Conductor clashing

<p>In an <a href="/facts/Overhead_power_line/jULhrQNv">overhead power line</a>, conductor clashing occurs when energized wires accidentally come into contact with each other. Overhead transmission systems typically use un-insulated bare conductors for reasons of weight and economy. When bare conductors touch, the resulting momentary <a href="/facts/Short_circuit/r09vaaeQ">short circuit</a> or <a href="/facts/Electric_arc/1hUPPAG0">electric arc</a> can cause disturbances to the electric power system, damage to the conductors, or fire. Conductor clashing may be caused by wind, ice, excess sag due to <a href="/facts/Creep_(deformation)/6GtcMsBt">creep</a> or thermal expansion due to sustained heavy loading, or by contact with animals or objects.  Conductor clash is prevented by proper design and installation to anticipate the likely conditions of weather and load. The effects of clashing conductors can be mitigated by <a href="/facts/Fuse_(electrical)/xN78ylMS">fuses</a> or <a href="/facts/Protective_relay/UluJBy4S">protective relays</a> and <a href="/facts/Circuit_breaker/vbw6cWSe">circuit breakers</a> to de-energize the shorted conductors. For some types of transmission line, it may be possible to automatically <a href="/facts/Recloser/ymEYNTf2">reclose a circuit breaker</a> in expectation that the clash was a momentary problem, thus minimizing interruption of service to grid customers. 
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Conductor clashing open-in-new

Conductor clashing