundled Cable distribution system. The high voltage cable system consists of three
compacted stranded hard-drawn aluminium conductors individually insulated
with black cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and a steel support catenary
wire.
High Voltage In this document the term High Voltage Distribution System means all mains
Distribution System and apparatus operating at nominal voltage of 11kV or single wire earth
return (SWER) operating at 12.7kV.
Low Voltage All mains and apparatus operating at nominal voltages above 50 V (extra low
Distribution System voltage) and up to and including 1000 V.
Network Standard A document, including Network Planning Standards, that describes the
Company's minimum requirements for planning, design, construction,
maintenance, technical specification, environmental, property and metering
activities on the distribution and transmission network. These documents are
stored in the Network Category of the BMS repository.
Phasing (Phased) Means a test to determine whether energised conductors of phase A, B or C
of one section of a polyphase system may be satisfactorily connected to the
corresponding phases of another section of polyphase system.
PCC Peak Consultative Committee.
Project Officer Employees who review network standards as directed by section managers
from Engineering, Network.
Review date The review date displayed in the header of the document is the future date
for review of a document. The default period is three years from the date of
approval however a review may be mandated at any time where a need is
identified. Potential needs for a review include changes in legislation,
organisational changes, restructures, occurrence of an incident or changes in
technology or work practice and/or identification of efficiency improvements.
SWER Single Wire Earth Return. A HV distribution system consisting of a single
active wire, and using the earth as the return path.
XLPE Cross-linked Polyethylene.

5.0 INTRODUCTION
This Network Standard together with other referenced standards and guidelines describes
Ausgrid’s construction requirements for 11kV, 22kV and Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) High
Voltage (HV) Overhead Mains.
Three types of High Voltage overhead mains systems are currently in use in the Ausgrid 11kV
distribution network.
 Bare Conductor (BC),
 Covered Conductor Thick (CCT), and
 Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) (see Note).
Note: No new HV ABC constructions shall be undertaken except under extraordinary

circumstances and with express approval of Ausgrid Distribution Mains Engineering.
Therefore details of only the two systems, BC and CCT, are documented in this Network
Standard. SWER systems use BC only.
In all cases Ausgrid reserves the right to nominate which type of high voltage overhead mains
system is to be used in any particular situation. In selecting the type of system Ausgrid considers
technical, financial and environmental factors so as to strike a proper balance between the
responsibility to provide a safe, economic and reliable supply of electricity and at the same time,
preserve the environment.
All contestable works on or near Ausgrid Transmission and/or Distribution system falls under the
category of Authorised Work and shall only be performed by an Accredited Service Provider and in
accordance with the requirements of ES4 Service Provider Authorisation. Accredited Service
Providers shall ensure that any person carrying out the above work is duly authorised. (Refer to
ES4 and NS104 Specification for Electrical Network Project Design Plans).
Refer to Policy for ASP/1 Premises Connections for details of Ausgrid’s overhead and underground
mains policy.
The general guidelines for the form of construction for each development shall be determined by
Ausgrid and shall be in accordance with the prevailing policy of the time. The final interpretation
and decision as to the type of construction to be used shall be Ausgrid’s. Notification of the type of
construction shall be issued in the preliminary design brief.
5.1 Application of 11kV distribution mains

The use of overhead 11kV mains in urban areas shall be in accordance with Policy for ASP/1
Premises Connections.
The use of overhead 11kV mains in non-urban areas shall be in accordance with Policy for ASP/1
Premises Connections. Where overhead mains are used, CCT should be used in the following
situations:
 Where there is a significant risk of tree branches falling onto the mains or wind-blown debris
may come into contact with the mains, and disrupt supply or initiate bushfires etc.
 Where reduced phase separation is required in narrow easements, or to reduce tree trimming.
 Where conductor clashing is a problem and wider phase separation of BC is not practicable.
In all other cases BC shall be used.

6.0 COVERED CONDUCTOR THICK (CCT) DETAILS

6.1 General details
The Covered Conductor Thick (CCT) system, although not a touch-safe screened cable system, is
designed to provide protection from initiation of flash-overs due to clashing of conductors, bird or
animal incursions, and tree branches or debris which has blown or fallen on to the line.
CCT is manufactured to comply with AS 3675 Conductors - Covered overhead - For working
voltages 6.35/11(12) kV up to and including 19/33(36) kV.
6.1.1 Covering
CCT shall have an inner insulating covering of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and an outer
sheath of black, UV stabilised, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) about 1 mm thick. The outer
sheath has a high resistance to abrasion. Grey CCT is supplied with Schneider reclosers and
enclosed high voltage switches.
The combined thickness of covering shall be 3.4mm.
6.1.2 Water-blocking compound

Water-blocking compound is used to prevent migration of water along the conductor. The rubbery
compound fills the interstices between strands and the space between the aluminium conductor
surface and the covering.
6.1.3 Conductor alloy

The conductor material of CCT normally used by Ausgrid is uncompacted AAAC/1120 aluminium
alloy. However, in special situations such as high tension spans AAAC/6201 aluminium alloy may
be required.
Alloy 6201 has a higher breaking load than Alloy 1120.
For example:
 120mm2 Alloy 6201 has a breaking load of 34.8kN, compared to
 120mm2 Alloy 1120, which has a breaking load of 27.1kN.
The choice of conductor material depends on site conditions and mechanical load considerations.
Ausgrid uses three conductor sizes: CCT80, CCT120, CCT180 (see Table 1 below for details).

Table 1 – Electrical and Mechanical Characteristics
Conductor
CCT80 CCT120 CCT180
Cable Code (As per NS100)
Stockcode 144519 147421 176311
Number of strands/wire diameter 7/3.75 7/4.75 19/3.50
Alloy type/grade AAAC/1120 AAAC/1120 AAAC/1120
Cross sectional area (mm2) 77.3 124.0 182.8
Equivalent alum. area (mm2) 73.7 118.2 173.5
Minimum breaking load (kN) 17.6 27.1 41.7
DC resistance at 20°C (Ω/km) 0.383 0.239 0.163
Diameter of conductor (mm)

11.3 14.3 17.5
(approx)
Insulation thickness (mm) (min. av.) 3.4 3.4 3.4
Overall diameter range (mm) 17.9-19.4 20.9-22.4 24.1-25.7
Mass (kg/km) (approx.) 450 640 780
See Note. Refer NS 220 Overhead Design
Current rating
Manual - Section 6.
Modulus of elasticity (GPa) 65 65 65
Co-efficient of linear expansion

23 x 10-6 23 x 10-6 23 x 10-6
(/°C)
Minimum bending radius (mm) 285 330 380
Note: CCT180 current rating (Normal) under above conditions is 470 A. If larger loads are to be
met (e.g. in place of Pluto which has a current rating (Normal) of approximately 600 A
under similar conditions) multiple parallel conductors will be used, e.g. 2xCCT120 per
phase.
6.2 Covered conductor thick line design

CCT lines shall generally be designed in accordance with Section 9. In addition, the following
requirements shall be observed.
6.2.1 Phasing
The configuration of phases shall be according to the particular installation requirements as
specified by Ausgrid. Where there are no installation constraints, the following configuration shall
be used:
 Phase A: Bottom conductor or footpath / property side

 Phase B: Centre conductor
 Phase C: Top conductor or road side
6.2.2 Clearances and spacing

6.2.2.1 Mid span clearances
Mid span clearances between vertically spaced circuits shall be at worse case conditions for each
span, i.e. top circuit at maximum operating temperature and bottom circuit at minimum operating
temperature.

