Cispr TR 18-3-2010

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TR CISPR 18-3
®
Edition 2.0 2010-06
TECHNICAL
REPORT
INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON RADIO INTERFERENCE
Radio interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high-voltage

equipment –
Part 3: Code of practice for minimizing the generation of radio noise
TR CISPR 18-3:2010(E)
Copyrighted material licensed to BR Demo by Thomson Reuters (Scientific), Inc., subscriptions.techstreet.com, downloaded on Nov-28-2014 by James Madison. No further reproduction or distribution is permitted. Uncontrolled when printe
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TR CISPR 18-3
®
Edition 2.0 2010-06
TECHNICAL
REPORT
Radio interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high-voltage

equipment –
Part 3: Code of practice for minimizing the generation of radio noise
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION PRICE CODE
X
ICS 33.100.01 ISBN 978-2-88912-018-5
® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission

–2– TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
CONTENTS
FOREWORD...........................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................6
1 Scope ...............................................................................................................................8
2 Normative references .......................................................................................................8
3 Terms and definitions .......................................................................................................8
4 Practical design of overhead power lines and associated equipment in order to
control interference to radio broadcast sound and television reception ............................. 8
4.1 Overview .................................................................................................................8
4.2 Corona on conductors .............................................................................................9
4.3 Corona on metal hardware ......................................................................................9
4.4 Surface discharges on insulators .............................................................................9
4.4.1 Clean or slightly polluted insulators .............................................................9
4.4.2 Very polluted insulators ............................................................................. 10
4.5 Spark and microsparks due to bad contacts, commutation effects ......................... 10
4.6 Defects on power lines and associated equipment in service ................................. 10
5 Methods of prediction of the reference level of an overhead line..................................... 11
5.1 General ................................................................................................................. 11
5.2 Correlation of data given elsewhere in this publication .......................................... 11
5.3 CIGRÉ formula ...................................................................................................... 12
5.4 Determination of 80 % level................................................................................... 13
5.5 Conclusions .......................................................................................................... 13
6 Preventive and remedial measures to minimize radio noise generated by bad
contacts and their detection and location ........................................................................ 14
6.1 General ................................................................................................................. 14
6.2 Preventive and remedial measures ........................................................................ 14
6.3 Methods of detecting and locating bad contacts .................................................... 15
7 Formulae for predetermination of the radio noise field strength produced by large
conductor bundles (more than four sub-conductors) and by tubular conductors .............. 17
7.1 Basic principles ..................................................................................................... 17
7.2 Calculation of corona radio noise field strengths due to large bundles ................... 18
7.2.1 Procedure for the predetermination of the radio noise field strength .......... 18
7.2.2 Calculation of the excitation function in heavy rain .................................... 18
7.2.3 Correction factor to evaluate the excitation function in other weather
categories ................................................................................................. 19
7.2.4 Calculation of the radio noise field strength ............................................... 19
7.3 Evaluation of corona radio noise field strength due to large tubular
conductors ............................................................................................................ 20
8 Figures ........................................................................................................................... 22
Annex A (informative) Formulae for predicting the radio noise field strength from the
conductors of an overhead line ............................................................................................. 30
Annex B (informative) Analytical procedure for the predetermination of the radio noise
field strength, at a given distance from an overhead line with large bundle conductors ......... 38
Bibliography.......................................................................................................................... 45
Figure 1 – Bundle conductors ............................................................................................... 22

Figure 2 – Line with conductors in a flat configuration ........................................................... 23
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) –3–
Figure 3 – Line with conductors in a delta configuration ........................................................ 24

Figure 4 – Line with conductors in a triangular configuration ................................................. 25
Figure 5 – Line with conductors in a flat configuration ........................................................... 26
Figure 6 – Line with conductors in a delta configuration ........................................................ 27
Figure 7 – Line with conductors in a triangular configuration ................................................. 28
Figure 8 – Tubular conductors of 40 cm diameter ................................................................. 29
Figure B.1 – Designation of the geometrical quantities for the simplified analytical
method ................................................................................................................................. 43
Figure B.2 – Lateral profiles of the radio noise field strengths produced by the
individual phases and of the total field, as calculated in the given example .......................... 44
Table A.1 – Empirical methods, terms of the predetermination formulae developed by

several institutions, survey.................................................................................................... 32
Table A.2 – Empirical methods, complete predetermination formulae developed by
several institutions, survey.................................................................................................... 34
Table A.3 – Predetermination formulae, examples for calculation of the absolute field
strength levels ...................................................................................................................... 36
–4– TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

____________
RADIO INTERFERENCE CHARACTERISTICS

OF OVERHEAD POWER LINES
AND HIGH-VOLTAGE EQUIPMENT –
Part 3: Code of practice for minimizing

the generation of radio noise
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
The main task of IEC technical committees is to prepare International Standards. However, a
technical committee may propose the publication of a technical report when it has collected
data of a different kind from that which is normally published as an International Standard, for
example "state of the art".
CISPR 18-3, which is a technical report, has been prepared by CISPR subcommittee B:
Interference relating to industrial, scientific and medical radio-frequency apparatus, to other
(heavy) industrial equipment, to overhead power lines, to high voltage equipment and to
electric traction.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1986. It is a technical
revision.
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) –5–
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition: while the first edition of CISPR 18-3 only covered recommendations for minimizing the
generation of radio noise emanating from high-voltage (HV) power systems, this second
edition now also covers a new clause providing formulae for predetermination of the radio
noise field strength levels from HV overhead power lines with large conductor bundles.
Furthermore, Annex A was accomplished with a collation of predetermination formulae
developed and used by several institutions around the world. The tables also contain typical
examples of radio noise field strength levels obtained during some measurements campaigns
at several HV overhead power line constructions.
The text of this technical report is based on the following documents:
DTR Report on voting

CISPR/B/495/DTR CISPR/B/503/RVC
Full information on the voting for the approval of this technical report can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.
This technical report has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the CISPR 18 series can be found, under the general title Radio
interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high-voltage equipment, on the IEC
website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

–6– TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
INTRODUCTION
This technical report forms the third of a three-part publication dealing with radio noise
generated by electrical power transmission and distribution facilities (overhead lines and
substations). It contains recommendations for minimizing the generation of radio noise
emanating from high-voltage (HV) power systems which include, but are not restricted to,
HVAC or HVDC overhead power lines, HVAC substations and HVDC converter stations,
hardware, etc., in order to promoting protection of radio reception.
The recommendations given in this part 3 of the CISPR 18 series are intended to be a useful
aid to engineers involved in design, erection and maintenance of overhead lines and HV
stations and also to anyone concerned with checking the radio noise performance of a line to
ensure satisfactory protection of radio reception. Information on the physical phenomena
involved in the generation of electromagnetic noise fields is found in CISPR/TR 18-1. It also
includes the main properties of such fields and their numerical values. CISPR/TR 18-2
contains recommendations for methods of measurement for use on-site or in a laboratory. It
furthermore recommends procedures for determination of limits for the radio noise from HV
power systems.
This second edition of CISPR 18-3 was adapted to the modern structure and content of
technical reports issued by IEC. The first edition of CISPR 18-3 underwent thorough edition
and adaptation to modern terminology. Furthermore its content was adjusted such as to allow
for use of the lateral distance y for the conduction of measurements in the field.
The CISPR 18 series does not deal with biological effects on living matter or any issues
related to exposure in electromagnetic fields.
The main content of this technical report is based on CISPR Rec. No. 57 given below:
CISPR RECOMMENDATION No. 57
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR MINIMIZING THE GENERATION OF RADIO NOISE
The CISPR
CONSIDERING
a) that the radiation of electromagnetic energy from overhead power lines causes
interference to sound and television broadcasting,
b) that the level of this noise may be reduced by the design and lay-out of a line,
c) that when defects cause unusually high levels of interference there is need to detect and
locate these faults,
RECOMMENDS
That the latest edition of CISPR Publication 18-3, including amendments, be used as guide
for minimizing the generation of radio noise caused by overhead power lines.
CISPR/TR 18-1 describes the main properties of the physical phenomena involved in the
production of disturbing electromagnetic fields by overhead lines and provides numerical
values of such fields.
In CISPR/TR 18-2 methods of measurement and procedures for determining limits of such
radio interference are recommended.
This CISPR/TR 18-3 forms a "Code of Practice" to reduce to a minimum the production of
radio noise by power lines and equipment.
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) –7–
It provides information which is advisable to follow both when designing various fittings and
components and when stringing the conductors and installing the hardware of the line.
It also describes methods of detecting and locating defects resulting in unusually high
interference levels, and provides prevention and correction procedures that are generally
simple to implement.
Lastly, this Part 3 provides formulae for predicting the most probable radio noise field of a line
for various weather conditions, insofar as radio noise is caused by conductor corona.
–8– TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
RADIO INTERFERENCE CHARACTERISTICS

OF OVERHEAD POWER LINES
AND HIGH-VOLTAGE EQUIPMENT –
Part 3: Code of practice for minimizing

the generation of radio noise
1 Scope
This part of CISPR 18, which is a technical report, applies to radio noise from overhead power
lines and high-voltage equipment which may cause interference to radio reception, excluding
the fields from power line carrier signals.
The frequency range covered is 0,15 MHz to 300 MHz.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-161, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 161:

