Helicopter siliconing for reliability Our stories
Our network infrastructure traverses significant distances and diverse landscapes, and needs to handle changeable weather and atmospheric conditions. One of the elements of our network we’re addressing is the incidence of pole-top fires. In the regions, we’re doing so through clever, aerial innovation. During the summer months, pollution, dust from farming operations, or sea salt in coastal areas can build up on insulators at the top of power poles. If there has not been significant rain in recent times, misty damp conditions or light drizzle can result in what’s known as ‘tracking’, where water droplets can create an electrical current between the insulator and a pole.
In some cases, this can cause a fire at the top of a pole. Preventing these is a key part of Western Power’s asset management strategy. This year we deployed helicopters to allow for live line washing and protective silicone application to prevent dust-build up on insulators across the Wheatbelt and Great Southern.
More than 22,000 poles have been treated via washing or siliconing this year.
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Western Power Annual Report 2025
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