Bad Workmanship

Bad workmanship contributes importantly towards increasing distribution losses. Efforts should, thus, be made to have the best probable workmanship. In this context the following points should be borne in mind:

i) Joints are a source of power loss. Thus, the number of joints should be remaining to a minimum. Proper jointing methods should be used to ensure firm connections.

Quite often joints are made through wrapping the conductors along with GI wires. In case PG clamps are used, the PG clamps should be of adequate size and GI nuts/bolts with spring washers should be used. All PG clamps required a re-tightening after around 1 year as the clamps become loose and a layer of coating gets deposited in the contact surfaces. It is, therefore, best to have sleeve joints and crimp the joints along with a crimping tool.

Although making the joints, the two ends of the cut out stranded conductor will tend to get loose. The recommended practice is to wrap the loose ends tightly using GI wire before making a joint. Loose strands are frequent a cause for heating and related damage. For mid-span joints, tension jointing of bundles in mid-span must be prevented. At erection, while a choice exists, the bundles must be joined at the non-tension bond position of a pole top. For shackle joints, the jumper connector at shackle points is better along with PG clamps other than it is advisable to use crimped or fire wedge connections.

ii) Connections to the transformer bushing-stem, isolator, drop out fuse, and LT switch and etc. should be periodically inspected and proper pressure managed to prevent sparking and heating of contacts.

iii) Replacement of deteriorated services and wires should also be made in a timely manner to avoid leakage and loss of power.