Electromagnetic compatibility
CISPR/TR 18-1:2010, Radio interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high-
voltage equipment – Part 1: Description of phenomena
CISPR/TR 18-2:2010, Radio interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high-
voltage equipment – Part 2: Methods of measurement and procedure for determining limits
ISO/IEC Guide 99, International vocabulary of metrology – Basic and general concepts and
associated terms (VIM)
NOTE Informative references are listed in the Bibliography.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in the IEC 60050-161 and
the ISO/IEC Guide 99 apply.
4 Practical design of overhead power lines and associated equipment

in order to control interference to radio broadcast sound and television
reception
4.1 Overview
This clause provides guidance on the techniques that may be applied during the design,
construction and operation of high voltage overhead power lines and associated equipment in
order to keep the various types of radio noise described in this publication within acceptable
levels.
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) –9–
4.2 Corona on conductors
During line design, consideration should be given to the geometric parameters of the line, in
order to ensure that radio noise due to conductor corona will not exceed a specified
acceptable level. The most important parameters are conductor diameter and number of
conductors per phase. Others that could be varied, such as distance between phases, height
of conductors above ground or spacing of sub-conductors in the bundle, have a smaller effect.
In practice they are usually determined by mechanical or insulation requirements.
The quantitative laws that determine the level of radio noise caused by conductor corona are
discussed in 4.3 of CISPR/TR 18-1, and in Clause 7 below. These laws normally apply to both
stranded and smooth conductors, since the surface unevenness caused by stranding does not,
in general, substantially change the noise level, especially when conductors are damp or wet.
The existence of scratched or broken strands or deposits of extraneous substances such as
dirt or insects on the surface, on the other hand, may lead to severe localised corona
discharges, due to high local voltage gradients. This may considerably increase the noise
level of the line. For these reasons it is necessary to avoid damage to the conductor surface
during construction. It should be handled with great care in transportation and erection and
suitable techniques should be used to avoid contact of the conductor with the ground or other
objects during stringing. It is also advisable to avoid external greasing of the conductor for
protection during transportation and tensioning; when the conductor is loaded, the increase in
temperature, especially in hot weather, will cause this grease to run to the outside, gathering
dirt and leading to areas with high local gradient and consequent radio noise. When the steel
core or inside layers are greased for corrosion protection, a type of grease should be selected
that will not migrate to the surface of the conductor even at the highest temperature.
4.3 Corona on metal hardware
Radio noise due to corona on metal hardware, such as suspension clamps, dead-end clamps,
yokes, guard rings, horns, spacers, etc., can be controlled. Appropriate shapes and
dimensions may be specified during the design stage in order to avoid points of high voltage
gradient. All edges and corners should be well rounded, bolt heads should be rounded or
shielded and sharp points and protrusions should be avoided. It is also important that the
protective galvanized finish on hardware be smooth, particularly at points of maximum voltage
gradient.
Guard devices are sometimes installed to protect an insulator string from the destructive
effects of a power arc and to improve the distribution of the potential along the string. They
also contribute to the reduction of the level of radio noise from the conductor clamps, since
they screen sharp points or protrusions on the clamps. The type and dimensions of the guard
devices should be chosen in such a way that they do not themselves produce radio noise. For
example, the use of simple horns should be avoided at voltages exceeding about 150 kV, and
the diameter of tubes forming guard rings should be sufficiently large to ensure that no corona
occurs during rain.
Present knowledge seems to indicate, however, that it may be relatively difficult to design
guard rings suitable for rainy conditions, even if they are made of multiple tubes. In which
case, it may be necessary to devise special arrangements for the yoke so that the string is
screened directly by the conductor bundle and is protected from power arcs by suitable
devices on the sub-conductors of the bundle.
As in the case of conductors, it is important to avoid damage to the hardware during

manufacture, transportation, construction and maintenance by handling them with great care
at all times.
4.4 Surface discharges on insulators
4.4.1 Clean or slightly polluted insulators
The radio noise produced by these insulators under dry conditions can be controlled by:
– 10 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
– the use of insulators of suitable design, especially as regards their geometry and the
characteristics of the material at the more critical areas, or
– the use of guard devices designed to improve the distribution of voltage on the surface of
the insulator or along the insulator string.
In insulator design, the use of conducting glaze, for example, improves the distribution of the
surface voltage gradient on the insulator. In the design of a guard device, a metal ring as
close as possible to the insulator, or to at least the first two or three insulators at the line end
of an insulator string, may considerably improve the voltage distribution on the insulator or
along the insulator string and reduce radio noise. The ring, however, shall remain compatible
with other requirements such as insulation withstand, protection of the insulators from power
arcs, screening of the clamps, etc. (see 4.3).
The radio noise produced in damp weather, fog or rain is usually more difficult to control than
the noise under dry conditions. It is, however, seldom a critical factor in line design, since the
increase in noise due to water droplets on the insulators is usually less important than the
corresponding increase in noise produced by the conductors.
4.4.2 Very polluted insulators
Under dry conditions, in addition to the phenomena that cause noise on a clean insulator,
other phenomena of the corona type may occur due to surface unevenness created by
pollution deposits, as mentioned in 6.1 of CISPR/TR 18-1. Under these conditions even
careful design of the various parts of an insulator may be of little benefit. Stress control
devices suitable for improving the voltage distribution on the insulator or along the insulator
string, however, may considerably improve the radio noise performance.
When the polluted insulator surface is wet, radio noise is generated by sparks across the dry
bands, created by the leakage currents, as discussed in 6.1 of CISPR/TR 18-1. Occasionally,
this noise has very high frequency components. It may affect both sound and television
reception and is difficult to control. The only practical remedy is to limit the leakage current
activity on the surface of the polluted insulator. This may be achieved by:
a) diminishing the voltage stress on the insulator – for example by using a longer surface
creepage path than is necessary for electrical withstand;
b) using special types of insulators such as those made of organic material or coated with
semi-conducting glaze, or designs with a longer creepage path such as fog type units,
special shapes, etc.;
c) coating the insulators with silicone grease.
4.5 Spark and microsparks due to bad contacts, commutation effects
Remedial measures for eliminating or reducing these types of radio noise are described in
Clause 5 below and in 8.4 of CISPR/TR 18-1 respectively.
4.6 Defects on power lines and associated equipment in service
Even if all possible precautions have been taken during design and construction of a power
line or substation to keep radio noise within acceptable limits, defects may occasionally occur
during operation, resulting in intolerable noise. This may be caused by breakage of strands on
the conductors, damage to clamps or insulators or accumulation of pollution on conductors
and insulators. In general, these defects shall be eliminated in order that the power system
may operate properly, whether or not they are sources of radio noise. In fact, the occasional
noise caused by such defects may result in detection and location of potential power system
faults.
These abnormal noise sources may be located by various instruments such as radio noise
measuring sets, television receivers or ultrasonic and optical detectors. Location will often be
easier when the noise affects television reception, since at very high frequencies longitudinal
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 11 –
attenuation along the line is very high. When only low and medium frequency radio
broadcasts are affected, location of the noise source may require the recording of the
longitudinal attenuation of the radio noise field strength, combined with optical, ultrasonic or
ultraviolet devices, as discussed in Clause 5.
5 Methods of prediction of the reference level of an overhead line
5.1 General
This publication has been written to provide the engineer in the field with the theoretical and
practical background necessary to deal with radio interference problems. Technical aspects
have been dealt with in part 1 and many of the aspects discussed are dealt with in this clause
in a simplified manner to bring together the theoretical and practical issues.
The reference level of a line is the strength of the radio noise field at a reference frequency
of 500 kHz and at a direct distance of 20 m from the nearest conductor of the line. Where the
voltage gradient in the air at the surfaces of the conductors of a normal line is greater than
about 12 kV/cm to 14 kV/cm, depending on conductor diameter, the radio noise performance
of the line is determined by the performance of the conductors. The number and diameter of
the conductors per phase of a proposed line are often decided by the current-carrying
capacity required or by economic considerations and usually a prediction of the reference
level is required for a particular weather condition. If a line is designed with the conductors at
a high surface gradient very little can be done to reduce the noise level once the line has
been constructed.
Figure B.14 of Annex B of CISPR/TR 18-1 gives the correction to be applied to a radio noise
level relating to a measurement frequency other than 500 kHz.
Where the voltage gradient in the air at the surfaces of the conductors of a line is less than
about 12 kV/cm, the radio noise level is usually determined by the insulators and hardware. In
this case the radio noise performance of the line is inherently good and it is usually desirable
to preserve this good quality by selecting insulators and hardware of a matching quality. Most
of the methods of prediction or predetermination are concerned with the conductor noise and
do not apply to lines where the conductors are at a low surface gradient. None of the methods
applies to sparking sources at loose or imperfect contacts.
5.2 Correlation of data given elsewhere in this publication
This clause contains information about the correlation of the radio noise voltage at the line
and the resulting radio noise field strength at ground level at a certain lateral or direct
distance slant to the respective line.
a) Methods relating to noise from conductors

