Overhead T&D
Reliability & Protection in Utility Distribution
Reliability and protection in utility distribution are safeguarded through breakers, relays, automation, and fault isolation, ensuring grid stability, preventing outages, and providing safe, resilient power for residential, commercial, and industrial users.
A Practical Guide to Reliability and Protection in Utility Distribution
Part of enhancing reliability and protection in Utility Distribution involves harmonizing protection strategies with the overall network design, as discussed in our overview of electrical distribution systems.
Utility distribution is where electricity meets the customer, and its reliability depends on strong protection strategies. Faults, equipment failures, and severe weather are inevitable — but with coordinated protection, utilities can minimize…
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Download Our FREE Overhead T&D Handbook
As utilities are faced with replacing rapidly aging transmission and distribution infrastructures, it is essential to be aware of the latest techniques, products and applications available on the market. Volume 1 of our Overhead & Underground T&D handbook series provides detailed information on testing and maintenance methods, the practical and theoretical applications of overhead transmission, and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by underground distribution networks. These topics and more are covered in detail in the 100-page first-volume handbook.
In this first volume, we explore the core principles and practices related to overhead and underground power transmission and distribution. We examine the key components of these systems, such as transmission lines, substations, transformers, cables, and switches, while delving into the design, installation, and maintenance of both overhead and underground configurations. Special attention is given to the unique challenges and considerations associated with each type of system—highlighting factors such as environmental conditions, reliability, safety standards, and operational efficiency.
This handbook is designed to assist engineers, utilities, technicians, and planners by providing practical insights and technical expertise for optimizing T&D systems. We cover essential topics such as grid infrastructure, fault detection, protection schemes, and the integration of emerging technologies like smart grids and renewable energy solutions. Whether you are involved in the planning of new installations or maintaining existing systems, Volume 1 offers the tools and guidance necessary for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of power.
With a blend of theoretical concepts, industry best practices, and real-world applications, Overhead & Underground T&D Handbook, Volume 1 aims to be an indispensable reference for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of transmission and distribution systems, and to navigate the evolving challenges of modern electrical networks.
Latest Overhead T&D Articles
Understanding How Overhead Switchgear Innovation Cost-Effectively
How Overhead Switchgear Innovation Cost Effectively? Advanced medium-voltage reclosers, vacuum interrupters, and SCADA-enabled smart sensors enhance reliability, reduce arc-flash risk, cut lifecycle maintenance, and optimize distribution networks for grid modernization and predictive maintenance.
How Overhead Switchgear Innovation Cost Effectively?
BACKGROUND
Achieving many of the globe’s top priorities depends on an unprecedented expansion of electric generation capacity. A report released last year by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), for example, forecast that achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the U.S. by mid-century would require a nearly 500 percent increase in electricity generating capacity.
A decarbonized future powered largely by renewable…
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Power Line Carrier Communication Explained
Power line carrier communication enables data transmission over electrical power lines for grid automation, SCADA telemetry, and protective relaying, using coupling capacitors, line traps, and narrowband modulation to support substation monitoring and smart grid control.
Applications of Power Line Carrier Communication in Modern Power Systems
Power line carrier communication (PLCC) is a vital technology for electrical professionals to understand in today's evolving energy landscape. By utilizing existing power lines for data transmission, PLCC offers a cost-effective and reliable communication solution for a wide range of applications within industrial, commercial, and institutional power systems. In transmission engineering contexts, PLCC must…
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Distribution Automation for Feeder Fault Isolation and Grid Reliability
Distribution automation allows utilities to detect feeder faults, isolate the damaged section, and restore service through automated switching and FLISR control logic. Faster fault isolation shortens outage duration and improves feeder reliability across modern distribution systems.
Distribution automation determines how quickly a distribution feeder can recover from faults. When switching decisions rely on manual inspection and operator judgment alone, outages propagate across larger sections of the network and restoration takes longer. Automated sensing and switching reduce that exposure by isolating the faulted section while preserving service to unaffected customers.
