Behind the seemingly solid preformed conductor strain clamp there are hidden crises at every step. If there is a problem with the preformed conductor strain clamp design error? Manufacturing defect? Or improper installation? Slippage, corrosion, fatigue fracture and other phenomena will occur, which may destroy the entire line in an instant!
A 345kV transmission line in the United States broke under strong wind conditions, and the conductor escaped from the tension clamp, resulting in a large-scale power outage. The cause of the failure is that the preformed wire grip is insufficient, and the friction coefficient between the clamp and the conductor contact surface does not meet the design requirements. The preformed wire was not wound according to the specifications, resulting in uneven distribution of grip force installation problems. And the grease on the surface of the conductor was not cleaned during installation to reduce friction resistance, resulting in contamination of the conductor surface. So the conclusion is: the accident was caused by "manufacturing process defects + installation errors", so what should we do to prevent such incidents?
Preventing Process Defects:
When making preformed conductor strain clamps, every link must be strictly controlled! In terms of material selection, high-strength galvanized steel wire or aluminum-clad steel wire is used to ensure that the coating thickness meets the standard; when the pre-twisted wire is formed, the arc accuracy must be controlled to avoid stress concentration; the twisting process needs to accurately control the pitch and number of turns to ensure uniform grip; anti-corrosion treatment must be customized for different environments, such as salt spray areas need to strengthen protection; key dimensions must strictly match the conductor; negligence in any link may cause the wire clamp to fail and cause major accidents!
Prevent Installation Errors:
When installing the preformed conductor strain clamp the operation must be standardized. Before installation, the surface of the conductor must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that there is no oil or oxide layer that affects the grip; the winding direction and number of turns specified by the manufacturer must be strictly followed. One less turn may cause the risk of slippage; sharp tools are prohibited during installation to avoid damaging the conductor or pre-twisted wire; the tightening force must be uniform and moderate. Too tight will crush the conductor, and too loose will reduce the grip. Every installation detail is related to the safe operation of the entire line!
The preformed conductor strain clamp produced by our company must pass the grip, fatigue and salt spray tests before leaving the factory to ensure reliable performance. After installation, it is necessary to check whether all pre-twisted wire ends are completely fitted, and use a tension tester to verify whether the actual grip strength meets the standard. It is widely used in major projects such as UHV, wind power, and photovoltaics. Welcome new and old customers to consult, let us escort the safety of your transmission lines!