Subclause 5.3 of CISPR/TR 18-1 gives a survey of methods of prediction or
predetermination, both analytical or semi-empirical and empirical or comparative. The
analytical method relies on the results of measurements carried out on a short length of
sample conductor in a test cage and involves highly complex analyses. The sample
conductor can be tested with any desired surface condition and the radio noise voltage
measured by a circuit given in 4.5 of CISPR/TR 18-2. However, for a.c. lines, a reliable
prediction of the reference level due to conductor corona can be calculated only from the
wet test since in this case the number of individual corona sources per unit length is
sufficiently high to represent a statistically satisfactory sample. For d.c. lines, reference
should be made to 8.2 of CISPR/TR 18-1 for the calculation of the noise level.
The simple comparative formulae referred to in 5.3 of CISPR/TR 18-1 rely on the results
of radio noise field strength measurement carried out on an existing line of similar design.
These formulae take into account the effects of any difference between the reference and
proposed lines such as the differences in surface voltage gradient or conductor diameter.
If the design of the reference and the proposed lines are similar and the operating
– 12 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
conditions, such as air pollution, etc., are also similar a fairly accurate prediction may be
obtained of the reference level to be expected from the proposed line due to conductor
corona. The effects of weather may also be determined by taking measurements on the
reference line in a variety of weather conditions.
In 5.4 and Annex B of CISPR/TR 18-1 is given a catalogue of radio noise field strength
profiles resulting from conductor corona for certain designs of single circuit overhead line.
The profiles are correct when the value of the voltage gradient in the air at the surfaces of
the conductors of the lines are sufficiently high to produce radio noise and the values of
the field strength, at a measurement frequency of 500 kHz, are given for both heavy rain
and average fair weather conditions; the heavy rain conditions producing a higher field
strength of between 17 dB and 25 dB. The profiles show the attenuation of the field with
distance normal to the lines for distances out to 150 m.
b) Method relating to noise from insulators and/or fittings
Subclause 6.2 of CISPR/TR 18-1 gives a correlation between the radio noise voltage
generated by a hardware or component of a line, when measured in accordance with the
procedure given in 4.5 of CISPR/TR 18-2, and the level of the reference field. This
correlation applies where the line has a single noise source, for example a broken
insulator, or where multiple sources are uniformly distributed along the line. The method,
which includes a semi-empirical formula, is particularly useful where the conductors of a
proposed line are to operate at a low surface gradient and a prediction is required of the
reference level to be expected from the insulators of the line. When the measurement
procedure given in 4.5 of CISPR/TR 18-2 is carried out on insulators they are usually in a
clean and dry condition, since this condition is normally specified, but the procedure is not
restricted to measurements on clean and dry objects and specially polluted sample
insulators could be tested when damp and when dry and the results inserted into the
formula to predict the reference level of a proposed line.
c) Methods relating to aggregate noise from the conductors, insulators and/or hardware.
Subclause 5.2 of CISPR/TR 18-1 gives information on the use of test lines. Where
conditions relating to a new design of line are such that they cannot be related to data
available from an existing line the expected performance is sometimes studied on a
relatively short test line. Such test line studies are particularly useful when a new system,
for operation at a much higher voltage than hitherto, is in the planning stage. The radio
noise performance of the experimental line is monitored in a range of weather and
atmospheric conditions so that the performance of the proposed line can be assessed
under the conditions which it will experience in service. This could also include the effects
of insulator pollution. Other important data, such as corona loss and acoustic noise
performance, can also be obtained from the test line at the same time.
In 5.4 of CISPR/TR 18-2 a method is given whereby the reference level of a line may be
found which will protect a given broadcast signal strength at a given distance from the line
for 80 % of the time with 80 % confidence.
5.3 CIGRÉ formula
A simple direct formula has also been evolved for predicting the level of the radio noise field
strength to be expected from the conductors of a line. The formula, which is empirically based,
gives the most probable level to be expected from aged conductors in fair weather at a direct
distance D 0 of 20 m from the nearest conductor at a measurement frequency of 500 kHz. The
formula is derived from lines operating at voltages between 200 kV and 765 kV and at
maximum voltage gradients between 12 kV/cm and 20 kV/cm. Strictly, the formula gives the
noise from one phase conductor or bundle of a line and the effects of the other conductors
may be taken into account by a summation process; however, for a number of designs of lines
within these ranges, it is found that only a small error is introduced if only the conductor
producing the highest noise at the measuring point of a three-phase line is considered;
usually this is the nearest conductor but not necessarily so in all cases.
The formula is
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 13 –
E = 3,5 g max + 12 r – 30, in dB(μV/m)
where
E is the level of the radio noise field strength in dB(μV/m) at a direct distance D 0 of 20 m
from nearest conductor of proposed line;
g max is the maximum gradient of the r.m.s. voltage at the conductor surface, in kV/cm;
r is the radius of conductor or sub-conductor, in cm.
This matter is considered in more detail in Annex A.
5.4 Determination of 80 % level
The 80 % level for a line may be predicted by calculation [2, 3] * or, if the line exists, the 80 %
level may be determined with a high degree of confidence, by measurement. Methods of
determining the 80 % level are as follows:
1) for an existing line the 80 % level may be determined, with a high degree of confidence,
from the all-weather distribution curve obtained by measurements made over a period of
one year.
2) if the all-weather distribution curve is not available, or in the case of a proposed line, the
results of measurements made one line of similar design in a similar climate and pollution
environment could be used.
3) from the figures mentioned in 4.3.4 of CISPR/TR 18-1 it is seen that, on average, the
80 % level for a line is 10 dB greater than the 50 % level. Therefore, if the 50 % level is
known the 80 % level may be estimated.
4) the 80 % level may be predicted by adding 5 dB to 15 dB, depending on the climate, to the
fair-weather level estimated from the simple formula given in 5.3 above.
5.5 Conclusions
The particular method of prediction to use in the case of a particular proposed line will depend
on whether the interest is in conductor corona or noise due to insulators and/or hardware that
is whether the conductors are to operate at a voltage gradient greater than about 14 kV/cm or
less than about 12 kV/cm. For voltage gradients in between these values both the conductors
and the insulators may contribute to the noise level of the proposed line.
The simple comparative formula referred to in item a) of 5.2, the catalogue of radio noise field
strength profiles referred to also in item a) of 5.2 and the CIGRÉ formula given in 5.3 are all
simple to use and, provided they are used within their inherent limitations, they should give
reasonably accurate indications of the reference level to be expected from the conductors of a
proposed line. It should be borne in mind that owing to the variable nature of radio noise and
its dependency on the effects of weather, atmospheric conditions, pollution, etc., it is often
difficult to measure the reference level of a line with any high degree of accuracy and
reproducibility.
The method referred to in item b) of 5.2 relating to noise from insulators and/or hardware has
not, as yet, become established practice for the case of specially polluted test insulators but
the method would appear to have promise for this case. If a test line, referred to in item c) of
5.2, is available, together with the time required to carry out experimental work, the likely
reference level from a proposed line may be obtained with a good degree of accuracy for the
particular conductor, insulators and hardware proposed.
—————————
* The figures in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.
– 14 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
6 Preventive and remedial measures to minimize radio noise generated by

bad contacts and their detection and location
6.1 General
Radio noise generated by sparking at bad, that is loose or imperfect, contacts occurs mainly
in dry weather since in wet weather the comparatively small gaps involved usually became
bridged with moisture.
6.2 Preventive and remedial measures
When constructing high voltage equipment it is important
1) to ensure that all fixing bolts are securely tightened, and

2) to bond conducting elements, as far as is possible, either to earth or conductor potential.
On distribution lines, bonding adjacent metal surfaces is important but bonding to earth or
conductor potential is not required for spark suppression. If bonding to one side is not
possible (for example at the pin and clevis, or ball and socket, couplings of an insulator string),
the adjacent conducting elements should have good metal-to-metal contact and the whole
assembly should be well insulated from other metallic parts of the equipment. It should be
borne in mind that even when equipment is new, galvanized metallic parts can have a
corrosion coating of zinc carbonate. When the surfaces have weathered, additional oxides
and sulphides may be present and an imperfect contact may result leading to the possibility of
gap-type discharges. The phenomenon may occur when suspension insulator strings have
inadequate mechanical loading.
The following preventive and remedial measures have been found to be effective:
a) Conductive grease and paste

A quick and economical method is the application of conductive grease to the socket or
clevis area of insulators. This is a temporary cure, however, and it is necessary to re-
apply the grease at a later date. The use of a copper paste, instead of conductive grease,
promises to be a more lasting remedy but care shall be taken to ensure that the grease or
paste does not find its way on to an insulating surface.
Ordinary, non-conductive grease applied to freshly galvanized surfaces will inhibit
corrosion.
b) Bonding brush
The application of a bonding brush, with stainless steel bristles, is a temporary cure,
lasting for some three to five years, by providing metal-to-metal contact in the pin and
clevis, or ball and socket, area.
c) Bonding clip
Where pin and clevis type insulators are used, bonding clips can easily be installed in the
pin and clevis area. It is especially important that these be installed in the conductor
clamp connection with the line end insulator. There are several types of clip suitable for
insertion between ball and socket which maintain sufficient pressure to break down the
oxide film.
d) Permanent bonding
The best results are likely to be obtained with a permanent flexible bond across each
individual metallic link of the insulator string, together with bonds from the earth end
insulator to the cross-arm and from the conductor clamp to the line end insulator. The
bonds should consists of stranded stainless steel or copper cable and can either be
welded or fastened by screws. The cable should have a plastic covering to prevent bird
caging of broken strands.
e) Metal weights for insulator strings with inadequate mechanical loading
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 15 –
In order to ensure good contact between the caps and pins of adjacent insulator units, the
strings should be loaded with metal weights which are well-rounded to prevent corona
discharges.
f) Spring and plastic washers
If a wooden construction is used there is some merit in using spring or plastic washers.
The spring washers are capable of preventing loose hardware on poles and cross-arms
due to wood shrinkage. A plastic washer of acetate or nylon also improves tightness of the
nuts. Where these "shakeproof"-type nuts or plastic washers are used, care should be
taken to ensure that there are no insulating gaps between metallic parts. Such a washer is
generally used only between a nut and a wood pole or arm.
g) Single insulator
The use of a single insulator has the advantage of having fewer possible radio noise
sources.
h) Pin-type insulators with conducting glaze
With pin-type insulators, sparking may occur on the surface where the conductor rests in
the top groove and at the tie-wire or stirrups in the side groove of the insulator. This
problem may be overcome by using conductive paints or metallization of the insulator
surface in the area of contact. These metallizing agents are effective only if applied
together with the glaze during manufacture of the insulator. In the case of pin-type
insulators, if the pin screws directly into a threaded hole in the porcelain, the porcelain
threads should be treated with conductive paint. As an alternative, a threaded metal insert
can be cemented into the pin-hole; although the best solution is to purchase insulators
with the pin-hole glazed during manufacture.
If a PVC insulated conductor is used, there is a possibility of local discharges occurring at
the supporting insulators. These discharges can be avoided by wrapping the PVC with
semi-conducting tape. For an 11 kV line, the tape should extend for 600 mm on either side
of the insulator.
i) Plastic fasteners and insulated staples
The use of plastic fasteners or insulated staples to secure the earth wire to a wood pole
will avoid sparking between the earth wire and its fasteners, particularly if the fasteners
became loose or corrosion is present.
6.3 Methods of detecting and locating bad contacts
When bad contacts are present in a power line or substation, the detection and exact location
of the radio noise source(s) are more important than the measurement of the resulting field
strength. Practical methods for the detection and location of these bad contacts are described
below. Measurements and observations should normally be made in fair weather.
Since a high voltage power line and associated equipment is often the source of different
radio frequency fields, it is necessary to trace the radio noise by starting at the disturbed
receiver. The first step in the investigation is to obtain an aural and/or visual indication of the
radio noise, by using a loudspeaker or headphones and an oscilloscope or television receiver.
When tracing the source(s) of radio noise due to bad contacts it is better to observe the noise
at the highest frequency perceptible because of the more rapid attenuation along the line.
Whilst it is preferable that the apparatus used for tracing should cover the whole radio noise
frequency range, few instruments are available that cover this spectrum. Few have been
designed specifically for the location of sources of radio noise and, accordingly, it may be
necessary to modify commercial apparatus to make it suitable.
The following apparatus will be found useful for locating bad contacts:
a) A general coverage receiver (a.m.) tuneable from at least 500 kHz to 18 MHz.
– 16 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
b) A v.h.f. field strength measuring instrumentation fitted with a two-element broadband

