Live Line Insulator Wash
We have a crew that performs Insulator Wash, mostly in substations.
While most of this is done “live”, any equipment over 120 KV is usually shut down for this operation.
This is accomplished by one of 2 methods; either washing with water or with a dry, mild abrasive. The wet wash is done by spraying the Insulators and other porcelain hardware with either 1 or 2 spray guns that have a 1000 p.s.i. capacity at the nozzle.
The dry wash is done by blasting the porcelain fixtures with a mild abrasive mixture of either ground corn cobs or walnut shells by means of compressed air.
Our crews follow the safest possible guidelines to insure that OSHA regulations and saftey standards are met. Some examples of personal protective gear and methods include but may not be limited to:
- Hard Hat
- Welding Glasses
- Fire Retardant Clothing
- Steel-Toe Boots
- Grounding of both spray truck and tanker
- Separate ground for the spray gun
Our crews also follow strict guidelines concerning weather. If there is a 10 mph wind we will not spray the substation due to the risk of "misty drift" which may cause a "flash" or "arc" from phase to phase.
Temperature is also a factor. In extreme heat we will not perform the wash because of the demand for energy, due to a/c units in homes and hospitals. Wash will never be performed if there is a risk of freezing temperatures.
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