6.2.2.2 Phase to phase spacing for CCT

For new vertical or delta (crossarm) construction the minimum phase-to-phase spacing between
conductors should be 500mm.
6.2.2.3 Separation between covered conductors and low voltage aerial bundled cable or LV bare
conductors
The separation between the CCT and LV ABC or LV bare conductors at the pole construction
depends on whether the HV network can be worked on using live line techniques. Refer to NS 220
Overhead Design Manual - Section 10 for live-line circuit to circuit clearances. Midspan separation
must not be less than that specified in AS7000 Overhead line design - Detailed procedures.
Note: Spur lines should always be designed and constructed with live-line circuit to circuit
separations.
For further live-line design principles refer to NS214 Guide to Live Line Design Principles.
6.2.2.4 Clearances to ground, structures and vegetation

The clearance of CCT to ground, structures and vegetation shall be in accordance with Section 11.
6.3 Insulators
For line construction, solid-core type pin post insulators must be used. Standard pin insulators must
not be used since they do not offer satisfactory lightning or electrical tracking performance which
can damage and lead to the burn-down of the CCT. Solid-core type pin post insulators are
available with long or short studs to suit crossarm or bracket mounting respectively.
Note: Conductor insulation must not be removed at the pin or post insulator.
Solid-core strain rod insulators and strain clamps must be used at termination points and with high
angle deviation (>50° for horizontal configuration or >30° for vertical configuration). The strain rod
insulator currently available has a tongue and clevis designed to attach to a strain clamp.
The following three types of insulators are available to suit different construction purposes:
Morlynn pin post
Short stud Z = 45 mm
Long stud Z = 145 mm
NGK pin post
Short stud Z = 45 mm
Long stud Z = 145 mm
NGK strain rod

6.4 Lightning Protection

6.4.1 General
Compared to bare overhead lines, covered conductor lines are more prone to damage due to
lightning. Therefore it is necessary to install suitable surge arrester arrangements on CCT lines. As
CCT is generally used in treed or built up areas, the CCT distribution system has the advantage of
benefiting from the shielding provided by the trees or structures. Guidelines to estimate the level of
shielding provided by the existing objects are given in Annexure A. For line segments with more
than 90% shielding, the distance between surge arresters may be approximately 500m. For more
lightning prone locations such as hilltops Ausgrid will specify the appropriate surge protection to be
used.
Additionally, surge arresters must be installed at CCT-BC transition points to prevent surges due to
lightning strikes originating in the BC system entering the CCT system. If the transition point is an
ABS the surge arresters should be installed one span away from the ABS on the CCT side.
Surge arresters shall be earthed in accordance with Ausgrid Network standard NS116 Design
Standards for Distribution Earthing and shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the
relevant drawings listed in Clauses 6.14 and 7.13.
The earth leads on S&C IntelliRupters shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the
6.4.2 Surge arresters

Two types of Surge Arresters (class NS to AS 1307.2 Surge arresters - Metal-oxide surge arresters
without gaps for a.c. systems) are available:
Table 2 – CCT Surge Arrester Stockcodes
CCT Cable 11kV Polymeric Current Limiting Arcing

Arrester (see Note) Horn (CLAH)
80mm² 150383 144675

120mm² 150383 144667
180mm² 150383 176322
If the design involves crossarms and the insulators are upright (e.g. reconstruction of an existing
bare OH line) polymeric surge arresters should be used.
For vertical construction or where the insulators are not upright, the Current Limiting Arcing Horn
(CLAH) arrangement should be used.
Surge arrester details:
 11kV Polymeric Arrester, complete with insulated mounting bracket, galvanised steel support
bracket, ground lead disconnect device, bird cap, insulated aluminium stranded phase lead and
copper stranded earth lead (stockcode 150383).
 11kV Current Limiting Arcing Horn (CLAH) (stockcode 144659) complete with Discharge
Connector (stockcode 144667 for 120 mm2 cables, 144675 for 80 mm2 cable and 176322 for
180mm2).
Note: Arrestors should be class NS to AS 1307.2.

6.4.3 Polymeric surge arrester
Figure 1 – Polymeric Surge Arrester
Surge arresters must comply with the requirements of AS 1307.2.
Surge arresters must be compatible with the covered conductor system. The surge arrester, must
be the polymeric type rather than the porcelain type, for safety and insulation integrity reasons.
The line connection cable should be connected to the CCT conductor via a Parallel Groove
connection or other suitable CCT IPC as discussed in Clause 6.5.3.
Note: Polymeric surge arresters must be handled in accordance with NSA 1494.
6.4.4 Current limiting arcing horn (CLAH)
Figure 2 – Current Limiting Arcing Horn (CLAH)
The Current Limiting Arcing Horn (CLAH) is a composite surge arrester comprising an arcing horn
and a current-limiting non-linear resistor in series. Under no-surge conditions the full phase voltage
appears across the external air gap and the current limiting element is not electrically stressed.
When an arc is produced due to a surge, the current limiting element allows the surge current to
pass through the non-linear resistor to ground. As soon as the abnormal surge voltage subsides,
the non-linear resistor regains its high resistance and helps extinguish the power follow arc in the
arcing horn which could have otherwise continued for a longer time.

The two electrodes of the arcing horn are the discharge connector fitted on to the CCT and the
horn fitted on to the current-limiting element. The air gap can be adjusted to suit the system voltage
and the insulation co-ordination guidelines by using the slide mechanism of the horn. Under normal
conditions a gap of 20 mm is specified for 11kV CCT lines.
The discharge connector is an ultraviolet resistant, track resistant, hinged moulding of insulating
material with a thick mastic coating on the inside for waterproofing the connection. The connector
has a plastic bolt with a metal pin embedded at the end. While the point of the metal pin extends
out of the plastic bolt the head of the pin is located halfway inside the plastic bolt. A narrow hole
extends from the head of the plastic bolt to the head of the metal pin. When the bolt is screwed in,
the metal pin pierces the insulation of the CCT and contacts the conductor. The hole in the plastic
bolt acts as a chute for the arc between the head of the pin and the horn during flashover. This
arrangement maintains the integrity of the covered system by preventing exposure of the
conductor. Also, the chute helps control the variation of the flashover voltage by providing a
sheltered chamber for ionisation of air prior to flashover.
The metal oxide element used for the CLAH is similar to a polymeric arrester but is moulded in
rubber, which is ultra-violet resistant, track resistant, and waterproof. The CLAH has a lower
voltage rating and fault capacity than polymeric arresters.
6.4.5 Insulation co-ordination

The basic insulation co-ordination principles of the following Australian Standards should be
applied:
 AS 1824.1 Insulation co-ordination - Definitions, principles and rules, and
 AS 1824.2 Insulation coordination (phase-to-earth and phase-to-phase, above 1 kV) -

Application guide.
6.5 CCT Fittings and insulating covers

6.5.1 General
The covered conductor system, although not a touch-safe screened cable system, is designed to
provide protection from initiation of flash-overs due to clashing of conductors, bird or animal
incursions, and tree branches or debris blown or fallen on to the line. To maintain the integrity of
the design criteria it is essential that all points of attachment of fittings where the covering is
stripped or punctured be suitably covered. For this purpose special covers shall be installed
correctly on each piece of hardware.
6.5.2 Strain clamp and cover

Strain clamps for CCT lines are made of aluminium alloy and employ wedge action for easy
installation on the conductor and taking the full line tension after installation. The rack and pinion
mechanism and the conductor holder bolt further assist the installation of the clamp. Table 3 shows
the relevant strain clamp stockcodes.
Table 3 – Strain Clamp Stockcodes
CCT Cable Strain Clamp Strain Clamp Cover
80mm² 144535 144543

120mm² 144527 144543
180mm² 176313 181248

The strain clamp cover folds over the unit and is locked together with tags. It is difficult to remove
the covers after installation.
Figure 3 – Strain Clamp (shown without cover)
6.5.3 Parallel groove clamp and cover