antenna and a v.h.f. pre-amplifier. The audio output should be amplified sufficiently to
feed a loudspeaker and an oscilloscope.
c) An oscilloscope with sufficient intensity for use in full daylight, when used with a viewing
hood, and a sweep frequency of approximately 500 Hz.
d) A u.h.f. field strength measuring instrumentation fitted with two interchangeable Yagi
antenna: one array for 500 MHz and the other for 800 MHz. A moderate level audio output
is required for a loudspeaker. R.F. pre-amplification is required and i.f. gain control is
desirable. The whole assembly should be able to be carried by one man.
e) A small radio frequency detector covering the frequency range m.f. to v.h.f. but without
automatic gain control.
f) A small a.m. broadcast radio receiver without manual or automatic gain control and
enclosed in a metal box. The receiver antenna can either be telescopic, to allow for
variation in r.f. sensitivity, that is to adjust the r.f. gain, or, preferably, a ferrite rod
mounted inside the metal box opposite a slot of similar length in the box side. The box is
mounted at one end of an insulating tube, a few metres in length and having a diameter of
approximately 3 cm to 6 cm. The output of the receiver loudspeaker is directed into the
bore of the tube while, at the other end, a microphone is arranged to pick up the noise
signal. The microphone output is then fed into an amplifier which feeds headphones or a
loudspeaker. This arrangement allows the receiver to be placed near to the source of the
disturbance and, with care, can be used even when the radio noise is generated by high
voltage equipment.
The insulating properties of the tube and its length shall be such as to ensure observance
of the safety rules appropriate to the system voltage.
g) A sensitive ultrasonic detector with a parabolic reflector. In situations where the noise
sources are numerous and are close together, for example in a substation, this can be a
particularly useful instrument, but its use is restricted to fair weather conditions. It should
be borne in mind that this instrument is also sensitive to corona sources.
A suggested procedure for locating a radio noise source or sources generated by bad
contacts is as follows:
i) Using the investigation apparatus, obtain an aural and/or visual identification of the noise
signal at the disturbed receiver. Determine the frequency range of the noise by scanning
the relevant part of the r.f. spectrum.
ii) If broadband noise appears, use the highest possible frequency for tracking. If it is found,
when moving along a power line, that the noise can be detected at progressively higher
and higher frequencies, then the source is being approached. In the immediate vicinity of
the source the noise signal should be detected throughout most of the broadcast
frequency bands. When the higher frequencies start dropping off, the source has been
passed. Along the power line nulls may occur, at certain positions and at certain
frequencies, due to standing wave patterns. For wood pole lines, a sledge hammer can
be useful. If the base of the pole is struck with the hammer, noise due to bad contacts on
that particular pole may either increase drastically or disappear temporarily. This assists
in localizing the wood pole associated with the noise source.
A further method for locating bad contacts, particularly in a substation where several
joints can be involved, is to direct a very fine water jet at each suspect metal joint in turn.
To provide a high degree of insulation, a small volume of water, in a plastic container, is
mounted at the end of a long rod or pole of insulating material. Two pipes enter the
container, one which terminates in a nozzle to provide the fine water jet and the other
which carries compressed air, via a valve, from the ground. The operator on the ground
controls the water jet by means of the compressed air. After having located a bad contact,
a similar device is often used to inject grease, of suitable consistency, into the defective
joint.
iii) If narrow band noise is detected, triangulation will best identify the source. Even here,
however, at the source's location, the sparking noise will be detected over a broad range
to 100 MHz. Narrow band noise may result from gap-type discharge causing resonance in
a fitting or component.
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 17 –
iv) If more than one noise signal exists, it may be necessary to use the oscilloscope to
distinguish the sources. To determine if a noise source is due to bad contacts (sparking)
or corona, the following information may be helpful:
a) oscilloscope or television pictures usually give clear indication;
b) noise above 30 MHz in fair weather is due to sparking;
c) if the noise occurs only in fair weather, it is probably due to sparking;
d) noise due to sparking predominates over corona noise on lines below about 70 kV.
v) If the investigation indicated that the source is in a substation, a radio frequency detector,
as described in item e) or a small a.m. portable radio receiver, without automatic gain
control, should be used. The receiver should be placed near to the control wiring and
earth connection of each item of plant, in turn, so that the wiring may act as an antenna
for the noise source.
vi) In the case of a power line, when the tower involved has been identified, the measuring
instrumentation described in item d) should be used to obtain further bearings. The tower
should be scanned using both horizontal and vertical polarization of the antenna to
determine whether or not the structure contains a source. If no noise field is detected, a
further check should be made by tuning some 10 MHz above and below the measurement
frequency (a null may occur at a particular frequency).
vii) The last step to pinpoint the source should be carried out with the apparatus described in
item f). It may be helpful to scan the insulators, either on the towers or in the substation,
to prove that they are noise-free.
viii) Low-level acoustic noise is often associated with sparking and gap-type discharges and
the very narrow beam width of a sensitive ultrasonic detector, fitted with a parabolic
reflector, will often be found useful in locating the source.
7 Formulae for predetermination of the radio noise field strength produced by

large conductor bundles (more than four sub-conductors) and
by tubular conductors
7.1 Basic principles
Subclause 5.3 reports a simple formula for the prediction of the radio noise field strength to
be expected from the conductors of a line. The formula, which is empirically based, gives the
most probable level to be expected from aged conductors in fair weather at a direct distance
of 20 m from the nearest conductor at a measurement frequency of 500 kHz. The formula is
derived from measurements performed near to lines operating at voltages between 200 kV
and 765 kV and at maximum voltage gradients between 12 kV/cm and 20 kV/cm. The
measurements were performed on lines with single conductors and conductor bundles up to
four sub-conductors.
Methods of predetermination of the radio noise field strength produced by large bundles were
developed in the frame of the projects of overhead lines at voltages equal to or higher than
1 000 kV, on the base of measurements on experimental spans or cages. They are based on
the so called excitation function approach.
The excitation function approach is based on the fact that the corona currents injected into a
multiphase line depend not only on the intrinsic characteristics of the conductor under corona
(its gradient, sub-conductor diameter, etc.) but also on the self and mutual capacitance of the
multi-conductor system [4]. The radio noise currents are related to the intrinsic corona
characteristics of the conductor (named excitation function Γ ) through a relationship of the
type:
⏐I ⏐ = ⏐ C ⏐ × ⏐ Γ ⏐ / (2 π ε o)
where
– 18 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
⏐I ⏐ and ⏐Γ ⏐ are the vectors of the phase radio noise currents and excitation functions of
the conductors;
⏐C ⏐ is the capacitance matrix.
The measurements of the radio noise current in a test configuration of known capacitance
(cage or experimental span) allows the determination of the excitation function.
The approach based on the use of the excitation function and analytical methods to calculate
the radio noise current propagation allows the predetermination of the radio noise field
strengths for line configurations different from the ones tested.
Another important advantage of this approach is that the radio noise current measurement in
a cage allows the determination of the excitation function under controlled ambient conditions
(artificial rain corresponding to heavy rain) and for different conductor gradients, giving thus
stable and reproducible results.
The predetermination methods based on the concept of excitation function was preferred for
higher system voltages (voltages equal to or higher than 1 000 kV) where corona is generally
more critical and its evaluation can be more accurate. Extensive research in this field has
been performed in various countries: Canada (IREQ), Korea (765 kV Project), Italy (1 000 kV
Project), Japan (CRIEPI), USA (GE/EPRI-Project UHV, AEP/ASEA, BPA), USSR
(1 200 kV Project). These investigations principally consider the case of large bundles and the
predetermination formulae given in this publication are the result of the comparison and
rationalization of a wide number of experimental results.
For tubular conductors, a similar approach was followed that led to the predetermination
formulae for the excitation function given in this publication. The experience gained in this
field is much less than with large bundles and consequently the information provided in this
publication should only be used as a guide.
The investigations were made with the view of possible application to overhead lines at
voltages equal to or higher than 1 000 kV, but the results can be applied to the cases of rigid
tubular bus bars in high voltage substations. In this case, the guided field due to the currents
injected into the lines connected to the substation is of importance (see 5.7 of
CISPR/TR 18-2).
7.2 Calculation of corona radio noise field strengths due to large bundles
7.2.1 Procedure for the predetermination of the radio noise field strength
On the basis of results of a comparative analysis of the various methods proposed in the
literature [6 to 13], the following procedure is proposed for the calculation of the radio noise
field strength at a given distance from the line for lines with symmetrical bundles and aged
conductors:
a) calculation of the excitation function of each phase in heavy rain by means of a semi-
empirical formula (see 7.2.2);
b) application of a correction factor to obtain the excitation function in other weather
categories (see 7.2.3);
c) determination of the radio noise field strength profile by means of complete or simplified
analytical methods based on modal propagation (see 7.2.4).
7.2.2 Calculation of the excitation function in heavy rain
The following formula for the calculation of the excitation function, in dB(μA/m 1/2 ), in heavy
rain is proposed:
Γ h-r = 70 − 585/g + 35 log(d) − 10 log(n)

TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 19 –
where
g is the average of the maximum gradients of the individual sub-conductors (in kV/cm);
d is the diameter of the sub-conductor (in cm);
n is the number of the sub-conductors in the bundle.
This formula gives satisfactory results in case of lines with conductors having a ratio between
the sub-conductor spacing s and the sub-conductor diameter d higher than 10 to 15. At
smaller s/d ratios, the actual excitation function may prove to be much higher than calculated
especially in the case of bundles made of 10 or more sub-conductors.
NOTE A comparison between the different formulae for the predetermination of the excitation function was
performed by CIGRÉ WG 36.01 [6]. The formula proposed in this subclause gives the upper envelope of the values
that could be obtained with the other formulae and thus gives a conservative evaluation of the excitation function.
For this reason the formula should be used only for pre-design purposes and for comparison between different line
designs. The design of a line with large conductor bundles would require more accurate evaluation of the excitation
function by means of measurements on experimental spans or on corona cages.
7.2.3 Correction factor to evaluate the excitation function in other weather categories
For other weather conditions (light rain, wet conductors, fair weather), different approaches
were followed by the various experimenters: some of them give formulae similar in structure
to those given for the excitation function in heavy rain, but with different coefficients; some
others propose correction factors to be applied to the heavy rain levels, constant or
depending on the voltage gradients, bundle configuration and surface conditions of the
conductors (in particular new and aged conductors).
As a guidance, if no more precise information is available from tests, the correction factors
given in Figure 1 can be applied to the heavy rain excitation function to obtain the 50 % light
rain value or the 50 % fair weather value.
If the 80 % all time excitation function value, Γ 80 % , is required to apply the indications of
limits given in CISPR/TR 18-2, the knowledge of the percentage of the different weather
conditions (fair weather, rain, foul weather, etc.) as well as the statistical distributions of the
radio noise under each such condition is necessary. Subclause 4.3.4 of CISPR/TR 18-1
shows how the statistical distributions are related to each other. As a rough indication, Γ 80 %
could be obtained by subtracting 10 dB to 15 dB from the heavy rain level in temperate
climates.
7.2.4 Calculation of the radio noise field strength
7.2.4.1 General
The calculation of the radio noise field strength at a given distance from a three-phase line
may be performed starting from the excitation function of each phase by means of analytical
methods based on modal propagation analysis. Several computer programs were developed
to perform this calculation. They may take into account the discontinuities of the line (change
of configuration, interconnection to a substation, etc.). A simplified analytical method
applicable to long lines is indicated in Annex B.
To allow a rapid evaluation of the radio noise field strength profiles, instead of the analytical
methods, the method given below, which gives an acceptable approximation, can be used.
7.2.4.2 Rapid evaluation of the radio noise field of an overhead line
The evaluation of the radio noise field at a given distance from the line is made by applying to
the excitation function a "field correction factor" to obtain the radio noise field strengths of a
line of basic design at a given frequency and for a given ground resistivity. The radio noise
field for the line under examination is then evaluated by introducing other correction factors to
account for the differences between the actual line and that of the basic case.
– 20 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
The evaluation is performed in two steps.
Step 1
The radio noise field strength profile for a line of basic characteristics and under basic
conditions (ground resistivity = 100 Ω m; frequency = 0,5 MHz) is evaluated by adding to the
excitation function a "field factor". Field factors for three basic phase conductor configurations
(flat, triangular and delta configuration) are given in the Figures 2, 3 and 4.
Step 2
The radio noise field strength profile for the actual line under consideration is evaluated by
adding to the radio noise field strength of the basic case the correction factors given in
Figures 5, 6 and 7 for each of the following parameters:
ρ ground resistivity;
f frequency;
h minimum height above the ground;
S spacing between phases;
d sub-conductor diameter;
n number of sub-conductors in a bundle.
NOTE Consideration of the external phase only does not unduly affect this simplified approach. A constant
difference between the excitation functions of the central and external phases is assumed for all configurations:
this assumption is not generally verified, but does not give deviations greater than 1 dB to 2 dB. An improvement in
accuracy can be by considering the average value of the excitation functions.
7.3 Evaluation of corona radio noise field strength due to large tubular conductors
A procedure analogous to that suggested for the case of large bundle conductors (see 7.2.1)
can be followed: the excitation function of each phase in heavy rain is evaluated by means of
a semi-empirical formula and a correction factor is then applied to obtain the excitation
function in other weather categories.
The following formula for the calculation of the excitation function, in dB(μA/m 1/2 ), in heavy
rain is proposed:
Γ h-r = −121 + 120 log(g) + 40 log(d)
where
g is the maximum gradient on the conductor (in kV/cm);
d is its diameter (in cm).
As regards the corrections to be applied to obtain the excitation function in other weather
categories, the following indications may be useful, until further experience is obtained.
− The excitation function in light rain can be related to the one under heavy rain by means of
the correction factor indicated in Figure 8, which is relevant to tubular conductors of 40 cm
diameter. For other diameters, one should expect, as for bundle conductors, the correction
increases as the diameter increases.
− As large tubular conductors have low electric gradients, the excitation function has
insignificant values in fair weather conditions. The 80 % all-weather value of the excitation
function thus depends very much on the climatic conditions. In moderate climates, this
value may be obtained from the heavy rain value by applying a correction higher than that
used for large bundles. For these areas, a correction of 15 dB to 20 dB is suggested until
further information is available.
As regards the surface conditions, the following complementary information is available.

TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 21 –
Tubular conductors are prone to accumulate more contaminant than bundle conductors the
effect of which may be sufficient to alter the excitation function. Tests have shown that the
excitation function will not be altered by the effect of pollutants when the conductor is wet.
When dry, the presence of solid particles on the surface may increase the radio noise to a
value as high as for the same conductor in rain for the highest gradients, especially for low
diameter conductors.
The formula given in this subclause may be utilized both for busbars or for line conductors.
In the case of busbars, the per unit length noise current layer I 0 can be obtained from the
excitation function Γ by means of the matrix of capacitances of the busbar system (according to
the first formula of Annex B). From I 0 , the total current I t injected by the busbar is then obtained.
The noise current injected into each one of the n lines connected to the substation, I, is derived
by means of the following relationship (see 5.7.3 of CISPR/TR 18-2):
I = I t /n
so that its contribution to the line conductor noise can be evaluated with the criteria indicated
in 5.7.4 of CISPR/TR 18-2.
– 22 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
8 Figures
50
Heavy-rain
n=8
d = 3,0 cm
C.I.S.P.R. values
))
Light-rain
1/2
Δc (d, n)
Excitation function (dB(μA/m
50 %
40
5
n = 12
Δc (dB)
Δo = Γlight-rain – Γheavy-rain n=8
Δo
0 n=4
30
–5
2,0 3,0 4,0
Subconductor diameter d (cm)
20
10 15 20 25
Maximum voltage gradient (kV/cm)
IEC 1512/10
Figure 1 – Bundle conductors
Correction factors to be applied to the heavy rain excitation function to obtain the excitation
function for light rain and for all-time weather conditions, as a function of the maximum
gradient and number of sub-conductors.
Γ light-rain = Γ heavy-rain + Δ o + Δ c
The fair weather excitation function is obtained by subtracting 17 dB from the light rain exci-
tation function.
Γ fair-weather = Γ light-rain − 17
In temperate climates, the 80 % value of the excitation function Γ for all-time weather condi-
tions can be obtained by subtracting 10 dB to 15 dB from the heavy rain value.
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 23 –
50
40
Field correction factor (dB)
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Direct distance D (m)
IEC 1513/10
Figure 2 – Line with conductors in a flat configuration
Correction to be applied to the excitation function calculated for the central phase to obtain
the radio noise field strength in dB(μV/m) as a function of the direct distance D from the axis
of a line having the following characteristics and consequent modal matrix and attenuation
factors:
h = 20 m (minimum height above the ground)

S = 15 m (distance between phases)
d = 3 cm (sub-conductor diameter)
n = 8 (number of sub-conductors in a bundle)
s = 450 mm (bundle spacing)
ρ = 100·Ω m (ground resistivity)
f = 0,5 MHz (frequency)
0,442 0,707 0,552

⏐N ⏐ = − 0,781 0,0 0,625 (modal matrix)
0,442 − 0,707 0,552
α1 = 10 × 10 −6 Np/m
α2 = 70 × 10 −6 Np/m (modal attenuation factors)
α3 = 350 × 10 −6 Np/m
– 24 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1514/10
Figure 3 – Line with conductors in a delta configuration
factors:
h = 20 m (minimum height above the ground of the lateral phases)

h = 33 m (minimum height above the ground of the central phase)
ρ = 100 Ω·m (ground resistivity)
f= 0,5 MHz (frequency)
0,412 0,707 0,574

⏐N ⏐ = − 0,812 0,0 0,583 (modal matrix)
0,412 − 0,707 0,574
α1 = 10 × 10 −6 Np/m
α3 = 300 × 10 −6 Np/m
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 25 –
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1515/10
Figure 4 – Line with conductors in a triangular configuration
factors:
h = 33 m (minimum height above the ground of the lateral phases)

h = 20 m (minimum height above the ground of the central phase)
ρ = 100 Ω·m (ground resistivity)
f = 0,5 MHz (frequency)
0,476 0,707 0,447

⏐N ⏐ = − 0,740 0,0 0,775 (modal matrix)
0,476 − 0,707 0,447
α 1 = 25 × 10 −6 Np/m
α3 = 250 × 10 −6 Np/m
– 26 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
7 7
6 6 f = 0,1 MHz
5 5
4 4
Correction factor (dB(μV/m))

