CHAPTER – 10

FINAL CHECKING
1.0 PRECAUTIONS & GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1.1 Conductor / earth wire should not be climbed up under any circumstances in spans where
crossing of other power lines are involved without obtaining shutdown of these other
power lines.

1.2 The word tower should be deemed to include all kinds of structures used in the
transmission line.

1.3 During patrolling, the points given in the ensuing para 2 to para 7 are to be checked and
report prepared for each location and span in the proforma given in Appendix – A.

1.4 After the final checking of the line has been completed, the report of defects observed in
the line is to be prepared by the Assistant Engineer in the proforma given in Appendix – B
and a copy sent to the Executive Engineer / Superintending Engineer. In case of works got
done on contract, a copy of the report is also sent to the Contractor for attending /
rectifying the defects.

1.5 During the patrolling itself, in case of departmental work, small defects which can be
removed are to be attended and remark to this effect be noted in the proforma given in
Appendix – B.

1.6 In case of rectification / maintenance which is required to be done under shutdown of other
power lines, the Assistant Engineer Incharge of the line shall prepare a programme for
taking shutdown / shutdowns and arrange for the same through the Executive Engineer /
Superintending Engineer.

1.7 Additional manpower and tools and plants as required for the shutdown works shall be got
arranged by the Assistant Engineer – In – Charge of the line / Contractor (as applicable)
before taking the shutdown.

1.8 After the rectification / maintenance work is carried out, entry to this effect shall be made
in the proforma given in Appendix – B & copy sent to the Executive Engineer /
Superintending Engineer.

1.9 The patrolling of Transmission line is to be carried out as and when erection of substantial
sections of the line or the total line is completed.

1.10 The rectification shall generally be completed before the line is taken over and cleared for
energization. In the case of work contracts, the Engineer – In – Charge shall issue a taking
over certificate to the Contractor as proof of the final acceptance of the line when the
whole of the works have been completed and have passed all the tests prescribed in the
contract to his satisfaction. The Engineer – In – Charge shall not unreasonably withhold
nor will he delay the issuance of such certificate on account of minor omissions or defects
which do not affect the commercial operation of and / or cause any serious risk to the
transmission line. Such certificate shall not relieve the Contractor of any of his obligations
which otherwise become due by the terms and conditions of the contract. The Contractor
shall give an undertaking to finish any outstanding work expeditiously.
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2.0 TOWER FOOTING AND FOUNDATION:

2.1 Whether back filling is complete and there is no settling / shrinking of earth in the pit.
There should be no earth on the tower legs. Earth should be 300 mm below the chimney
top / coping.

2.2 Whether coping has been done as required. Check shape and height. Coping is to be done
up to the lowest bracing on the leg.

2.3 Whether required rivetment / benching has been done. Check condition of rivetment. Earth
should be 300 mm below the chimney top / coping.

3.0 EARTHING:
3.1 Whether earthing has been done.

3.2 Measure and record the value of earth resistance. In case the earth resistance is more than
10 ohms, additional earthing is to be got provided.

4.0 TOWERS:
4.1 Whether all tower members have been fitted correctly with correct size of bolts and nuts
with spring washers and tightened. There should be no bent or damaged members.

4.2 Whether bolts and nuts are provided on all blank holes.

4.3 Whether punching / tag welding of bolts and nuts has been done. Check painting in case of
tag welding.

4.4 Whether the number plates, phase plates and danger plates have been fitted. Check circuit
plates in case of double circuit towers.

4.5 Whether anti – climbing device has been fitted. If applicable, whether barbed wire has been
provided.

4.6 Whether bird guards have been fitted.

4.7 Check verticality of tower visually. In case of doubt, measure with theodolite.

4.8 Whether Aviation obstruction fixtures / lights / painting have been provided where
required.

5.0 CONDUCTOR:
5.1 Check the condition of the conductors. There should be no loose strands or damage to the
strands.

5.2 Whether the required number of spacers has been provided as per recommended chart.
Whether the spacers of all three phases are in line. (For 400 kV lines)

5.3 Whether sub – conductor sag mismatch is within the limit of 40 mm. (For 400 kV lines)

5.4 Whether correct number and type of disc insulators have been provided. Insulators should
be generally clean. They should not be damaged. All locking pins / clips are provided and
split open.

5.5 Whether arcing horn, arcing ring & corona control ring, as applicable, fitted correctly on
suspension and tension strings.
 Final Checking 137

5.6 Whether all required split pins have been fitted and opened on conductor hardware fittings.

5.7 Whether armour rods / armour grips, as applicable, have been fitted in the suspension
hardware.

5.8 Whether vibration dampers have been fitted on the conductors and are vertical.

5.9 Whether proper shape and length of jumpers have been provided and required electrical
clearance from tower body is available. Whether lock nuts have been provided on the bolts
of the jumper cones. In case of 400kV lines, two rigid spacers are to be provided on each
conductor jumper.

6.0 EARTHWIRE:
6.1 Check the condition of the earth wire. There should be no loose strands or damage to the
strands.

6.2 Whether all required split pins have been fitted and opened on earth wire hardware fittings.

6.3 Whether vibration dampers have been fitted on the earth wire and are vertical.

6.4 Whether earth bonds have been provided on earth wire suspension and tension hardwares.
On angle / tension towers, these are to be provided on tension hardwares on both the sides.

6.5 Whether proper shape and length of jumpers have been provided. Whether lock nuts have
been provided on the bolts of the jumper cones.

6.6 Whether aviation warning markers / globules have been provided.

7.0 RIGHT OF WAY & CLEARANCES:

7.1 Whether required tree cutting has been done in the right of way.

7.2 Whether required clearances are available from the ground and roads.

7.3 What is the clearance from power lines, telecommunication lines and railway tracks. (To
be measured and recorded)
138 Construction Manual for Transmission Lines

APPENDIX – A
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140 Construction Manual for Transmission Lines
Final Checking 141

APPENDIX – B
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