Parallel Groove (PG) clamps are used to make non-tension connections between conductors. The
two cast aluminium halves of PG connectors are held together with aluminium bolts and nuts and
stainless steel washers. The connectors accommodate the following range of conductor sizes:
 Main conductor: 7/3.75 to 19/3.5 (CCT80, CCT120, CCT180)

 Tapping conductor: 7/3.75 to 19/3.5 (CCT80, CCT120, CCT180)
The stockcodes for CCT PG clamps are shown in Table 4.
Table 4 – CCT PG Clamp Stockcodes
PG Clamp PG Clamp Cover
144568 144576
The PG cover has tapered conductor entries, which are trimmed to size depending on the size of
CCT conductor used.
Figure 4 – Parallel groove clamp shown without cover
Alternatives to PG clamps such as CCT insulation piercing connections (IPCs) may also be used
subject to approval by Ausgrid in accordance with NS181 Approval of Materials and Equipment and
Network Standard Variations.
6.5.4 Standard earthing point and cover

Earthing points must be established at all points where it is envisaged that access permit earths or
working earths will be required during future operations/maintenance/extension works. These
locations are on either side of the switching devices and at other points nominated by Ausgrid.
Where pole mounted equipment such as reclosers requires that access permit earths or working
earths be installed from an elevating work platform, they shall be placed at least one metre from
the vertical projection of the nearest energised conductor. To accommodate this, the earthing point
shall be established at least one metre from the dropper cable.

Such standard earthing points are created by removing 125mm of the insulation on the CCT at
each nominated point. An earthing point cover shall be installed at each earthing point. The cover
is moved along the conductor to reveal the earthing point by tapping with an earthing stick. The
cover must be returned to its correct position after removal of the earths. Table 5 shows the
stockcode for the earthing point cover.
Table 5 – Earthing Point Cover Stockcode
Earthing Point Cover
144741
Figure 5 – Earth Point Cover
Alternatives to the standard earthing points described above such as CCT insulation piercing
stirrup connections may also be used subject to approval by Ausgrid in accordance with NS181.
6.5.5 Tie wires

The aluminium covered steel tie-wires are preformed, left-hand lay, and coated with grey nylon.
Three sizes are available, one to match each conductor size, with colour coded end caps
identifying each size. Bare tie wires must not be used on CCT as they cause electrical tracking of
the insulation.
Tie wire stockcodes are shown in Table 6.
Table 6 – Tie Wire Stockcodes
CCT Cable Tie Wire
80mm² 144618
120mm² 144600
180mm² 176312
6.5.6 Full tension joint

Full tension joints must only be used to joint conductors that are the same size and type. When
more than one phase is jointed in a span, joint positions of different phases must be offset by at
least 1m. The heatshrink covering will protect the conductor but is not equivalent to the original

conductor covering and care must be taken in the placement of joints to ensure that they are not
subjected to abrasion.
Table 7 – Full Tension Joint Stockcodes
CCT Cable Full Tension Joint Mastic coated

sleeve heatshrink tube
80mm² 144733 Supplied with sleeve
6.5.7 Compression lugs

Compression lugs shall be as shown in Drawing No 514053.
6.6 CCT crossarms

6.6.1 Crossarm for post insulators
Crossarms shall be in accordance with Ausgrid’s current specification. Refer Drawing Nos 514373
and 514374 as appropriate.
Note 1. The thread diameter of BC insulator pins is 24mm (requiring 26mm crossarm hole),
whereas the thread diameter of CCT post insulators is 16mm (requiring 18mm crossarm
hole). Therefore when converting BC to CCT the crossarms should also be changed,
unless approved otherwise by Ausgrid, since the use of the 16mm threads in 26mm
crossarm holes is not mechanically sound and can lead to crossarm fires.
Note 2. In some rural lines, with long spans where constraints such as way-leave and tree-
trimming are minimal, longer crossarms may be used subject to Ausgrid approval
provided the documentation demonstrating that proper clearances are maintained is
submitted with the request.
6.7 Pole-top operating devices

Only equipment that complies with Ausgrid’s current specification shall be used. This includes non-
enclosed isolating switches, fuses and disconnectors or enclosed switches.
This equipment will be installed at intervals specified by Ausgrid.
Standard earthing points and covers shall be provided on both sides of each operating device.
6.8 Pole substations/transformers

Pole transformers for CCT systems shall be in accordance with the requirements of NS122 Pole
Mounted Substation Construction.
6.9 Regulators
Pole mounted regulators shall be constructed in accordance with the latest amendment of Drawing
No 224227.
6.10 Capacitors
Pole mounted capacitors shall be constructed in accordance with the latest amendment of Drawing
No 162475.
6.11 Electrical safety procedures

The requirements of Ausgrid’s Electrical Safety Rules must be observed at all times when working
on CCT systems. CCT does not have an insulation screen and can therefore carry dangerous
voltages on the outer surface. All precautions normally taken on bare overhead lines should be

taken when working on CCT lines. Before working on a CCT line (except when using live line
procedures) steps must be taken to ensure the line has been isolated, proven de-energised, short-
circuited and earthed in accordance with the Ausgrid Electrical Safety Rules.
Note: Before commencing work at a worksite from which the Access Permit earths at the
isolation points are not visible, the line must be positively identified as described in
Clause 6.11.3.
6.11.1 Isolation and proving de-energised

Isolation must be carried out in accordance with the Ausgrid Electrical Safety Rules (i.e. isolated
from all possible sources of supply).
Covered conductors cannot be proven de-energised by stabbing. There is no earthed screen in the
cable and stabbing must not be attempted.
Proving de-energised must be carried out with an approved HV testing device at standard earthing
points, or at a termination or transition where exposed conductors are available, then tracing the
line to the work site.
6.11.2 Earthing and short-circuiting

For CCT lines, the earth points will normally be adjacent to the isolation points. Earthing and short-
circuiting each conductor at these points of isolation satisfies the requirement for all conductors to
be earthed and short-circuited between all points of isolation and the work site. These earths shall
be nominated as Access Permit earths.
6.11.3 Identification
After the Access Permit earths have been fitted and an Access Permit issued on the line, the line
must be positively identified at the worksite. This must be done by visually tracing the line from a
point of isolation to the worksite. A marker should be attached to the line using HV live line working
methods.
A second person must independently verify the visual tracing. The verification must be carried out
in the opposite direction - from the mark on the cable to the earth at the point of isolation.
6.12 Erection of CCT lines

Poles associated with CCT overhead lines shall be erected in accordance with NS128 Specification
for Pole Installation and Removal.
Poles shall be located in accordance with NS167 Positioning of Poles and Lighting Columns.
Covered conductors are to be erected using the pulling in (or tension stringing) method. The
paying-out method can also be used, provided precautions are taken not to damage the CCT.
When tensioning a new conductor a suitable allowance shall be made for the initial stretch (“creep”)
of the conductor.
Refer to NS220 Overhead Design Manual and AS/NZS 7000 Overhead line design - Detailed
procedures for further information.
6.12.1 Precautions
The following precautions shall be taken when working with CCT:
 Conductor insulation must not be removed at the pin or post insulator.