ρ = 10 Ωm
3 3
2 2
1 1
ρ = 100 Ωm f = 0,5 MHz
0 0
–1 –1
–2 –2
–3 –3
ρ = 1 000 Ωm f = 1 MHz
–4 –4
–5 –5
–6 –6
–7 –7
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
Direct distance D (m) Direct distance D (m)
IEC 1516/10 IEC 1517/10
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
n = 12 1
1 S = 20 m
n=8 0 S = 15 m
0
–1 n=4 –1
–2 –2 S = 10 m
–3 –3
–4 –4
–5 –5
–6 –6
–7 –7
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1518/10 IEC 1519/10
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
h = 25 m
2 2 d = 3 cm
1 1 d = 4 cm
0 0
–1 h = 20 m –1 d = 2 cm
–2 –2
–3 h = 15 m –3
–4 –4
–5 –5
–6 –6
–7 –7
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1520/10 IEC 1521/10
Figure 5 – Line with conductors in a flat configuration
Corrections in dB to be applied to the reference radio noise electric field strength obtained
from Figure 2, to account for ground resistivity ρ , frequency f , number of sub-conductors n ,
interphase spacing S , minimum height above the ground h and sub-conductor diameter d .
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 27 –
5 5
4 4
f = 0,1 MHz
3 ρ = 10 Ωm 3

2 2
1 1
ρ = 100 Ωm f = 0,5 MHz
0 0
–1 –1
–2 –2
f = 1 MHz
–3 –3
ρ = 1 000 Ωm
–4 –4
–5 –5
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1522/10 IEC 1523/10
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
S = 15 m
1 n = 12 1
S = 20 m
n=8
0 0
–1 n=4 –1 S = 10 m
–2 –2
–3 –3
–4 –4
–5 –5
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1524/10 IEC 1525/10
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 h = 20 m 2
d = 3 cm
1 h = 25 m 1
d = 4 cm
0 0
d = 2 cm
–1 h = 15 m –1
–2 –2
–3 –3
–4 –4
–5 –5
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1526/10 IEC 1527/10
Figure 6 – Line with conductors in a delta configuration
– 28 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
6 6
5 5
f = 0,1 MHz
4 4

3 3
ρ = 10 Ωm
2 2
1 1
ρ = 100 Ωm f = 0,5 MHz
0 0
–1 –1
–2 –2
ρ = 1 000 Ωm
–3 –3 f = 1 MHz
–4 –4
–5 –5
–6 –6
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1528/10 IEC 1529/10
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
d = 3 cm
1 1 n = 12
d = 4 cm n=8
0 0
–1 d = 2 cm –1
n=4
–2 –2
–3 –3
–4 –4
–5 –5
–6 –6
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1530/10 IEC 1531/10
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
S = 20 m h = 15 m
2 2
1 1
S = 15 m h = 20 m
0 0
–1 –1
–2 –2 h = 25 m
–3 S = 10 m –3
–4 –4
–5 –5
–6 –6
0 20 40 60 80 100 0 20 40 60 80 100
IEC 1532/10 IEC 1533/10
Figure 7 – Line with conductors in a triangular configuration
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 29 –
70
60
Heavy-rain
d = 40 cm
CISPR values
50
))
1/2
Excitation function (dB(μA/m
Light-rain
40
50 %
30
20
10
Δo = Γlight-rain – Γheavy-rain
0
5 6 7 8 9 10
Maximum voltage gradient (kV/cm)
IEC 1534/10
Figure 8 – Tubular conductors of 40 cm diameter
Correction factor in dB to be applied to the heavy rain excitation function to obtain that under
light rain as a function of the maximum voltage gradient.
– 30 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
Annex A
(informative)
Formulae for predicting the radio noise field strength

from the conductors of an overhead line
A.1 CIGRÉ formula for general use
This simple formula will give the most probable radio noise field strength level and the
summation of fields made by a CISPR measuring receiver at a frequency of 500 kHz and at a
direct distance of 20 m from the nearest conductor with the antenna 2 m above ground.
The elementary formula for a single phase line is:
E = 3,5 g max + 12 r – 30, in dB(μV/m) (A.1)
where
E is the level of the radio noise field strength, in dB(μV/m);
g max is the maximum gradient of the r.m.s. value of the voltage at the conductor surface, in
kV/cm;
r is the conductor radius, in cm.
Precise calculation of the maximum voltage gradient at the conductor surface is

recommended because of its important effect on the radio noise level. A calculation method is
suggested in Annex A of CISPR/TR 18-1.
For single-circuit three-phase lines the previous formula can be expanded to:
D1
E 1 = 3,5 g max 1 + 12 r 1 – 33 log 10 − 30
20
D2
E 2 = 3,5 g max 2 + 12 r 2 – 33 log 10 − 30
20
D3
E3 = 3,5 g max 3 + 12 r 3 – 33 log 10 − 30
20
where D 1 , D 2 and D 3 are the direct distances, in metres, from the phase conductors to the
antenna of the measuring instrumentation.
These formulae can also be used to determine the level of the radio noise field strength at
measuring positions other than the 20 m reference distance.
The summation of these three field strength contributions is made in the following way: if one
of the fields is at least 3 dB greater than each of the other two, they are both neglected,
otherwise, we have.
E a + Eb
E= + 1,5 , in dB(μV/m)
2
where Ea and E b are the two highest among the above three levels.
For a double circuit line, the radio noise field strength produced by each of the six conductors
is calculated as above at the measuring position. The fields produced by the phases corres-
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 31 –
ponding in time are then added quadratically and the three resulting fields are summated as
above.
It should be noted that this method will give the most probable noise level of a line in fair
weather at 500 kHz. To obtain the level at a frequency different from 500 kHz, the correction
shown in Figure B.14 of Annex B of CISPR/TR 18-1 should be used. If calculations have to be
made for distance different from 20 m, then the formula in 5.3.6 of CISPR/TR 18-2 should be
used.
The radio noise level for weather conditions other than mean dry, fair weather can be
estimated using Figure B.14 of Annex B of CISPR/TR 18-1.
The effect of different altitudes of phase conductors above ground can be taken into account
by using the following expression:
a − ao
Eh = E o + , in dB(μV/m)
300
where E o is the radio noise field strength level, in dB(μV/m) at an altitude a o of the respective
phase conductor Eo actually belongs to, in m, and Eh is the radio noise field strength, in
dB(μV/m), at the observation point of E o , caused by a phase conductor located at a different
altitude a above ground, in m.
A.2 Collation of predetermination formulae used by several institutions

around the world
Table A.1 contains an overview about the separate terms of in predetermination formulae
used by several institutions around the world. The information in Table A.1 was obtained from
a literature research, for more information see [5], [14, 15].
Table A.2 presents the complete formulae comprising all relevant terms as in Table A.1 used
for comparison purposes, i.e. for comparison of the radio noise level radiated from different
designs of HV overhead power transmission lines.
Table A.3 eventually presents examples for calculations of absolute field strength levels
together with the results of these calculations.
Table A.1 – Empirical methods, terms of the predetermination formulae developed by several institutions, survey
Formula Reference Maximum gradient Conductor Number of Direct Distance Frequency Weather
value diameter subconductor
G [kV/cm] D [m] f [MHz]
[dB(μV/m)]
E E0 EG Ed En ED Ef E wl
CIGRE a ⎛D ⎞
- 30 3,5 G m 6d – − 30 log ⎜ d ⎟ – –
⎝ 20 ⎠
400 kV -FG b K g (Gm − 16,95)

(Germany) 20 ⎞
K g = 3 for 750 kV E n = − 4 , 1 circuit 20 K D log ⎛⎜ ⎟
⎝D ⎠ ⎛ 1 + 0,5 2 ⎞ 0 for fair weather
⎛ d ⎞ 20 log ⎜ ⎟
53,7 ±5 class 40 log ⎜ ⎟ n ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 3,93 ⎠ K D = 1,6 ± 0,1 2
K g = 3 for other lines, E n = 10 log ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟ , n > 1 ⎝ 1+ f ⎠ 17 ± 3 for rain
⎝4⎠
Gradient limits: (0,5 to 1 MHz)
15-19 kV/cm
ENEL b ⎛ 1 + 0,52 ⎞
⎛ d ⎞ ⎛ 20 ⎞ 20 log ⎜ ⎟+ q 14
(Italy) 47 3,8 (G a − 15,0 ) 40 log ⎜ ⎟ 10 log (n ) 30 log ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎜ 1 + f 2 ⎟ 300
⎝ ⎠
⎝ 5,0 ⎠ ⎝ Dd ⎠
– 32 –
(Foul L 50 )
E f = 0 for 1 MHz
CRIEPI b ⎛ 10 h ⎞
(Japan) 20 log ⎜ 2 ⎟
⎜D ⎟
⎝ ⎠ Use of bottom
⎛ d ⎞
– 3,7 (Gm − 12,2 ) ± 3 40 log ⎜ ⎟ – − 12 (log f )2 − 17 log (f ) surface
⎝ 2,53 ⎠ h: height difference gradient G P
between conductor and
antenna
WESTING-
⎛ d ⎞ ⎛ 30,7h ⎞ 24
HOUSE b 46 3,5 (Gm − 17,5 ) 30 log ⎜ ⎟ – 20 log ⎜ ⎟ 10 (1 − f )
⎝ 3,51 ⎠ ⎜ D2 ⎟
⎝ d ⎠ (Rainy L 5 )
(USA)
EGU b
(Czech 11 4,5 Gm – – −34 log(Dd ) − 22 log (f ) − 15 log2 (f ) –
Republic)
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
Table A.1 (continued)
Formula Reference Maximum gradient Conductor Number of Direct Distance Frequency Weather
value diameter subconductor
G [kV/cm] D [m] f [MHz]
[dB( μV/m)]
Ontario
Hydro b ⎛G ⎞ ⎛ d ⎞ ⎛ 30,5 ⎞ ⎛ C +1 ⎞
R A log ⎜ m ⎟ 40 log ⎜ ⎟ – B log ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ 20 log ⎜ ⎟ –
⎝ 18,8 ⎠ ⎝ 2,54 ⎠ ⎝ Dd ⎠ ⎝C + f 2 ⎠
(Canada)
R = 34 dB ±6 (50 % value, fair weather) horizontal lines A = 146 for fair weather B = 40 for horizontal lines C = 1 for f ≥ 1 MHz
R = 37 dB ±6 (50 % value, fair weather) vertical lines A = 120 for foul weather B = 32 for vertical lines C = 0,5 for f < 1MHz
R = 63 dB (max. foul weather) horizontal lines

