Mitigating Wildfire Risks Through System Hardening Strategies

This technical report outlines various system hardening strategies aimed at mitigating wildfire risks associated with electrical infrastructure. The report begins by addressing the increasing threat of wildfires due to climate change and electrical equipment failures, emphasizing the importance of implementing effective strategies to prevent fire flashovers. It details several mitigation strategies, including preventive maintenance, strategic operation practices, enhanced system protection, and system hardening techniques. The report specifically discusses the integration of higher-rated insulators and elbow connectors, increased phase spacing, and the dead-tank design of Viper reclosers as methods to enhance fire resistance. Additionally, it covers the use of flame-retardant wildlife guards and site-ready reclosers for rapid deployment. The report concludes by stressing the necessity of adopting these advanced technologies to ensure community safety and infrastructure resilience against wildfires.