The pilot program involves installation of new Hendrix spacer cable system at three locations in Hovea, Darlington and Glen Forrest to improve power supplies to 2,600 properties.
The Hendrix spacer cable is virtually maintenance-free and has the mechanical strength to withstand severe storms. A special wire at the top also protects the conductors below by absorbing the impact of falling trees branches, contact by birds or lightning strikes. The unique construction of the system also means that pole-top fires caused by heavy pollution cannot occur.
Francis Logan, energy minister of Western Australia, said: The program involved the installation of a new high-tech cable system that could withstand strong winds, fallen tree branches and lightning strikes, which is expected to be completed by February next year.
Doug Aberle, managing director of Western Power, said: Providing a reliable electricity supply to the Hills area was particularly challenging and had forced Western Power to ‘look outside the square.’ The faults were often caused by acts of nature like falling tree branches, flying debris, lightning, bushfires and strong winds.
