Transient overvoltages and overcurrents on 12.47 kV distribution lines: field test results

The paper reports on field tests conducted by American Electric Power (AEP) on a 12.47 kV distribution line. The results cover capacitor switching and load dropping tests. The highest overvoltage recorded of 2.43 p.u. was during capacitor switching with arresters disconnected. At the line end, a maximum of 2.16 p.u. was measured during the line reenergization with the capacitor bank disconnected. The results give both overvoltage and overcurrent transient waveshape, magnitude and dominant frequency. Spectrum analysis of selected test shots provided the information on the extent of transient nonlinearity. Also, information is given on the field test instrumentation setup.