After working in the power transmission line industry for a long time, there are two terms that veteran technicians dread hearing the most: “trip” and “flashover.” A circuit trip is easy to understand. As for a flashover—though it sounds like a fancy term—it basically means the insulator is dirty, causing a creepage current. Eventually, with a loud “crack,” the current jumps right through the dirt, resulting in consequences that are virtually identical to a circuit trip. And the number one culprit behind flashovers—you might not believe this—is bird droppings.
Bird droppings pose a far greater threat to insulators than one might imagine. Bird droppings contain moisture and electrolytes, making them conductive. When bird droppings flow down the surface of an insulator or accumulate in patches on the skirt, over time—especially during rainy or foggy weather—the insulator’s insulating performance is significantly compromised. Current can easily creep along the soiled surface, causing flashover.
To address this source of airborne pollution, Zhenqu Bird Control Technology has introduced the ZQN-GT-NZ bird-proof canopy, which blocks bird droppings.
The principle behind bird-proof umbrella covers couldn’t be simpler: a protective canopy large enough to cover the area directly above a string of insulators is stretched out. This canopy blocks bird droppings, twigs, wire, and other debris from falling onto the insulators. As a result, even if the area above the insulators is a popular gathering spot for birds, the insulators below remain clean and free of debris to a great extent. As long as the insulators remain clean, the risk of flashover is reduced by more than half. This concept is actually exactly the same as using an umbrella on a rainy day.
At first glance, the red canopy of the bird-proof cover is not only attractive but also serves a practical purpose! In nature, red is a highly conspicuous warning color that alerts birds to the area from a distance, discouraging them from approaching. Furthermore, True Bird Control Technology’s bird deterrent covers are made of high-quality composite insulating materials that offer excellent insulation properties and are resistant to aging, corrosion, and high temperatures, ensuring long-term, stable performance. They are compatible with various types of suspension insulators, including porcelain, tempered glass, and synthetic insulators.