 When pulling in cables take care not to damage the insulation.
 Never bend the cable tighter than the minimum bending radius. Refer to Clause 6.1.
 Do not drop the cable or drag it along the ground or over any obstacle.
 Do not let the cable rub against poles.
 Where insulation is to be removed from CCT conductor, it must be removed using tools and
procedures specifically designed for this purpose. The conductor MUST NOT be damaged

(nicked) during stripping. The use of incorrect tools and procedures can lead to premature
failure of the conductor.
6.12.2 Angle of deviation specifications

The angle of deviation specifications are provided in Table 8.
Table 8 – Angle of Deviation Specifications
Angle of Deviation Required Construction
Vertical construction 0 - 10 deviation Post insulator on bracket. (stockcode: 144626)
Vertical construction 10 - 30 deviation Post insulator on angle bracket. (stockcode: 144634)
Vertical construction > 30° deviation Strain clamp and strain rod arrangement.
Horizontal construction 0° - 25° deviation Pin post (single crossarm).
Horizontal construction 25° - 50° Pin post (double crossarm).
Horizontal construction > 50° Strain clamp and strain rod arrangement.
Delta Construction 0 - 25 deviation Post insulators on single cross arm and one pole raiser.
Delta Construction 25 - 50 deviation Post insulators on double cross arms and two pole raisers.
Delta Construction > 50 deviation Strain clamp and strain rod arrangement.
6.13 11kV UGOH constructions

Underground to Overhead (UGOH) constructions shall be constructed in accordance with the
requirements of:
 NS177 11kV Joints (including Transition Joints) & Terminations - Polymeric Insulated Cables,
or
 NS129 11kV Joints and Terminations – Paper Insulated Lead Covered Cables,
depending on the type of UG cable to which the overhead conductors are to be connected.
Refer to Drawing No. 160354 regarding the preferred and alternative methods of bonding the
UGOH to the OH mains.
11kV UGOH must never be constructed on concrete or steel poles which also carry
subtransmission (i.e. 33kV, 66kV or 132kV) mains. This is due to the transferred voltage and earth
potential rise (EPR) hazards associated with faults on the subtransmission mains which may affect
the 11kV mains.
6.14 Construction diagrams of covered conductor thick arrangements

CCT lines shall be constructed in accordance with the latest amendment of the following standard
construction drawings (see Table 9 below) as appropriate.
Note 1: Stainless steel conical (volute) washers shall be used on all bolts used to secure
crossarms to a pole or equipment to a crossarm or pole. The approved method for a
crossarm attached to a pole is to use a bolt fitted with a square washer, through the pole,
gain block and crossarm then use 1 x square washer, 1 x SS conical washer, 1 x round
washer (galv) and finally the nut.
Note 2: Equipment mounted on a crossarm similarly requires either 2 x square washers, or the
steelwork substituting 1 x square washer, plus 1 x SS conical washer, 1 x round washer
and a nut. Both cases require a large surface area in contact with the timber to prevent
indentation. The conical washer is used to allow for shrinkage of the timber.

Table 9 – CCT Conductor Standard Construction Drawings

Construction Drawing
Description
Number Number
11kV Horizontal Pin Construction 2-1CCT 174956
11kV Offset Arm Construction 2-2CCT 174957
11kV ¾ Offset Arm Construction 2-4CCT 175880
11kV Small Delta Construction 2-5CCT 174958
11kV Delta Construction 2-6CCT 174959
11kV Large Delta Construction 2-7CCT 174960
11kV Termination Construction 2-10CCT 174961
11kV Through Termination Construction 2-11CCT 174962
11kV Corner Pole Termination Construction 2-12CCT 174963
11kV Tee-Off Construction 2-14CCT 174964
11kV Large Through Delta Termination Construction 2-30CCT 174965
11kV Large Delta Corner Construction 2-31CCT 174966
11kV Large Through Delta Termination with Tee-Off
2-37CCT 174967
Construction
11kV Large Delta with Tee-Off Construction 2-38CCT 174968
11kV Through Termination Construction with Dropout Fuses
2-60CCT 175886
or Isolating Links
11kV Tee-Off Construction with Dropout Fuses or Isolating
2-61CCT 175887
Links
11kV Horizontal Pin Twin Crossarm Construction 2-101CCT 175883
11kV Delta Twin Crossarm Construction 2-106CCT 175884
11kV Large Delta Twin Crossarm Construction 2-107CCT 175885
11kV Vertical Termination Construction 2-140CCT 163265
11kV Vertical 4 Way Termination Construction 2-142CCT 175878
11kV Vertical Through Termination With Tee Off
2-146CCT 163144
Construction
11kV Delta Pin Post Construction 2-200CCT 163146
11kV Vertical Pin Post Construction 2-240CCT 163145
11kV Vertical Pin Post with Tee Off Construction 2-242CCT 175876
11kV Vertical Pin Post 4 Way Crossover Construction 2-243CCT 175877
12/24kV AK Power Mid Pole Operated Air Break Switch for
2-455 175902
Timber, Concrete & Steel Poles
Standard Construction 11kV CCT Surge Arrester
- 177151
Arrangements
Standard Construction 11kv S&C Intellirupter Pulsecloser
- 220251
with By-Pass Air Break Switch General Arrangement
Standard Construction 11kV S&C IntelliRupter Pulsecloser
224228
Controlling Pole Mounted Regulators
Standard Construction 2 Unit 11kV Pole Mounted Regulator
224402
with Pole Mounted Control Panel

Table 10 – CCT to Bare Conductor Standard Construction Drawings
Construction Drawing
Description
Number Number
Standard Construction 2 Unit 11kV Pole Mounted Regulator
224401
with Ground Mounted Control Panel
Standard Contruction 3 Unit 11kV Pole Mounted Regulator
224229
with Ground Mounted Controllers
Standard Contruction 11kV S&C IntelliRupter Pulse closer

220041
without Bypass Air Break Switch
11kV CCT to Bare Conductor Through Termination
2-411 154233
Construction
11kV CCT to Bare Conductor Corner Pole Termination

2-412 154234
Construction
11kV Bare Conductor to CCT Tee-Off Construction 2-414 154235
11kV CCT to Bare Conductor Large Delta Through

2-430 154236
Termination Construction
11kV CCT to Bare Conductor Large Delta Corner
2-431 154237
Construction
11kV Bare Conductor Large Through Delta Termination with

2-437 154238
CCT Tee-Off Construction
11kV Bare Conductor Large Delta with CCT Tee-Off
2-438 154239
Construction
11kV CCT to Bare Conductor Vertical Termination

2-4140 177229
Construction
CCT Fittings:
514053
Overhead Line Compression Fittings Index

Details of Bare Conductor Arrangements
6.15 General details

The conductor used for Bare Conductor (BC) HV overhead lines shall be manufactured to comply
with the relevant Australian Standard from the following list.
 AS 1222 Steel conductors and stays – Bare overhead

 AS 1531 Conductors – Bare overhead, Aluminium and aluminium alloy
 AS 1746 Conductors – Bare overhead – Hard-drawn copper
 AS 3607 Conductors – Bare overhead, Aluminium and aluminium alloy – Steel reinforced
The conductors listed in Table 11 are commonly used by Ausgrid.
Table 11 – Electrical and Mechanical Characteristics
Conductor Mercury Pluto Apple Cherry
Stockcode H13433 H13459 H13467 H13483
6/4.74 +
Number of strands/wire diameter 7/4.50 19/3.75 6/1/3.00
7/1.6
Alloy type/grade AAC AAC ACSR/GZ ACSR/GZ
Cross sectional area (mm2) 111.3 209.8 49.5 120.4
Minimum breaking load (kN) 16.8 32.3 14.9 33.2
DC resistance at 20°C (Ω/km) 0.258 0.137 0.677 0.271
Diameter of conductor (mm) (approx) 13.5 18.8 9.0 14.3
Mass (kg/m) (approx.) 0.305 0.578 0.171 0.404
Current rating Refer NS 220 Section 7.
Modulus of elasticity (GPa) 56 56 79 76

-6
Co-efficient of linear expansion (/°C x 10 ) 23 23 19.3 19.9
Other conductors are also used under certain circumstances.
Where bare conductor is used, specific effort must be made during design and construction
activities to avoid any possibility of conductor clashing throughout the life of the overhead line.
For this reason delta (small) is the preferred construction for all intermediate structures. Flat pin
construction shall be used only when under-building the circuit or for under-crossing structures. For
longer spans, delta (medium) and large delta constructions are available and other construction
types (e.g. horizontal offset, etc) may be used under specific circumstances and subject to
approval of Ausgrid. Details of approved designs for such construction types may be obtained by
contacting Ausgrid.
6.16 Bare conductor line design

