Analysis and prevention of animal-caused faults in power distribution systems

The reliability, security and quality of power systems are significantly affected by distribution faults. One of the trends concerning distribution faults is the implementation of more preventive measures instead of reactive measures. In other words, we would like to prevent faults from happening rather than to restore the system after faults occur. Among the different categories of power distribution faults, animal-caused faults are probably the ones that can be prevented most easily and effectively if appropriate control actions are taken. This paper discusses and analyzes animal-caused faults in power distribution systems. The results of an animal fault prevention technique that can effectively reduce these faults is also presented.>