SPARK/STAR/2023/43

RED-HOT on CT Pad Clamp

SITUATION:

At one of 132/33KV Grid Sub-Station, it was observed with burning of CT clamp causing red-
hot at the 33 KV CT Stud (Refer Fig 1.1 and Fig 1.2).

Observations:

1. This CT was connected with the Gantry mounted beam

structure and fitted with pad clamp of proper size.
2. The current on the CT was very less of 200 Ampere for the
800/1 Ampere CT.
3. As the stud was of annealed Copper metal, so required Bi-
metallic strip was also wrapped through the clamps.
4. But it was observed with heating on the clamp and resulted
with red-hot on the termination point.
5. So, the rectification action was taken. The clamp was
removed for checking and found with burning pits on the bi-
metallic strips.
6. No other deformity was observed. Fig 1.1 Clamp used for
the CT stud
Technical Analysis:

1. The Clamp was of proper size, Conductor tied

connected with even bi-metallic from Top Conductor tied
strip in the system. from Bottom
2. On checking it was found with
burning of Bi-metallic strip due to
generation of heat.
3. Before opening of the clamp, the
tightness of the nuts was also
checked and found in order.
4. Only one issue was there in the
way of connection of the conductor
jumper to the clamp. Fig-1.2 A Fig- 1.2 B
5. The jumper was connected such
the water droplet during drizzle rain was getting entry to the stud and getting deposited
at the end mouth of the clamp and stud.
6. In this case the jumper connection was the culprit and deposition of the water droplet
with gradual heating was resulting the red-hot and burning of the bi-metallic strip as
like shown in the fig 1.2.A.
7. The jumper connection was changed to such that gradual sippage/ingress of water
droplet got blocked. (Fig 1.2.B)
8. The new clamps were also changed using bi-metallic strips to avoid further heating of
the clamps.

SPARK/STAR/2023/43