SPARK/STAR 34/ 2023

Damage of L pad Clamp on 400 KV LINE

SITUATION:
On 400KV Line, at one location, it was observed with damage of the L pad on the
conductor string along with connected jumper also.

Observations:

1. This was 400Kv DC ( Double circuit ) transmission line tower with stringing of TWIN
MOOSE ACSR conductor.
2. At one of the tensionTower, it was found with damage of the L pad at the hardware
portion.
3. This was pointed out during the Binocular vision patrolling of the line.

TASK:
1. It was decided for the actual verification of the issue and rectification the same with
permanent solution.
2. Shut down applied on 400kv SYSTEM to take up the work
3. One gang with 12 persons of the contractor were deployed.

ACTION and ANALYSIS

1. On availing shutdown and climbing on
the tower, it was found with crack of the Fig 1.1. damaged L pad
L pad and damage of maximum portion
across with the pad.
2. The Double jumper was totally
damaged with its connecting cone pad
were burnt
3. So, the L pad was knowingly dis-
connected from the system for
rectification. ( Ref Fig 1.1)
4. This time, for quick and temporary
repair, PG clamp was used, till next
action of replacement of the total
conductor. ( Ref Fig 1.2)
5. The other L pad and jumper cone Fig 1.2. damaged L pad
connection was also checked, found in and new connection
order with neither any scar nor any
damage.
6. But it was advised for connection of the
heakthy jumper cone towards insulator
side, in stead towards conductor.(As
shown in fig 1.3).
7. Total 2nos Jumpers were opened of
Ckt-1 –R-Ph (Top)& replaced by new
jumpers of Moose fitted with 4 nos of
new cone & making matching holes & pressed by compression machine & fitted with
both side of tension points including 2 nos of pilot insulators &spacers.

SPARK/STAR 34/ 2023

 8. It took 10 hours to complete the job.

Other supporting Photographs of Damage Jumper, L-Pad, working Team and

Work gang

Fig 1.3. Connection of Technical Analysis

Cone towards insulator side 1. The damaged piece of L pad was
thoroughly checked and found with rust
scar on the pad as like shown in the fig
1.1.
2. This was analysed and confirmed
from the workmen on replacement job
that the Jumper cone hole and Pad
clamp hole was not in matching state.
3. So during the commissioning
stringing time, the construction team had
connected the bolts with only with TWO
matched HOLES, keeping other TWO
holes’ blank.
4. Due to this mismatch and
improper contact surface,
during load flow situation,
the contact surface was
resulting with heat and
spark.
5. Then due to mechanical
load tension and wind flow
situation, the crack has
developed on the L pad.
Recommendation:
1. Always use proper L pad Fig 1.4 Correct fixing of Jumper Cone
and jumper cone with
matching hole. Don’t let any holes’ blank during connection.

SPARK/STAR 34/ 2023

 2. If possible, allow jumper cone to rest on the L pad. Allow Jumper cone fitting
towards insulator instead Conductor hardware side as like symbolic fig shown
(Fig 1.4)

SPARK/STAR 34/ 2023