SSEN trials ‘smart hammer’ to test wooden electricity poles

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has begun trialling a new “smart hammer”, which allows faster and more accurate assessments of wooden poles used for overhead power lines.

The current procedure involves a linesperson striking the pole with a standard hammer and using the sound as an indication of its condition. However, this long-standing technique relies on the tester’s subjective judgement and provides only basic scores.

The smart hammer also works by measuring the vibrations when struck against a pole but will allow workers to quickly capture consistent objective information to gain a more complete understanding of the pole’s health over time. The data will be added to an internal online database that alerts crews when a replacement is necessary.

As well as making initial assessments faster, cheaper and more consistent, SSEN said the device will also ensure secondary inspections are only made when necessary.

The trial, which is being supported with £498,000 of funding from Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance, will run until April 2021. SSEN then hopes to roll out the technology across its license areas as part of regular operations by November 2021.

Project manager Kevin Dennis said: “Smart Hammer provides an innovative opportunity to improve on a process that every network operator experiences. More detailed, accessible and consistent data will allow overhead linesperson and line inspectors to better assess overhead line poles in a cost-effective manner.

“If the trial across our north and south distribution areas is successful, we hope it will lead to widespread adoption of Smart Hammer, allowing for more efficient testing procedures throughout overhead assessment teams.”