Investigation of leakage current flow through wooden poles structures on overhead distribution system

Insulation degradation leading to leakage current flow through the high voltage insulator is a major problem faced by various power distribution utilities. The excessive leakage current flow into the wooden supporting structures (wooden cross-arm and pole) leads to pole-top fires and subsequently power cut-off. Most prior researchers focused on flashover phenomena of insulators rather than investigation of leakage current leading to pole fire. This paper investigates the continuous current flow path originating from the high voltage conductor to various locations through the wooden pole. The results are of significance to the study of high voltage insulation whereby it extended the study of leakage current into the wooden supporting structures. Experiments were conducted on various locations of wooden pole to detect and track the leakage current flow. Also the moisture contents at these locations were measured to investigate its effect on the leakage current through the wooden pole structure. Key-Words: -Leakage current, wooden pole structure, moisture content, insulator and moisture content