ABSTRACT
Steadily increasing energy consumption in densely populated areas imposes severe operating conditions on transmission and distribution systems, which have to carry a greater loads than in the past and operate at higher temperatures. Despite the use of various preventive-maintenance measures, there are still a number of problem areas that can adversely affect system reliability. Also, new economical designs of power connectors have pushed the connector closer to the limits allowed by the standards. The connector is generally a weak link in the power system, which raises serious questions about the ability of some of the connector designs to provide effective long-term connections. This, and poor installation practices, are probably the most frequent sources of detriment to the overall performance of a power system.
