Parametric analysis of lightning caused flashovers on H. V. wood-pole lines

Sensitivity of the rate of flashovers caused by lightning on wood pole lines, to the various line and lightning parameters is determined with special reference to 161 kV H-pole lines. The EPRI computer program for prediction of transmission lightning outage rate has been modified and is used for the analysis. A scale model study of various grounding arrangements that can be used on the wood poles has been made. The preferred arrangement determined through this study has been used on a 161 kV line. Field measurements show that the new arrangement gives lower grounding resistance as compared to the one used by most of the utilities. The use of the new grounding arrangement should result in lower flashover rates for the transmission lines.