BC lines shall generally be designed in accordance with Section 9. In addition, the following
requirements shall be observed.
6.16.1 Phasing
The configuration of phases shall be according to the particular installation requirements as
specified by Ausgrid. Where there are no installation constraints, the following configuration shall
be used:
 Phase A: Bottom conductor or footpath / property side

 Phase B: Centre conductor

 Phase C: Top conductor or road side.
6.16.2 Clearances and spacings of bare conductors

6.16.2.1 Phase-to-phase spacing for BC
For new construction the minimum phase-to-phase spacing between conductors should be in
accordance with AS/NZS 7000 Overhead line design - Detailed procedures.
In the case of horizontal construction, crossarms on alternate poles with flat pin construction should
be fitted with reverse orientation to achieve improved mid-span clearance (ie. the centre conductor
alternates from one side of the pole to the other).
6.16.2.2 Separation between Bare Conductors (BC) and Low Voltage (LV) Aerial Bundled Cable
(ABC) or LV BC
The separation between the BC and LV ABC or LV bare conductors at the pole construction
depends on whether the HV network can be worked on using live line techniques. Refer to NS 220
Overhead Design Manual - Section 10 for live-line circuit to circuit clearances. Midspan separation
must not be less than that specified in AS7000.
Spur lines should always be designed and constructed with live-line circuit to circuit separations.
For further live-line design principles refer to NS214 Guide to Live Line Design Principles.
6.16.2.3 Clearances to ground, structures and vegetation

The clearance of BC to ground, structures and vegetation shall be in accordance with Section 11.
6.16.3 Vibration dampers

Appropriate vibration dampers shall be installed as required by AS/NZS 7000 for the conductor
tension.
6.17 Insulators
The insulators used for all 11kV and 22kV BC mains shall be 22kV rated.
6.17.1 Through constructions

Pins shall be type C/200/11 and manufactured in accordance with AS 1154 Insulator and conductor
fittings for overhead power lines.
Identification numbers of pin and pin threads shall be stamped on the pin collar (C/200/11)
indicating the following:
 C = thread pattern on head

 200 = stem length in mm
 11 = failing load in kN
Finish shall be hot dip galvanised.
Insulators shall be 22kV, type ALP 22/450 and manufactured in accordance with AS/NZS 2947
Insulators - Porcelain and glass for overhead power lines - Voltages greater than 1000 V a.c. - Test
methods.
Colour: light grey.
Refer Drawing No 513997.
6.17.2 Termination constructions

All bare conductor constructions shall use polymeric longrod insulators. They shall be in
accordance with Ausgrid’s current insulator specification. Refer to Drawing No. 565715.

Note: Polymeric insulators must be handled in accordance with NSA 1494 Polymeric Insulator
Handling Guide.
6.18 Lightning protection

Surge diverters shall be 10kA polymeric in accordance with Ausgrid’s current specification.
Surge diverters shall be located at all pole substations, enclosed load break switches, reclosers
and UGOH connections.
Surge diverters shall be earthed in accordance with NS116 Design Standards for Distribution
Earthing and shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the relevant drawings listed in
Clauses 6.14 and 7.13.
The earth leads on S&C IntelliRupters shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the
Note: Polymeric surge arresters must be handled in accordance with NSA 1494.
6.19 BC Fittings
6.19.1 Parallel Groove (PG) clamp
PG clamps shall comply with the requirements of AS 1154.1.
6.19.2 Full tension sleeve

Full tension sleeves shall comply with the requirements of AS 1154.1. Full tension sleeves shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions particularly with regard to the tooling
used (eg. versa crimp or hexagonal die) and number of crimps. Stockcodes and other details for
suitable full tension sleeves are shown on Drawing No. 514053.
The die size, and number and location of crimps should be marked on the sleeve. If not, they shall
be returned to the store for return to the supplier.
6.19.3 Non-tension sleeve

Non-tension sleeve shall comply with the requirements of AS 1154.1. Non-tension sleeves shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions particularly with regard to the tooling
used (e.g. versa crimp or hexagonal die) and number of crimps. Stockcodes and other details for
suitable non-tension sleeves are shown on Drawing No. 514053.
6.19.4 Spiral vibration damper

Spiral vibration dampers shall comply with the relevant sections/parts of AS 1154.
6.19.5 Armour rod

Helical fittings such as armour rods shall comply with the requirements of AS 1154.3.
6.19.6 Compression lugs

Compression lugs shall comply with the requirements of AS 1154.1. Compression lugs shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly with regard to the tooling
used (e.g. versa crimp or hexagonal die) and number of crimps. Stockcodes and other details for
suitable compression lugs are shown on Drawing No. 514053.
6.19.7 Preformed dead-end

Helical fittings such as pre-formed dead-ends shall comply with the requirements of AS 1154.3.
6.19.8 Tie wire

Tie wire shall be 5mm diameter annealed aluminium or copper to suit the conductor used.

6.19.9 Joint compound

Joint compound used with aluminium connections shall seal out air and moisture, minimising
oxidation or corrosion and maximising conductivity. In certain applications it shall contain
conductive (zinc) particles within the compound to penetrate oxide films that form on the aluminium
surfaces.
6.20 Crossarms
Crossarms shall be in accordance with Ausgrid’s current specification. Refer to Drawing Nos
514373 and 514374 as appropriate.
6.21 Pole-top operating devices

6.21.1 Air break switches
Air Break Switches (ABS) shall be load break type complying with Ausgrid’s current specification.
ABSs and their operating mechanisms shall be installed such that no pole attachments or earthing
conductors are less than 3.6m above ground level. Wherever practical, when installed on a pole
next to a road, the operating mechanism shall be installed such that the ABS can be operated by
the operator standing on the side of the pole away from the road.
All ABSs shall be mounted on poles in accordance with the latest amendment of Drawing No.
175902.
6.21.2 Pole mounted circuit breakers (reclosers)

Pole mounted circuit breakers for use on 11kV mains shall be 12kV 400A three phase, outdoor,
pole mounted, automatic, Circuit reclosers, complying with Ausgrid’s current specification.
All pole mounted circuit breakers shall be mounted on poles in accordance with the latest
amendment of Drawing Nos. 127318, 220041 or 220251 as appropriate.
6.21.3 Under-slung links

Under-slung links shall comply with Ausgrid’s current specification.
6.21.4 Drop-out fuses

Drop-out fuses shall comply with Ausgrid’s current specifications.
Three types of 11kV drop-out fuses are currently used, depending on the fault level, as shown in
Table 12 below. Where necessary, fault level shall be specified in the Design Information. Fuse
ratings shall be in accordance with TS4200 Fuse Standard.
Table – 12 11kV Drop-out Fuses
Fault Level Fuse Base & Carrier Type

Up to 8kA Fuse base and expulsion fuse link in accordance with Ausgrid’s current
specification (Stockcode: H84350 )
8kA – 11.2kA S & C 25kV SMD-20 fuse base and boric acid fuse link (Stockcode H70029).
>11.2kA Refer to Distribution Automation & Substation Engineering for advice.
6.21.5 Enclosed load break switches

Enclosed load break switches shall comply with Ausgrid’s current specification.
6.22 Pole substations/transformers

BC pole substations shall be in accordance with the requirements of NS122 Pole Mounted
Substation Construction.

