National Grid transmits around 90 per cent of the UK’s electricity for distribution to homes and businesses and is already using 3M ACCR – which can replace existing electrical conductors and double the transmission capacity of the line without the need to build new infrastructure – to remove bottlenecks in the system and connect offshore windfarms to the onshore grid.

National Grid is building a new substation at Sellindge as well as upgrading the overhead line that runs from Sellindge to the Dungeness power station to increase capacity and needed to find a solution that minimises noise in residential areas.

Explained strategic key account manager for the Electronics and Energy Business Group, Mark Gledhill: “Standard conductors produce a corona discharge when they are wet or damp which gives off a fizzing noise and this is a common cause of complaint by residents living near to electricity pylons.

“Due to the unique aluminium-based material and surface finish of 3M ACCR, this noise is reduced. As well as doubling the transmission capacity of the line, ACCR is much lighter than standard conductors and has half the thermal expansion, meaning less sag at high energy levels. All these factors make it the ideal choice for any electricity infrastructure project.”

Before the installation, National Grid carried out noise tests in collaboration with scientists at Manchester University to test 3M ACCR against rival products. This showed that the conductor is quieter in operation in all weather conditions.

As a result, National Grid specified 3M ACCR for all stretches of the overhead line that runs near to residential areas.

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