Sparks and crackling turned out not to be an early fireworks show by TENNET!

It is customary to send New Year's greetings before January 6 (the day of "Three Kings") or at least before January 15, the date that most people keep. Personally, in this case I will keep the sending date of this newsletter, so on behalf of the board I wish everyone a beautiful, healthy and happy 2023!

I grew up in the small dike village of Nieuw-Lekkerland, where the highest high-voltage pylons in the Netherlands are located. These are there to create the 380kV high-voltage connection over the river Lek between Nieuw-Lekkerland and Lekkerkerk. There has been a lot of discussion about the presence of these pylons over the years. Whether it is the noise that is created by certain winds, the icicles that fall down in the winter or even paint splashes, which were spread by the wind over many cars and gardens after paint maintenance. But the biggest discussion was the buyout of 400 homes that are under these pylons. And then I haven't even mentioned the discussion about health.

But on December 23rd I happened to walk under these masts when, in addition to the crackling sound, I was also treated to a shower of sparks high up in these high-voltage masts. Somewhat dismissed as a premature fireworks show, I was still curious whether there was an explanation. That came shortly after my observation. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G13NfbyBPE4

"Ultimately, the conclusion was reached that it was so-called induction. "That is a normal process. There is no current on the east side and because there is current on the west side, it is looking for a discharge. It can't do any harm," says the fire officer on duty.

In addition to the shower of sparks, there was also more noise than normal. This is partly due to the work currently being carried out on the high-voltage power lines. There are extra 'catch lines' hanging. This is audible due to the wind. The officer on duty reports further: "And because the conductors are out, you can hear the cables banging against each other." (click here for the source and the complete article)

The incident was special and perhaps not unique, but I still wanted to share this practical example or facet of induction with you.

Arthur Hartsuiker
Chairman of the Dutch EMC-ESD Association