6.23 Regulators
Pole mounted regulators shall be constructed in accordance with the latest amendments of
Drawing No 224227.
6.24 Capacitors
Pole mounted capacitors shall be constructed in accordance with the latest amendment of Drawing
No. 162475.
6.25 Erection of BC lines

Poles associated with BC overhead lines shall be erected in accordance NS128 Specification for
Pole Installation and Removal.
Poles shall be located in accordance with NS167 Positioning of Poles and Lighting Columns.
The two principle methods of erection are paying-out and pulling-in. Of the two, pulling-in is the
preferred method as it minimises the likelihood of damage to the conductor during the installation
process.
When tensioning a new conductor a suitable allowance shall be made for the initial stretch (“creep”)
of the conductor.
Refer to NS 220 and AS/NZS 7000 for further information.
6.26 11kV UGOH constructions

Underground to Overhead (UGOH) constructions shall be constructed in accordance with the
requirements of:
 NS177 11kV Joints (including Transition Joints) & Terminations - Polymeric Insulated Cables,
or
 NS129 11kV Joints and Terminations – Paper Insulated Lead Covered Cables,
depending on the type of UG cable to which the overhead conductors are to be connected.
Refer to Drawing No. 160354 regarding the preferred and alternative methods of bonding the
UGOH to the OH mains.
11kV UGOH must never be constructed on concrete or steel poles which also carry
subtransmission (i.e. 33kV, 66kV or 132kV) mains. This is due to the transferred voltage and earth
potential rise (EPR) hazards associated with faults on the subtransmission mains which may affect
the 11kV mains.
6.27 Construction diagrams of BC arrangements

BC lines shall be constructed in accordance with the latest amendment of the following standard
construction drawings (see Table 13 below) as appropriate.
steelwork substituting one square washer, plus 1 x SS conical washer, 1 x round washer
and a nut. Both cases require a large surface area in contact with the timber to prevent
indentation. The conical washer is used to allow for shrinkage of the timber.

Table 13 – BC Lines Standard Construction Drawings
Description Construction Drawing

Number Number
11kV Constructions
11kV Flat Pin Construction (see note 2 below) 2-1 513909
11kV Offset Arm Construction 2-2 513910
11kV Angle Suspension Construction 2-3 513911
11kV ¾ Offset Arm Construction 2-4 175879
11kV Small Delta Construction (see note 1 below) 2-5 513912
11kV Delta Pin Construction (see note 3 below) 2-6 520222
11kV Large Delta Pin Construction (see note 3 below) 2-7 513913
11kV Termination Construction 2-10 513914
11kV Through Termination Construction 2-11 513915
11kV Corner Pole Termination 2-12 513916
11kV Tee-off Construction 2-14 513917
11kV Railway Termination RHS Galv. Crossarm 2-23 513918
11kV Large Through Delta Termination Construction 2-30 513919
11kV Large Delta Corner Construction (see note 3 below) 2-31 513943
11kV Large Through Delta Termination with tee-off construction (see 2-37 514180
note 3. below)
11kV Large Delta with tee-off construction (see note 3 below) 2-38 520410
11kV Through Termination Construction with Drop-out Fuses or 2-60 514007
Isolating Links
11kV Tee-Off Construction with Drop-out Fuses or Isolating Links 2-61 513895
11kV Vertical Delta Construction 2-200 183908
11kV Vertical Construction 2-240 183907
12/24kV AK Power Mid Pole Operated Air Break Switch for Timber, 2-455 175902
Concrete & Steel Poles
Standard Construction 11kv S&C Intellirupter Pulsecloser with By-Pass - 220251
Air Break Switch General Arrangement
11kV Pole Top Capacitors Construction Detail 162475
Standard Construction 11kV S&C IntelliRupter Pulsecloser Controlling 224228
Pole Mounted Regulators
Standard Construction 2 Unit 11kV Pole Mounted Regulator with Pole 224402
Mounted Control Panel
Standard Construction 2 Unit 11kV Pole Mounted Regulator with 224401
Ground Mounted Control Panel
Standard Construction 3 unit 11kV Pole Mounted Regulator with 224229
Ground Mounted Controllers
Standard Construction Pole Top Regulator Ground mounted Fibreglass 191227
Cabinet Concrete Footing Details
Standard Construction 11kV S&C IntelliRupter Pulsecloser without 220041
Bypass Air Break Switch
Standard Construction 11kV Underground to Overhead Construction 160354
Details
Standard Construction 11kV Pole Mounted Regulator with Controlling 224227
IntelliRupter
22kV Constructions
22kV Horizontal Pin Construction 3-1 513993


Number Number
22kV Small Delta Construction 3-5 513994
22kV Termination Construction 3-10 513991
22kV Through Termination Construction 3-11 513992
22kV Vertical Termination Construction 3-140 184959
22kV Vertical Delta Construction 3-200 184958
22kV Vertical Construction 3-240 184957
Pole Substations
BC Pole Substation Construction Arrangement - Refer NS122
BC Fittings
Overhead Line Compression Fittings Index 514053
Standard Construction 11/22kV Aerodynamic Insulator and Pin 513997
Arrangement
Notes:
1. Construction 2-5 is the preferred construction for all intermediate structures in urban
areas.
2. Construction 2-1 is to be used only when under-building the circuit or for under-crossing
structures.
3. Constructions 2-6, 2-7, 2-31, 2-37, 2-38 are for use with longer spans only.

7.0 SINGLE WIRE EARTH RETURN (SWER)

7.1 General
7.1.1 Distribution systems
Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) distribution systems utilise a single overhead wire, with the
return path through the earth. SWER systems are less expensive and easier to construct and
maintain than three phase systems, and are typically used to supply relatively small loads which
are long distances from normal 3 phase supply systems in rural areas, etc.
Figure 6 – Typical SWER System

Power is supplied to the SWER line by a single isolating/step-up transformer that changes the grid
voltage (11 kV) to the SWER voltage (12.7 kV), Each customer generally has their own small-
capacity single-phase substation. At the substation, current flows from the line, through the primary
coil of a step-down transformer, to earth through an earth stake. From the earth stake, the current
flows through the earth, back to the main isolating transformer at the beginning of the line,
completing the circuit. The secondary winding of the transformer typically supplies the customer
with 240-0 volts or 240-0-240 volts, with the 0 volt line connected to a safety earth.
7.1.2 Advantages
SWER systems have a number of advantages. SWER lines utilise the same components as
normal 3-wire/3-phase or 2 wire/1 phase BC systems. SWER systems are quicker to build and
have lower construction costs compared to the normal 3-wire/3-phase or 2 wire/1 phase systems,
through the use of one wire instead of three or two, and also because of the reduced quantities of
pole fittings (crossarms, insulators, etc.). Similarly SWER systems can have lower maintenance
costs due to the fewer components involved. SWER systems can also reduce the risk of initiating
bushfires because conductor clashing cannot occur in high winds.
7.1.3 Disadvantages
SWER systems also have a number of disadvantages. SWER lines typically have a “spur” (linear)
layout with no alternative means of supply and therefore a single-point failure can cause lengthy
interruptions to supply to all customers further down the line. Since SWER lines tend to be long, the
voltage drop along the line is often a problem, causing poor power quality. Also, significant earth
return currents flowing through the ground near the customer substations can pose a safety risk,
and particular care must therefore be taken to ensure good, low impedance, earth connections.
7.1.4 Use
SWER systems shall be used only under specific circumstances and subject to the approval of
Ausgrid.

