A bird nest was discovered on a transformer in Victoria, Australia, located on a tap line more than 200 meters away from the EFD™-monitored path. Detecting such an issue would have been extremely difficult using traditional inspection methods, as the transformer was situated on a tee-off path in a remote animal farm, far from the roadside. During the onsite investigation, the nest was confirmed, and partial discharge activity was detected with an acoustic camera—further validating the accuracy and reliability of EFD™ technology.
The presence of the nest posed significant risks. Bird nests on transformers can create conductive paths and weaken insulation, leading to electrical faults and partial discharge. These conditions can escalate into short circuits, equipment failure, and even wildfire ignition, especially in dry rural areas. Beyond environmental hazards, such faults can cause widespread outages, disrupt farming operations, and pose safety threats to livestock and people.
The EFD™ system played a critical role in preventing these outcomes. While continuously monitoring the main path, the system detected partial discharge events originating from the tap line and flagged the tee-off pole as a potential concern. This early warning prompted an onsite inspection, uncovering a problem that traditional methods would likely have missed.
By locating the issue before it escalated, the utility company gained the opportunity to plan maintenance proactively rather than react to an emergency. This approach reduces repair costs, avoids service interruptions, and mitigates the risk of catastrophic events such as wildfires—protecting communities, infrastructure, and the environment. This case demonstrates how EFD™ technology transforms network reliability by turning hidden threats into manageable maintenance tasks.
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