Blog

Distribution lines can face harsh conditions. If standard products aren’t doing the job and you need more protection for your standoff brackets and guy strains, look no further. Here are four reasons to switch to silicone-coated fiberglass construction products:

Fiberglass Guy Strains may be installed anywhere along the guy wire to help protect against stray current that may be on the guy caused by lightning strikes or other sources. These fiberglass units serve as a replacement for porcelain insulators or johnny balls, and they extend the insulation length. They offer numerous advantages, including:

• variable lengths
• easy terminations
• resistance to fracture caused by brittleness

Distribution lines are likely targets for lightning strikes. Once the lightning touches the line, the surge divides and travels both directions. The lightning surge will then probably cause an insulator to flash over. Why?  

"In the old configuration, if we lost either feeder, 750-800 customers were without power until a trouble-crew drove out to open and close the switches to isolate the outage and restore power," shared the utility.

To install distribution arresters:

1. Follow the directions, recommended work practices and be safe.

2. Inspect the packaging and product, looking for signs of damage: packaging (left) and dented nameplate (right).