7.2 SWER line design

SWER lines shall generally be designed in accordance with Section 9; in addition to the
requirements relating to conductors, design considerations, vibration dampers, insulators, lightning
protection and fittings detailed for Bare Conductors elsewhere in this Network Standard.
7.3 SWER substations

SWER Isolating transformers and substations shall be in accordance with NS122 Pole Mounted
Substation Construction.
7.4 Construction diagrams of SWER arrangements

SWER lines shall be constructed in accordance with the latest amendment of the following
standard construction drawings (see Table 14 below) as appropriate.
steelwork substituting one square washer, plus 1 galvanised conical washer, 1 x round
washer and a nut. Both cases require a large surface area in contact with the timber to
prevent indentation. The conical washer is used to allow for shrinkage of the timber.
Table 14 – SWER Lines Standard Construction Drawings

Number Number
12.7kV SWER Pin Construction 2-201 520291
12.7kV SWER Angle Construction 2-203 520292
12.7kV SWER single Termination 2-210 520293
12.7kV SWER Through Termination 2-211 520294
12.7kV SWER Tee-Off Construction 2-214 520295
12.7kV SWER DOLF Arrangement 2-260 520296
12.7kV SWER Substation Construction 563882

8.0 DESIGN PARAMETERS

8.1 Design standards and parameters
The design of OH HV mains shall be generally in accordance with AS/NZS 4676 Structural design
requirements for utility services poles and AS/NZS 7000 Overhead line design - Detailed
procedures.
Designs shall also be in accordance with the specific requirements indicated in NS 220 Pole
Mounted Substation Construction.
8.2 Foundation design

Pole foundations shall be capable of withstanding loads specified for the ultimate strength limit
state and serviceability limit state conditions.
For pole embedment depths please refer to NS220.
Refer to AS/NZS 7000 for descriptions of soil properties.
8.3 Railway crossings

All new overhead rail crossings should allow for all poles to be located off rail property wherever
practicable.
Poles should be located in the road or private property either side of a rail crossing, provided
RailCorp’s technical requirements, on maximum span lengths and the like, etc permit this.
Where new works on existing crossings permit, advantage should be taken of the opportunity to
relocate poles where this is appropriate. Any such projects should be referred to Ausgrid for
decision on what work should be included in these cases.
Further information concerning the construction of new facilities within railway corridors may be
obtained by contacting Ausgrid.
Also refer to NS 220 Section 13.
8.4 Crossings of navigable waterways

Where a section of line crosses a navigable waterway it must be designed and managed in
accordance with the Crossings of NSW Navigable Waters: Electricity Industry Code.
The assessment of waterway crossing risks as required by the above code shall be undertaken in
accordance with NEG OH14 Guide to the Assessment of Waterway Crossing Risks.
Also refer to NS 220 Section 13.
8.5 Additional design information

In order for Ausgrid to carry out certification checks for contestable works designs, and to minimise
the design certification costs, the following information must be submitted by the Accredited
Service Provider in conjunction with the Network Project Design Plan (Refer to NS104 Specification
for Electrical Network Project Design Plans):
 A relevant environmental assessment attached with the overhead design, applying as a

minimum NS174 Environmental Procedures.
 All necessary consents, e.g. Local council development consent, State Rail Infrastructure
Corporation crossing approval, Waterways Authority water crossing approval, RMS road
crossing approval.
 All relevant data regarding the existence of other installations in the vicinity of the work site and
their relative locations, such as water, sewer, gas and telecommunications installations.

 The original copy of the agreement to pay street lighting alteration and annual charges by Local
Council/RMS/SRA, etc.
 Details of any design software used (make and version).
 Profiles of overhead designs showing poles, ground and conductor profiles at maximum
operating temperature. (Profiles may not be required for low voltage lines in urban streets,
however, details should be provided to indicate the minimum ground clearances).
 A report on the mid span clearances between circuits at worse case conditions for each span.
The conductor temperature of the higher circuit shall be the Maximum Design Temperature, as
nominated by Ausgrid. The conductor temperature of the lower circuit shall be 15°C.
 Pole loading and details of ground strengths used for calculations. Pole loading shall include
the load cases prescribed above.
 LV voltage drop calculations.
 Any other relevant information requested by Ausgrid.
 Any approval for constructions in/on classified roads (ie either RMS or local council).
 Any approval for construction in/on private, crown or other lands.
9.0 ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROCEDURES

9.1 Basic safety principles
All work on or near the Ausgrid electrical network, which includes the High Voltage Distribution
System and the Low Voltage Distribution System as defined in this document, must comply with
the Ausgrid’s Electrical Safety Rules.
The basic safety principle for high voltage work is that all exposed high voltage mains and
apparatus must be treated as alive until they have been isolated, proved de-energised, earthed and
short-circuited by approved means.
Work or testing must not be done on or near high voltage mains and apparatus until an operator
has completed the procedures documented in Clause 8.1 of Ausgrid’s Electrical Safety Rules.
Refer also to Clause 7.1 of Ausgrid’s Electrical Safety Rules, where the work is on or near low
voltage mains and apparatus.
9.2 Proving de-energised

A high voltage tester such as a “Modiewark” may be used for checking if the line is de-energised
provided it can be tested to prove operation before and after use testing the mains.
After testing the line to prove it is de-energised, the line must be earthed and short-circuited
between all points of isolation and the work site. Earthing and short-circuiting must be carried out
using the appropriate equipment.
Where isolation is by opening high voltage dropout fuses, the fuse carriers must be completely
removed.
10.0 CLEARANCES
10.1 Clearance Criteria
Clearances from ground, structures and vegetation shall be in accordance with Section 10 of
NS220 Overhead Design Manual.
It should be noted that whilst clearances specified in NS 220 are based on AS/ NZS 7000
Overhead line design - Detailed procedures, the ground clearance values specified in NS 220
Section 10 are more stringent.

11.0 POLE INSTALLATION

11.1 General
Poles shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Ausgrid Network Standard NS128.
11.2 Staying of poles with unbalanced loads

Stays should be avoided in urban areas where larger poles can accommodate increased loads and
in rural areas stays may provide a more economical alternative, if space permits.
Where poles need stays due to unbalanced loads which would exceed the permissible design load
limits of the pole, they must be stayed in accordance with NS 220 Section 7, prior to attaching the
unbalanced loads to the pole.
Also refer to Drawing No. 61501.
11.3 Positioning of poles

Poles shall be positioned in accordance with the requirements of NS167 Positioning of Poles and
Lighting Columns.
12.0 TESTING HV OVERHEAD CONSTRUCTION

12.1 General
All 11kV installations must be insulation resistance (IR) tested before commissioning or before re-
energising after alterations. Where work is undertaken by Accredited Service Providers, Ausgrid
will delegate an employee to witness the tests or specify if it may be necessary in some 11kV
installations to also carry out high voltage testing.
12.2 Phasing and insulation resistance

The Accredited Service Provider must ensure at the time of commissioning that all new and
existing HV mains and apparatus capable of being paralleled or interconnected with the existing
HV distribution system are phased. Phasing must also be tested and proven to be correct when
reconnecting to avoid any possibility of crossing phases.
The insulation resistance (IR) test measures the insulation resistance of the installation using an
insulation resistance tester (e.g. Megger). It involves measuring both the phase-to-phase and
phase-to-earth insulation resistances.
For 11kV installations, a 1000 V insulation resistance tester with a measurable range of at least
100 Megohms marked in numbers on the graduated scale must be used. A measurable range of at
least 400 Megohms marked in numbers on the graduated scale is preferred.
Because of capacitance effects, the insulation resistance tester must be applied for a minimum
period of one minute before taking each resistance reading.
12.3 Minimum IR values

The minimum acceptable IR value for both phase-to-phase and for phase-to-earth measurements
is 400 Megohms, except that a reading of 100+ Megohms is acceptable if this is the maximum full
scale reading on the insulation resistance testing instrument.
If any test readings are less than those indicated above, Ausgrid must be consulted before any
further work proceeds.

