Wildfire Mitigation
Common Wildfire Concerns
HENDRIX SPACER COULD SAVE APPROX. 240 ACRES AND 48,000 TREES ON A 50-MILE LINE PROJECT
Hendrix covered conductor effectively eliminates sparks and flashover, thereby significantly reducing the risk of fire.
- For every mile of 100-foot ROW through a forest, approximately 12 acres of trees are lost.
- In the Midwest region where the average number of trees in an acre is 200, a new 50-mile transmission line would result in the loss of approximately 120,000 trees.
The 2022 U.S. wildfire season saw more than 7.5 million acres of land burn in wildfires. Devastating wildfires ravage the dry climate in western North America every year and cost billions of dollars every year across the United States. Power lines are one potential risk when it comes to wildfire ignition and Hendrix provides the solution to mitigating that risk through innovative product and system design.
Our Wildfire Mitigation Effectiveness
In 2019, Southern California Edison (SCE) evaluated three power line construction methods for their ability to reduce fire risks: reconductoring with bare wire, reconductoring with covered conductor, and underground conversion. They analyzed cost per mile, mitigation effectiveness, and mitigation-to-cost ratios. The results of their evaluation are shown in the table below.
Fire Retardant Insulators
Polyethylene has an ignition temperature of about 650°F, and while wildfires can reach temperatures far above that threshold in the ranges of 1,100°F – 2,000°F, FR Insulators will still be less prone to ignition.
HENDRIX FR INSULATORS are tested according to UL 94, in which the material passes vertical burning V-0, which is the most stringent rating for UL 94.
- In addition to being tested according to UL-94, a “field” burning test was conducted using a Hendrix FR Insulator. The test consisted of directly applying the flame of a utility torch to the thinnest section (~1/8”) of the insulator’s fin for a duration of 30 continuous seconds.
- The flame was self-extinguished within 5 seconds of the torch being removed.
Download wildFire Mitigation Brochure
High Temperature Insulators
Hendrix provides distribution and TRANSMISSION aerial cable solutions for 15kV, 25kV, 35kV, 46kV, 69kV, 115kV, and 138kV.
Hendrix insulators are molded from a proprietary track- and UV-resistant gray HDPE blend, with High Temperature (HT) Insulators made from a specialized blend that allows operation at a maximum continuous conductor temperature of 200°C, depending on the applied mechanical load. HT insulators provide an ideal solution for high-heat systems, offering all the benefits of HDPE insulators while effectively preventing potential ignition risks.
Covered Conductor Insulators
Covered conductor provides a range of benefits when in relation to wildfire mitigation. Even when the line comes into contact with trees or branches, the protective HDPE covering shields the wire, completely eliminating any sparking or risk of ignition. In high-wind conditions, where conductor clashing can occur, the protective covering ensures no arcing or sparks, providing unmatched safety and reliability. In 30% of cases when a power line falls to the ground, there isn’t enough current to activate a protective device. Covered conductor can prevent the ignition even if a high impedance fault occurs and minimizes the risk of a wildfire.
Your Reliable Partner For Underground Power Solutions
At Marmon Utility, we know how important it is to keep power flowing without interruption. That’s why we provide high-quality, dependable products designed to make your job easier and more cost-effective. With fast delivery, long-term reliability, and responsive support, we’re here to help you get the job done right—every time.
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