High voltage learning during the Christchurch earthquakes

Poles in on the 66kV line from Bromley to Dallington, time to run the conductors (lines). Work log: Monday 11th April: Install conductors on Gayhurst Road. Tuesday & Wednesday 12th & 13th April: Install conductors on McBratneys Road. Thursday 14th April: Install conductors on Strathfield Road. Friday 15th April: Install 2x poles and associated conductors for termination into Dallington Substation. Analysis: Installing 66kV conductors on poles Unprecedented in Christchurch, these lines are a 3-year 'stop gap' to keep electricity running in Eastern Christchurch. Easier to maintain and repair than underground 66kV cables, these are a sensible solution in the meantime until new underground cables can be run. Orion has produced a time line of work they want done on the Christchurch network HERE . Now that the poles are in place, which are effectively the anchor points for conductors, the conductors can now be run. Preparation for this involves having ...

Well, a new week, a new trade! Trucks 'locked and loaded'! Work log: Monday 4th April: Start installing 66kV poles on Strathfield Avenue. Strathfield Avenue approximate pole locations Pole vertical waiting for digger Tuesday 5th April: Install poles down Gayhurst Road. Gayhurst Road approximate pole locations Tuesday Gayhurst Road in the rain Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 6th-8th April: Install poles down McBratneys Road almost to the river. The McBratneys Road approximate pole locations. Lifting the pole Reflection on first week in Lines: On Monday, I went to the yard, where Phil (my primary contact at Connetics) introduced me to Peter (Head of Lines), who in turn introduced me to Carl (Leading Hand). Carl would be my supervisor also for at least the 66kV job we were to do (covered later in 'Analysis'). I had a fantastic time, getting the taste of a whole new ballgame in lines. Compared to jointing, where nearly everything ...