13.0 STORES AND MATERIALS

Accredited Service Providers and Contractors must only use approved products on the network.
Ausgrid should be contacted regarding approved products. Alternative products may be submitted
to Ausgrid for approval in accordance with the requirements of NS181 Approval of Materials and
Equipment and Amendment of Network Standards. A fee for the approval of alternative products
for use on the network will be negotiated.
To purchase materials from Ausgrid, the Project Manager must contact the "Manger – Customer
Service - Logistics" on telephone number (02) 9394 6001. Materials will generally be made
available for the Accredited Service Provider to pick up from:
Central Warehouse
33 Kangoo Road
Somersby NSW 2250
Alternatively, the Accredited Service Provider may obtain material from other sources provided the
quality assurance and environmental management system requirements are met. Materials must
comply with Ausgrid's relevant specifications.
All materials used for network projects must be new.
14.0 RECORDKEEPING
The table below identifies the types of records relating to the process, their storage location and
retention period.
Table 15 – Recordkeeping
Type of Record Storage Location Retention Period*
Approved copy of the network BMS Network sub process Standard – Unlimited
standard Company
Draft Copies of the network TRIM Work Folder for Network Unlimited
standard during Standards (Trim ref. 2014/21250/125)
amendment/creation
Working documents (emails, TRIM Work Folder for Network Unlimited

memos, impact assessment Standards (Trim ref. 2014/21250/125)
reports, etc.)
* The following retention periods are subject to change eg if the records are required for legal
matters or legislative changes. Before disposal, retention periods should be checked and
authorised by the Records Manager.
15.0 AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

For this network standard the authorities and responsibilities of Ausgrid employees and managers
in relation to content, management and document control of this network standard can be obtained
from the Company Procedure (Network) – Production/Review of Network Standards. The
responsibilities of persons for the design or construction work detailed in this network standard are
identified throughout this standard in the context of the requirements to which they apply.
16.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL

Content Coordinator : Manager – Transmission and Distribution Mains Engineering
Distribution Coordinator : Senior Engineer – Guidelines, Policies and Standards

Annexure A - Lightning Protection Shielding

Guide to estimating the level of shielding provided to overhead powerlines by nearby objects.
A1 Assumptions
 Calculations and the curves are for a line considered running horizontal and erected on a
horizontal ground plane. Approximate adjustment for a line inclined to the horizontal is also
given below.
 Line height is less than 18m.
 Only direct lightning strikes are considered.
 Direction of the lightning discharge path up to the final return stroke is vertical.
 Only trees greater than the line height are considered for calculations.
A2 Additional information
 Usually lightning stroke currents range from 3kA to 200kA.
 If a line is shielded (from direct strikes) for strikes lower than (for example) I kA then it is
shielded for all strikes greater than I kA. The calculations and the curves given below are for
potential strikes less than 5kA. The probability of occurrence of such strikes is less than one in
every 100 strikes.
 It can also be shown that the probability of a direct lightning strike less than 5kA strength to an
open line of 20km length, with outer conductors 2.4m apart, is one per 10 years. (This
inference is arrived using the strike incidence equation by IEEE working group on “Lightning
Performance of Transmission Lines”).
 Striking distance of a lightning stroke with a given stroke current ‘I’ is given by:
rc  rg  r  10I 0.65
[Love’s equation for striking distance for heights less than 18m]
Where rc and rg are the striking distances to conductor and ground respectively.
A3 Explanations of graphs
The following paragraphs explain the graph shown at the end of this section.
Figure A-3 give the minimum heights (above the line) required by the objects, corresponding to
different conductor heights, to provide complete shielding, at least, for some length of the line.
This extent of the line completely shielded by a close by object could be read from Figures A-4 to
A-8.
Figure A-8 is to estimate the level of shielding offered by the nearby objects to lightning originating
on the object side of the line. This is different from complete shielding, as in this case, the line
segment is slightly exposed to the lightning coming from the other side of the line unless there are
objects on the other side of the line to provide shielding.
As surge arresters are recommended for all CCT to BC transition points and either side of
switching poles, effort should be made to locate these poles in exposed areas if convenient.

A4 Inclined lines
Shielding length when the line is inclined to the horizontal by an angle α.
If the line is inclined to the horizontal by an angle  then the shielded region is estimated as
follows.
When the graphs are read to estimate the shielding provided by an object for an inclined line, the
height (h) shall be multiplied by cos. This has the effect of a reduced height above the line equal
to hcos. The total protected length of the line is read from the graph for this new height. It should
be noted that:
 this length is measured along the actual line (inclined) and

 the centre point of this line segment is shifted up the line (inclined) by a distance hsin
Refer to Figures A-1 and A-2 (including explanatory notes) shown below.
Figure A-1 – Explanation about the geometry of the space near the inclined line.
L1L2 is the power line inclined at an angle  to the horizontal.
The point (P) is on the line. Also, the point P is on the line of intersection of the vertical planes, one
through the line and the other through the object perpendicular to the former plane (or line L1L2).
The height (h) of the object above the line is defined as the, vertical height of the point (T2) under
consideration, above the point P.
This is the vertical distance PT2 in Figure A-1, above. Note that P is a point on the line and hence
PT2 is not a vertical line but h is the vertical distance between P and T2 as shown in Figure A-2
below.

Figure A-2 – Further explanation about the geometry of the space near the inclined line.
T1T2 is the object providing shielding to the line.
S1PS2 is an imaginary horizontal line.
S3PS4 is the inclined line (α to the horizontal).
PP1T1T2 form a vertical plane perpendicular to the vertical plane through the line.
PP1 is the shortest distance between T1T2 and the line.
S3S4 is the shielded length corresponding to a height hcos α.

Figure A-3 – Minimum heights of objects for given conductor heights for complete protection

Figure A-4 – Shielding length for different heights (Height of the line 9.0m) for given horizontal
distance of the object for complete protection




Figure A-8 – Shielding length for different heights for given horizontal distance of the object for
lighting originating from the same side of the line as the object

Annexure B – Sample Compliance Checklist


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Network Standard

NW000-S0071 NS126 CONSTRUCTION OF HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD MAINS

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AMENDMENTS TO THIS STANDARD

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Covered Conductor Thick Bare Conductor Single Wire Earth Return

 Concerns the construction  Details of  Details of  Principles of SWER systems

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1.0 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................................. 7

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6.11.3 Identification ................................................................................................................. 20

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8.4 Crossings of navigable waterways........................................................................................... 33

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 Bare Conductor (BC), and

3.1 Ausgrid documents

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 NSA 1494 Polymeric Insulator Handling Guide

3.2 Other standards and documents

3.3 Acts and regulations

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 Bare Conductor (BC),

 Covered Conductor Thick (CCT), and

 Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) (see Note).

Note: No new HV ABC constructions shall be undertaken except under extraordinary

5.1 Application of 11kV distribution mains

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6.0 COVERED CONDUCTOR THICK (CCT) DETAILS

The combined thickness of covering shall be 3.4mm.

6.1.2 Water-blocking compound

6.1.3 Conductor alloy

Alloy 6201 has a higher breaking load than Alloy 1120.

 120mm2 Alloy 6201 has a breaking load of 34.8kN, compared to

 120mm2 Alloy 1120, which has a breaking load of 27.1kN.

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Table 1 – Electrical and Mechanical Characteristics

Diameter of conductor (mm)

Co-efficient of linear expansion

6.2 Covered conductor thick line design

 Phase A: Bottom conductor or footpath / property side

6.2.2 Clearances and spacing

NW000-S0071 UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED Page 12 of 47

6.2.2.2 Phase to phase spacing for CCT

6.2.2.4 Clearances to ground, structures and vegetation

Morlynn pin post

NGK pin post

NGK strain rod

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6.4 Lightning Protection

6.4.2 Surge arresters

Table 2 – CCT Surge Arrester Stockcodes

CCT Cable 11kV Polymeric Current Limiting Arcing

80mm² 150383 144675

Surge arrester details:

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6.4.3 Polymeric surge arrester

Figure 1 – Polymeric Surge Arrester

Surge arresters must comply with the requirements of AS 1307.2.

6.4.4 Current limiting arcing horn (CLAH)

Figure 2 – Current Limiting Arcing Horn (CLAH)

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6.4.5 Insulation co-ordination