E-REDES pilot using innovative and more resilient LV aerial bundled cable accessories

In the last 30 years, the majority of the Portuguese population has moved to coastal areas where existing overhead grids are deeply affected by sea proximity. Since replacing all the overhead cables to underground is not feasible, the energy transition demands the use of bigger cable sections. Tension clamps are vital for overhead grid performance, and their resiliency must not be overlooked, as its failure severely impacts safety and performance indicators. In this context, a technical-scientific study was carried out to evaluate potential anticorrosive coating systems designed to protect metallic components used in the suspension and anchoring of cables in outdoor environments. The study identified the feasibility of applying a zinc flake coating, widely used in the automotive industry, to tension clamps. Based on these findings, E-REDES implemented a pilot installation to assess the performance of different clamps under adverse conditions. Finally, it presents how each clamp type performed and how E-REDES changed their requirements for low voltage (LV) clamps.