Conductor clashing

Conductor clashing is the phenomenon where conductors come in contact with one another during high wind speeds or gusts.[1]

External forces

Shoes on a power line

Conductor clashing may be assisted by the following external forces:

• Incorrect tensioning of the line during erection
• High winds, or gusts during extreme storms or hot weather
• Flora such as hazard trees breaking and falling onto wires
• Fauna such as birds causing wires to sag and/or clash
• Vehicles crashing into poles, causing poles to lean & wires to clash
• Vandalism such as articles thrown onto power lines causing wires to sag and/or clash.

References

1. Blackburn, T.R. (October 1985), "Conductor Clashing Characteristics of Overhead Lines", Electric Energy Conference 1985, University of NSW