Introduction: Overhead lines are susceptible to inadvertent contact by vehicles, fishing rods and even kites, depending on where they are geographically. The most likely location for a hazardous situation involving an overhead line is at road or track crossing points, next to rivers/lakes/lochs and next to playing fields. Where overhead lines are close to, or cross these areas the locations are known as critical crossings. The danger is that a 33KV, 11Kv or LV line could be struck by an object that could result in a fatality of the person that initiates the strike. This project is working on the assumption that it is possible to discriminate cable impact between incidents where the circuit needs to be de-energised, and remain so until checked, and those incidents where no action is required. The intention is to have a device created, installed and tested to prove that the assumption is correct. If it can be shown that it is possible to discriminate between inadvertent cable strikes by members of the public and natural hazards, then a further phase of the project may be initiated to develop prototypes of such devices for further testing.

Objectives: Aiming to create a system of detection observing overhead line collisions by vehicles, such that automated reclose mechanisms can be over-ridden and avoid fatalities.