Reliability Maintenance Programs
If you see a Westar Energy crew or one of our contract crews in your neighborhood, it could be routine maintenance being performed in your area. These projects help keep the electric service we provide to our customers safe and reliable.
Many times crews must walk the circuit path, so they might walk in yards and alleys. Please remember all our crews and contract crews carry employee identification and will provide credentials when asked.
Ground line pole inspection and maintenance
During this inspection, crews are inspecting poles older than ten years old for damage such as rot, decay, public damage, or woodpecker holes. After the initial inspection, work will be performed to address any identified problems.
Examples of this work would be digging around the base of the pole, and installing a water proof wrap to prevent future rotting. Poles discovered with significant rot just below ground may be good candidates for trussing with steel or fiberglass. This technique allows Westar to restore pole strength and integrity at a lower cost than replacing the pole.
Crews installing fiberglass reinforcement to a Topeka Substation
Infrared monitoring
Using thermographic cameras, teams look at transformers and wiring along circuits. When equipment is not functioning properly, the thermographic cameras detect additional heat signaling to the team that maintenance is required. The team will investigate the abnormality and repair it immediately if needed or coordinate follow up maintenance.
Fuse coordination
By coordinating the right fuses and devices on electric power lines, Westar Energy minimizes the number of customers affected during a power outage. Westar Energy crews review the fuses and devices installed and determine if equipment should be added or replaced.
Tree Trimming
Our Vegetation Management Program is a key factor in improving reliability to our customers.
Ground line pole inspection and maintenance
During this inspection, crews are inspecting poles older than ten years old for damage such as rot, decay, public damage, or woodpecker holes. After the initial inspection, work will be performed to address any identified problems.
Pole and line standards
- All overhead distribution pole line installations are designed to meet the
IEEE National Electrical Safety Code's Grade C construction standards.
Grade C is the common national standard for distribution electric circuits.
Following the December 2007 ice storm, we analyzed the design of our 34.5 KV system. 34.5 KV pole line installations are now designed to meet NESC Grade B construction.
Grade B is typically reserved for large transmission line construction (69 KV and up).