11.1 Introduction

The Electricity Supply Regulations 1988 (Part V, Paragraph 24) state: The supplier shall take all reasonably practicable steps to inspect his installations to ensure compliance with these Regulations .

The electricity utilities (or DNOs as they are now known in the UK) therefore have a responsibility to inspect their networks and, in the context of this book in particular, their overhead lines. This is not only essential to maintain supplies in a costeffective manner and to be certain that regulatory clearances etc. are complied with, but also to provide a legal defence in any litigation where third parties may try to blame the DNO for incidents involving electricity supply lines.

Unfortunately, the regulations give no guidance on methods or frequency of inspections and so it is up to the DNO to decide upon a regime that will deliver the required network performance in terms of supply and safety.

The Electricity Supply Regulations 1988 (Part V, Paragraph 17) also state:

All supplier's works shall be sufficient for the purposes and for the circumstances in which they are used & so constructed, installed, protected (both electrically & mechanically), used & maintained as to prevent danger or interruption of supply so far as is reasonably practicable.

So, not only does the DNO have to inspect their lines, but also maintain them in a manner to ensure a safe and secure supply. Again no indications of how this is to be done are given.

Chapters 12, 13 and 14 will look in detail at...