Vinyl Caution/Danger Tape and Energized Switchyards

[mhags]

Has anyone ever experienced or heard of a piece of loose wind blown vinyl caution/danger tape opening up a switchyard when the loose vinyl tape came in contact with two phases of the high side of the yard? I am drafting my organizations Barrier and Barricade procedure and I am considering prohibiting the use of vinyl caution/danger tape in energized switchyards given the vinyl tape has the ability to pick up dirt/moisture, thus becoming a conductor.

 

[jtinge]

PM me and I will forward you an example of an old utility guideline for demarcation of work in substations. They use plastic chains and signage.

 

[ActionDave]

How would it be possible for a piece of vinyl tape to short two phases? If it had enough mud on it to be conductive I can't see it being wind blown and if it did wouldn't it vaporize like putting a match to plastic film?

 

[GoldDigger]

How would it be possible for a piece of vinyl tape to short two phases? If it had enough mud on it to be conductive I can't see it being wind blown and if it did wouldn't it vaporize like putting a match to plastic film?

It could certainly vaporize, but if it did, at medium voltage it could certainly leave an ionized air column that would maintain the arc for a significant period of time. (And in the worst case scenario might carbonize and coat the surface of nearby insulators.

 

[kwired]

It maybe wouldn't be as big of a deal on say 15kV or less as it may be on higher voltages when it comes to what Goldigger mentioned.

Then as mentioned there was concern of the tape having dirt on it over time, which can cause things to be worse if such a thing happened.

 

[wtucker]

Vinyl caution tape? How 'bout Mylar?

 

[ATSman]

Vinyl caution tape? How 'bout Mylar?

It has been very well documented that Mylar balloons cause problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9anA66YB_6c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRMTpsiY5gE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ve3aLFYgGA