In the past two decades, it has become increasingly evident that the external effects of wildlife on electrical equipment are beyond our control and can have significant consequences. Not only do these encounters often result in the animal’s death, but they also cause power outages, with more than 25% of all outages being attributed to wildlife and vegetation coming into contact with electrical equipment. Environmental organizations such as Four Paws International and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) advocate for the protection of wildlife from electrocution, calling for better implementation of measures to prevent these incidents.
To effectively prioritize the protection of both wildlife and substations, it is essential to understand the behavior of animals and the ways in which they can cause problems. These incidents can be broadly classified into two categories: bridging and flashover through pollution.
In the past two decades, it has become increasingly evident that the external effects of wildlife on electrical equipment are beyond our control and can have significant consequences. Not only do these encounters often result in the animal’s death, but they also cause power outages, with more than 25% of all outages being attributed to wildlife and vegetation coming into contact with electrical equipment. Environmental organizations such as Four Paws International and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) advocate for the protection of wildlife from electrocution, calling for better implementation of measures to prevent these incidents.
To effectively prioritize the protection of both wildlife and substations, it is essential to understand the behavior of animals and the ways in which they can cause problems. These incidents can be broadly classified into two categories: bridging and flashover through pollution.
Bridging occurs when a bird or animal makes contact between phases or between phase and ground, creating a short circuit. This is most commonly caused by larger birds, who only need to land or take off while spreading their wings to cause bridging. In some cases, bears, possums, or snakes can climb poles and cause similar issues.
Flashover through pollution, on the other hand, is caused by the accumulation of bird droppings on electrical equipment. This can happen at all voltage ranges, even at transmission levels. The droppings can conduct electricity, leading to a power outage. The nests that birds build can also cause outages if nesting materials are dropped while flying in and out of the nest.
Preventing these incidents requires an understanding of the specific equipment and conditions in each location, as well as the behavior of the animals involved. Fortunately, modern materials and designs make it possible to prevent these incidents to a high degree, often for the remaining life of the equipment. At Midsun Group we have silicone animal mitigation covers to prevent bridging and flash overs. It is crucial to prioritize the protection of both wildlife and our electrical infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of both.
