Impact of covered conductors on Ghana’s distribution network

Abstract

Electrical power outages experienced in the vegetation areas in Ghana are as a result of bare conductors coming in contact with grounded objects such as trees and tree branches. To curb this problem, the electricity company of Ghana has introduced into its overhead distribution networks the use of CC, covered conductors. These covered conductors unlike the traditional bare wire conductors are able to temporarily withstand phase-to-phase earth voltages. XLPE, Cross-Linked Polyethylene, HDPE, High Density Polyethylene covered conductors together with ABC, Aerial Bundled Conductors are considered. Limitations associated with these covered conductors, greatly relating to cost, reliability, supply quality and safety have been discussed in this paper.