Utilities deploy distribution automation to reduce outage duration, improve feeder reliability…
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Overhead T&D, Direct Current Technology
Direct current technology delivers efficient DC power distribution via rectifiers, converters, and power electronics, enabling microgrids, energy storage, HVDC links, photovoltaics, and electric vehicle charging with reduced losses and improved reliability.
Direct Current Technology Fundamentals
Direct current (DC) is the preferred technology for moving large amounts of power across long distances. DC results in higher overall efficiency and reliability than an equivalently sized alternating current (AC) system moving the same amount of power.
The Advantages of DC
More efficient: Over long distances, DC transmission can move more power with less electrical losses than an equivalent AC transmission line. For…
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Costly Interconnection Delays
Costly interconnection delays stall grid connection for solar, wind, and storage, driven by interconnection queue backlogs, transmission constraints, lengthy permitting, and network upgrade studies, inflating project CAPEX, financing risk, and PPA timelines.
Costly Interconnection Delays and Their Impact on Workplace Safety
Policy debates on solar incentives and valuation make headlines across the nation, but less attention is paid to the nuts and bolts of solar installation: the interconnection process.But the struggle there is very real. Take Hawaii, where the high volume of solar applications and the slow interconnection process slowed distributed solar installations two years ago. Eventually, the process…
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Distributed Power Management for DER Control
Distributed power management coordinates DERs, storage, controllable load, feeder constraints, and microgrid response so operators can balance power flow, reliability, voltage support, and restoration without fragmented control decisions.
Distributed power management is the control discipline that enables smaller electrical assets to respond as part of a single operating strategy rather than as separate resources pursuing separate objectives. The issue is not simply that power is now generated, stored, and controlled in more places. The issue is who sets the response priority when storage charging, load curtailment, export limits, and feeder constraints interact simultaneously.
That matters because distributed assets do not…
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Overhead T&D News
Overhead T&D Media
Overhead T&D Articles From ET Magazine
Transmission Construction Industry Leader Retires and Sells at Absolute Auction!
S.E., Inc. has been providing the very best in Transmission Powerline Construction for over (40) years throughout the Western United States. Brothers Mark, Steve, David, and Craig Sorenson have decided to retire and pursue other interests. Everything in the auction is owned by S.E., Inc. and will positively sell to the highest bidder without minimum or reserve!
S.E., Inc. has hired Hunyady Auction Company to conduct their liquidation. Hunyady Auction Company is celebrating their 35th year in business and specializes in liquidation auctions of electrical construction companies plus many other industries.
Transmission and Distribution (T&D) professionals have a unique opportunity…
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Why Net-Zero is Cheaper for the UK
The United Kingdom has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This goal necessitates a comprehensive transformation of various sectors, including energy, transportation, and agriculture. While the environmental imperatives are clear, there is growing evidence that this transition could also yield significant economic advantages for the nation.
Energy Sector Transformation
A pivotal component of the UK's net-zero strategy involves a substantial shift towards renewable energy sources. By 2040, projections suggest that wind and solar power will supply approximately 80% of the country's electricity needs. This transition is expected to reduce energy imports, enhancing national energy…
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FERC Complaint Targets Duke, PJM Transmission Planning
A coalition of large energy consumers and ratepayer advocates has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), urging the agency to prohibit transmission owners from independently planning "local" transmission projects exceeding 100 kilovolts (kV). The coalition argues that such local planning, lacking independent oversight, leads to inefficient and costly transmission development, resulting in unjust and unreasonable rates for consumers.
Background
Transmission planning involves determining the necessary infrastructure to transport electricity from generation sources to consumers. In the United States, this planning is typically conducted by transmission owners, which are often investor-owned utilities. These entities are responsible for…
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How Dangerous is Linemen Work?
Many occupations pose risks to workers, but few match the dangers that linemen face daily. Linemen play a critical role in maintaining and restoring the power grid, often working in extreme weather conditions, at significant heights, and around high-voltage electrical systems. Their work is essential to modern life, yet it comes with life-threatening hazards.
Statistics highlight the dangers of lineman work. The fatality rate for lineworkers is nearly four times higher than the national average for all occupations. Each year, an average of 26 linemen lose their lives due to work-related injuries. Additionally, linemen experience a non-fatal injury rate of…
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