arcing at 230kV disconnect switch

A drop in temperatures and salty air close to a major arterial road probably helped start the arcing seen on the left hand side of the 230 000 volt disconnect switch. Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• arc
• 230kV
• transmission
• station
• disconnect
• switch
• electrical
• electricity
• power

[jmhcet]

The switch is almost closed. There is a small air gap. The high voltage 230,000 volts has ionized the air and current flows through this path creating an electric arc.

[REWYRED]

Where abouts in Brampton? I am not far, in the shitty City of Hamilton

[jmhcet]

The Transmission station is located on Steeles Avenue at Chinguacousy Road/Mavis Road in the southwest end of Brampton.

[jmhcet]

Updated info: The switch feeds a transformer which was off load and the motorized switch was only partially open. The arcing was from the transformer's magnetizing current and the switch was later operated manually.

[alidinable]

A very, very low wearing of the contacts. Just use some sandpaper and they will be as new...

[JetMechMA]

@jmhcet

What's arcing? If the switich is closed, wouldn't the current follow the path of least resistance?... which would be along the normal conductors. Interesting video, anyway.

[rabie4x4]

lotsa wear and tear on those contactors

[wsmith68]

Thanks. Was thinking it would be inefficient to convert to cross the border, but wasn't sure. I figured Mexico would use the same as US, but that Canada would copy Europe.

[mystiqueman366]

no 60 hz all over north america

[wsmith68]

So this is 50 Hz. They use 50 in Canada?

[peaky1988]

ouch, expensive

[nolifegeeks]

well dang forgot my leter wonder if that would work lol

[itsCATURAY]

ill bet the cold dsort of warped the metal. that'll do this