Galloping happens when a thin layer of ice or wet snow gives a conductor an aerodynamic profile, so a steady crosswind makes it rise and fall in loops that can reach several metres at roughly 0.1 to 1 Hz. It causes phase clashes, flashovers and repeated trips, and can break fittings and crossarms. Interphase spacers, detuning pendulums and wider phase spacing are the countermeasures.
Line 7 has tripped six times since the ice came in, the patrol can see it galloping between towers 22 and 26.
Also heard as
- conductor galloping
- dancing
Related terms
Flashover
Disruptive discharge over or around insulation that creates a short circuit through the air.
Auto-reclose
Automatic closing of a breaker shortly after a fault trip, restoring supply when the fault was only transient.
Trip
To open a circuit breaker automatically through its protection, or to order a breaker open by command.