What We See: Effects of Line Galloping
Utility assets that remain outdoors endure different daily wear and tear than enclosed equipment. While daily use and damage are always risk factors for any asset, exposure to the elements such as wind, rain, and other environmental factors result in a different set of challenges to navigate.
One of these unique challenges is what we see in this photo: a damaged insulator as a result of excessive line galloping. Read below for everything you need to know about identifying and managing this issue.
What We See
Line galloping is a phenomenon that many utilities experience and deal with daily as they operate and maintain their transmission assets.
As is shown in this photo, line galloping can be identified by localized damage to ancillary components such as suspension hardware and insulators themselves.
Typically, this is the result of high wind and/or ice storms that cause the conductors to vibrate. When the vibration hits the right frequency, the conductors can move with striking large wave amplitudes.
Most often, dampers will be installed on either side of the insulator to absorb vibrational energy in the line before it damages pole and insulator equipment. Sometimes, however, dampers are not installed or the “galloping” is so intense that the equipment is still damaged.
That is precisely what is evident in this photo. Line galloping caused vibrations that– over time– caused these thru bolts to “slice” through the aluminum mounting bracket of the insulator.
Repairs and Prevention
While wind, rain, and storms are inevitable, extensive, irreparable damage is not.
The key to keeping assets from reaching this level of damage is through regular maintenance with inspection services and other proactive approaches from Exo Inc. Drone inspection of the structural and electrical elements of your transmission line should be a regular part of your strategy.
Exo Inc’s unique approaches to asset management help you to guarantee a comprehensive analysis of your assets and ensure their longevity. Without periodic, comprehensive evaluations, it is nearly impossible to truly appraise the status of your assets and devise next steps for maintaining and cultivating a full lifecycle.
Trust the Exo Difference
With services like Exo’s Ex-Tend asset management program, we strategize the best ways to approach lifecycle management and to protect your assets and save you money.
Whether it is through lifecycle management, field service and repair, or plant maintenance, Exo is uniquely prepared to serve your company’s needs. Don’t leave asset protection up to chance, ensure that all of your assets and components are in the hands of experienced professionals with the long haul in mind.
At Exo, we don’t wait for problems to arise before we take action. Stop problems like the ones in this photo before they occur by calling today to talk with the Exo experts.
Phone us at 281- 259-7000 or contact us online for a free consultation to see how Exo can protect your assets.
Get Started with Exo
Ready to Work With Us?
Our team would love to talk to you, so we can learn about your lighting company’s goals and primary areas of concern. Contact us today, and we’ll help you take the first step in creating a comprehensive lighting asset management program. Give us a call at 281-259-7000.