R = 66 dB (max. foul weather) vertical lines
KEPCO c 117,42 log (Ga ) 40,38 log (d ) 1,54 log (n ) −10,22 log(Dd ) −27,10 log (f )
- 105,81 Fair
(Korea)
- 81,98 119,56 log (Ga ) 43,57 log (d ) 3,97 log (n) −19,05 log (Dd ) −25,07 log (f ) Foul
BPA d ⎛ G ⎞ ⎛ d ⎞ q 17 (Rainy L 50 )
46 120 log ⎜ a ⎟ 40 log ⎜ ⎟ – − C1 + C2 10 1 − (log (10 f )) 2
( )
(USA) ⎝ 17,56 ⎠ ⎝ 3,51 ⎠ 300 24 (Rainy L 5 )
– 33 –
a CIGRÉ WG36.01, Interferences produced by corona effect of electric systems – Description of phenomena practical guide for calculation, 1974 (see also reference [14]).
b IEEE Radio Noise Subcommittee Report, Comparison of Radio Noise Prediction Methods With CIGRE/IEEE Survey Results, IEEE Transactions On Power Apparatus
And Systems, Vol. Pas-92, No. 3, May/June 1973 (see also reference [5]).
c Muno Ju, Kwangho Yang, Sungho Myung, Kooyong Shin, Dongil Lee, Development of New Formulas for Predicting Corona Noise from HVAC Transmission Lines,
ICEE 2002, pp. 2147-2150, 2002 (see also reference [15]).
d CIGRÉ WG36.01, Interferences produced by corona effect of electric systems – Description of phenomena practical guide for calculation, December 1996 (see also
reference [16]).
Table A.2 – Empirical methods, complete predetermination formulae developed by several institutions, survey
No. Method Formulae for comparison purposes Three phase number coefficients
Relation E – E 0 , in dB Limits of validity, as far as available
1 400 kV FG K g = 3 for U = 765 kV, and K g = 3,5 for U ≤ 700 kV,
(DE) valid in the range 15 kV/cm < gm < 19 kV/cm.
⎛ g ⎞ ⎛ 2⎞ K D = 32 ±2, valid in the range 0,5 MHz < f < 1 MHz.
E − E0 [dB] = K g ⋅ log 10 ⎜ m ⎟ + 40 log10 ⎛⎜ d ⎞⎟ + 10 log10 ⎛⎜ n ⎞⎟ + KD ⋅ log10 ⎛⎜ D0 ⎞⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜ 1 + f0 ⎟
⎜ 2⎟
⎜g ⎟ ⎜d ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎜n ⎟
⎝ 0⎠ ⎝ D ⎠
⎝ m0 ⎠ ⎝1+ f ⎠ E + E2
Et = E1 for Et − E2 < 3 dB , and Et = 1 + 1,5 dB for
2
Et − E2 ≥ 3 dB .
2 ENEL ⎛ g ⎞ ⎛ 2⎞
E t = E 1 , the values of the components of E 1 from
(IT) E − E0 [dB] = 3,8 log10 ⎜ a ⎟ + 40 log10 ⎛⎜ d ⎞⎟ + 10 log10 ⎛⎜ n ⎞⎟ + 30 log10 ⎛⎜ D0 ⎞⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜ 1 + f0 ⎟ + q − q0
⎟ ⎜ 2⎟
⎜g
⎝ a0 ⎠
⎜d ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎜n ⎟
⎝ 0⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝1+ f ⎠ 300 conductors of the same phase to be added quadratically
3 Shiobara Fair weather (50 % values):

(JP)
F (gm ) − F (g 0 ) = (3,7 gm − 12,2) ± 3 .
2
⎛ d ⎞ ⎛ 10 h ⎞ ⎛f ⎞ ⎛ ⎛ f ⎞⎞
E − E0 [dB] = F (gm ) − F (g 0 ) + 40 log10 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜ 2 ⎟ − 17 log10 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ − 12 ⎜⎜ log10 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎟⎟ Foul weather (in heavy rain):
⎝ d0 ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝ f0 ⎠ ⎝ ⎝ f0 ⎠ ⎠
g 2
F (gm ) − F (g0 ) = 10,5 g m − ⎛⎜ m ⎞⎟ − 31, gm ≤ 17 kV / cm .
– 34 –
As g m , use of bottom-surface gradient G P . ⎝ 2 ⎠

2
⎛g ⎞
F (g m ) − F (g 0 ) = 4,375g m − ⎜ m ⎟ + 19,5g m > 17 kV / cm
⎝ 4 ⎠
4 WESTING- ⎛ g ⎞ ⎛ x⎞
x = 2 for D < 60 m, and x = 1 for D > 60 m, valid in the
HOUSE E − E0 [dB] = 3,5 log10 ⎜ m
⎜g
⎟ + 30 log10 ⎛⎜ d ⎞⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜ h ⋅ ⎛⎜ D0 ⎞⎟ ⎟ + 10 log10 ⎛⎜ f0 ⎞⎟ + 40 log10 ⎛⎜1 − δ ⎞⎟
⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜h ⎝ D ⎠ ⎟ ⎜
(USA) ⎝ m0 ⎠ ⎝ d0 ⎠ ⎝ 0 ⎠ ⎝f ⎠ ⎝ δ 0 ⎟⎠ range 0,2 MHz < f < 1,6 MHz .
5 EGU ⎛ g ⎞ 2
(CZ) E − E0 [dB] = 4,5 log 10 ⎜ m
⎜g
⎟ + 34 log10 ⎛⎜ D0 ⎞⎟ + 22 log10 ⎛⎜ f0 ⎞⎟ + 15 log10 ⎛⎜ f0 ⎞⎟
⎟ ……
⎝ m0 ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝f ⎠ ⎝f ⎠
6 ONTARIO ⎛ g ⎞ ⎛ 2⎞
HYDRE E − E0 [dB] = K g ⋅ log 10 ⎜ m
⎜g
⎟ + 40 log10 ⎛⎜ d ⎞⎟ + KD ⋅ log10 ⎛⎜ D0 ⎞⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜ c + f0 ⎟
⎟ ⎜d ⎟ ⎜ 2⎟ ……
(CA) ⎝ m0 ⎠ ⎝ 0⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝c + f ⎠
No. Method Formulae for comparison purposes Three phase number coefficients
Relation E – E 0 , in dB Limits of validity
7 AEP test line Only for 500 kV and 750 kV lines with the same configuration as the
method test lines, f n = 1 MHz .
(USA)
Configuration A:
⎛g ⎞ 500 kV …
E − E 0 [dB] = 3,5 log 10 ⎜ m ⎟
⎜g ⎟ Configuration B:
⎝ m0 ⎠ Test line
750 kV …
Configuration C:
750 kV …
8 GE Project
EHV, Base This method gives the average RF disturbance level in fair weather. A series of graphs allow for correction for several parameters, see reference book
Case Edison Electric Institutes - 1968 Chapter V, pp. 173-214 [1].
(USA)
9 CIGRE E − E 0 [dB] = 3,5 g + 12r − 30
– 35 –
10 KEPCO Fair weather:

(KR) ⎛ g ⎞
E − E0 [dB] = 117,41 log10 ⎜ a ⎟ + 40,38 log10 ⎛⎜ d ⎞⎟ + 1,54 log10 ⎛⎜ n ⎞⎟ − 10,22 log10 ⎛⎜ D ⎞⎟ − 27,10 log10 ⎛⎜ f ⎞⎟
⎜g ⎟ ⎜d ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎜n ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎜D ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎜f ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎝ a0 ⎠
…..
Foul weather:
⎛ g ⎞
E − E0 [dB] = 119,56 log10 ⎜ a ⎟ + 43,57 log10 ⎛⎜ d ⎞⎟ + 3,97 log10 ⎛⎜ n ⎞⎟ − 19,05 log10 ⎛⎜ D ⎞⎟ − 25,07 log10 ⎛⎜ f ⎞⎟
⎜g ⎟ ⎜d ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎜n ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎜D ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎜f ⎟
⎝ 0⎠
⎝ a0 ⎠
11 BPA ⎛ g ⎞ ⎛ 2⎞
(USA) E − E0 [dB] = 120 log10 ⎜ a
⎜g
⎟ + 40 log10 ⎛⎜ d ⎞⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜ 1 + f0 ⎟ + q − q0 − C1 + C2
⎟ ⎜d ⎟ ⎜ 2⎟
⎝ a0 ⎠ ⎝ 0⎠ ⎝1+ f ⎠ 300
Table A.3 – Predetermination formulae, examples for calculation of the absolute field strength levels
No. Method Calculation of the absolute field strength level Collation of absolute field strength levels
E in dB( μV/m) [dB( μV/m)]
Average foul Average
Fair weather
weather heavy rain
1 400 kV FG ⎛ 1 + 0,52 ⎞
⎛ g ⎞ ⎛ d ⎞ ⎛n⎞ ⎛ 20 ⎞
(DE) E [dB (μV/m )] = E0 + K g ⋅ log 10 ⎜ m ⎟ + 40 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 10 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + KD ⋅ log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜⎜ ⎟ , f = 0,5 MHz
2 ⎟ 0 56 ±5 – 73,7 ±3
⎝ 16,95 ⎠ ⎝ 3,93 ⎠ ⎝4⎠ ⎝D⎠ ⎝ 1+ f ⎠
2 ENEL g ⎛ d ⎞ ⎛n⎞ ⎛ 20 ⎞ ⎛ 2 ⎞
(IT) E [dB (μV/m )] = E0 + 3,8 log10 ⎛⎜ a ⎞⎟ + 40 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 10 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 30 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜ ⎟ , f0 = 1 MHz 55 64 68
⎝ 15 ⎠ ⎝ 5,0 ⎠ ⎝ 1⎠ ⎝D ⎠ ⎝1+ f 2 ⎠
3 Shiobara 2
⎛ d ⎞ ⎛ 10 h ⎞ ⎛1⎞ ⎛ ⎛ 1 ⎞⎞
(JP) E [dB(μV/m)] = E0 + F (gm ) − F (g 0 ) + 40 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜ 2 ⎟ − 17 log10 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ − 12 ⎜⎜ log10 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎟⎟ , f0 = 1MHz – – –
⎝ 2,33 ⎠ ⎝D ⎠ f
⎝ 0⎠ ⎝ ⎝ f0 ⎠ ⎠
4 WESTING-
⎛ g ⎞ ⎛ d ⎞ ⎛ h ⎛ 20 ⎞ x ⎞ ⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ δ⎞
HOUSE E [dB (μV/m )] = 3,5 log10 ⎜ m ⎟ + 30 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 20 log10 ⎜⎜ ⋅ ⎜ ⎟ ⎟⎟ + 10 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 40 log10 ⎜1 − ⎟ , f0 = 1 MHz 48 – 70
(USA) ⎝ 17,5 ⎠ ⎝ 3,51 ⎠ ⎝ 13 ⎝ D ⎠ ⎠ ⎝f ⎠ ⎝ 1⎠
5 EGU 2
g 20 ⎞ ⎛ 1⎞ ⎛ 1⎞
(CZ) E [dB (μV/m )] = 4,5 log 10 ⎛⎜ m ⎞⎟ + 34 log10 ⎛⎜ ⎟ + 22 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 15 log10 ⎜ ⎟ , f0 = 1 MHz 37 47 –
⎝ 15 ⎠ ⎝D ⎠ ⎝f ⎠ ⎝f ⎠
– 36 –
6 ONTARIO 61
HYDRE
(CA) 32 (worst foul
weather,
(horizontal horizontal
g ⎛ d ⎞ lines) lines)
–
⎛ 30,5 ⎞ + 20 log ⎛ c + 1 ⎞ , f = 1 MHz
E [dB (μV/m )] = K g ⋅ log 10 ⎛⎜ m ⎞⎟ + 40 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + KD ⋅ log10 ⎜ ⎟ 10 ⎜ ⎟ 0
⎝ 18.8 ⎠ ⎝ 2,54 ⎠ ⎝ D ⎠ ⎝c + f2 ⎠
36 36
(vertical lines) (worst foul
weather,
vertical lines)
7 AEP test Configuration A 38,7 55,7 62,7
line method ⎛ g ⎞
E [dB (μV/m )] = 3,5 log 10 ⎜ m ⎟ Configuration B 45,5 62,5 69,5
(USA) ⎜g ⎟
⎝ m0 ⎠
Configuration C 50,5 67,5 74,5
No. Method Formulae for calculation of the absolute field strength level Reference field strength value
E in dB( μV/m) E 0 [dB( μV/m)]
Average foul Average
Fair weather
weather heavy rain
8 GE Project
EHV, Base This method gives the average RF disturbance level in fair weather. A series of graphs allow for correction for
– – –
Case several parameters, see Reference book Edison Electric Institutes - 1968 Chapter V, pp. 173-214 [1].
(USA)
9 CIGRE E [dB (μV/m )] = 3,5 g + 12r − 30 , f0 = 1 MHz -30 – –
10 KEPCO g d n D f
(KR) E [dB (μV/m )] = 117,41 log10 ⎛⎜ a ⎞⎟ + 40,38 log10 ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟ + 1,54 log10 ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟ − 10,22 log10 ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟ − 27,10 log10 ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟ , f0 = 1 MHz
⎝ 1 ⎠ ⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 1⎠
-105,8 -81,98 –
g d n D f
E [dB (μV/m )] = 119,56 log10 ⎛⎜ a ⎞⎟ + 43,57 log10 ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟ + 3,97 log10 ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟ − 19,05 log10 ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟ − 25,07 log10 ⎛⎜ ⎞⎟ , f0 = 1 MHz
⎝ 1 ⎠ ⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 1⎠ ⎝ 1⎠
11 BPA ⎛ g ⎞ ⎛ d ⎞ 2 q
(USA) E [dB (μV/m )] = 120 log10 ⎜ a ⎟ + 40 log10 ⎜ ⎟ + 10 (1 − log10 10 f ) +
( )− C1 + C2 46 63 70
⎝ 17,56 ⎠ ⎝ 3,51 ⎠ 300
– 37 –
– 38 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
Annex B
(informative)
Analytical procedure for the predetermination of the radio noise field

strength, at a given distance from an overhead line with large bundle
conductors
B.1 Analytical procedure
The procedure makes reference to the geometry of the line as indicated in Figure B.1.
1) Determination of the corona currents ⏐ i o ⏐ at a longitudinal distance x from the reference

section, due to the excitation function Γ 1 of phase 1, considered constant along all the
line (uniform distribution of corona sources).
Γ1
⏐i o⏐ = ⏐ C ⏐⋅ ⏐ Γ ⏐ /2 πεo ⏐Γ ⏐ = 0
0
where
⏐C ⏐ is the matrix of the line capacitances;
εo is the absolute permittivity of air.
2) Determination of the modal currents ⏐ i om ⏐ , by using the modal transformation matrix ⏐ N ⏐ ,
obtained as the eigenvectors of the matrix ⏐ B ⏐ = ⏐ Y⏐ ⋅ ⏐ Z ⏐ or, in a more simplified
analysis, as the eigenvectors of matrix ⏐ C ⏐ –1 ( ⏐ Z ⏐ and ⏐ Y ⏐ are the series impedance
and the shunt admittance matrices, respectively). Typical values of ⏐ N ⏐ are given for
different line configurations in Figures 2, 3 and 4.
⏐i om ⏐ = ⏐N ⏐–1 ⋅ ⏐ io ⏐
Determination of the modal currents ⏐ i m (x) ⏐ at the reference section of the line, by using
the modal propagation factors ( λ m = αm + j ⋅ ß m ) and considering subdivision of the
currents into the two sections of the line.
⏐im (x) ⏐ = 0,5 exp(–λ m ⋅ x) ⋅ ⏐ iom ⏐ (m = 1 à 3)
The factors λ m are obtained as eigenvalues of the matrix ⏐ B⏐ or experimentally. Typical

values of αm are given for different line configurations in Figures 2, 3 and 4.
3) Determination of the phase currents at the reference section of the line.
⏐i(x) ⏐ = ⏐N ⏐ ⋅ ⏐ im (x) ⏐
4) Determination of the horizontal component of the magnetic field strength H 1(x,y) and the
corresponding vertical component of the electric field strength E1(x,y) at a given lateral
distance y from a reference position.
E1(x,y) = 120 π ⋅ H1(x,y) = 60 Σ j ij (x) ⋅ F j(y)

where
F j (y) = zj /[z2 +(y − y j ) 2 ] + (zj + 2p) / [(zj + 2p) 2 + (y−y j ) 2]
and
p= ( ρ / πμof ) ;
ρ is the ground resistivity (Ω ⋅ m);

TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 39 –
f is the frequency (Hz);

μo is the magnetic permittivity of the free space.
5) Accumulation according to a quadratic law, of the field strength contributions due to all the
corona sources at various longitudinal distances from the reference line section.
E1(y) = (2 ∫ E1 ( x , y )
2
dx )
Introducing the previous expression for E1(x,y), performing the integration and assuming
ß m − ß n = αm − αn, the following expression for E 1 (x) may be obtained:
E1(y) = {Σ ( A
m m
2
) [ (
/ α m + Σ m,n 2 Am ⋅ An ⋅ α m + α n / α m 2 + α n 2 ) ( ) ]}
Am = 30 i om Σ i [N i,m F i (y)] (m,n = modes; i = phases)
6) With reference to the same lateral distance y, the same calculation method is applied
assuming corona generation on phases 2 and 3.
0 0
⏐Γ ⏐2 = Γ 2 ⏐Γ ⏐ 3 = 0
0 Γ3
7) Putting the three values of electric field strengths, expressed in dB(μV/m), in decreasing
order [E a(y) Eb(y) Ec (y)], the level of the total field strength E(y) in dB(μV/m) is obtained,
according to the CISPR rule, as follows:
E(y) = Ea(y), if Ea(y) E b(y) + 3 dB,

E(y) = [E a(y) + Eb(y)]/2 + 1,5 dB in the other cases.
NOTE For double circuit lines, the same procedure is applied, calculating the absolute field strength values
E 1 '(y), E 1 ''(y); E 2 '(y), E 2 ''(y); E 3 '(y), E 3 ''(y).
E1(y) = [ E1 ' ( y ) + E1 " ( y ) ]

E2(y) = [ E2 ' ( y ) + E2 " ( y )]
E3(y) = [ E3 ' ( y ) + E3 " ( y ) ]
An example of the procedure illustrated above is given in Clause B.2.
– 40 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
B.2 Example of calculation of the radio noise field strength
Given a line with the following characteristics (reference is made to the scheme of Figure 2).
Voltage V = 1 050 kV
Number of sub-conductors n=8
Subconductor diameter d = 3 cm
Spacing between sub-conductors s = 45 cm
Minimum height on the ground h 1 = h 2 = h 3 = 20 m
Sag 15 m
Interphase spacing S = 15 m
Two earth wires
Earth resistivity ρ = 100 Ω ⋅ m
Then the maximum voltage gradients are (see CISPR/TR 18-1, Annex A):
for the lateral phases 16,5 kV/cm

for the central phase 18,2 kV/cm
The excitation functions in heavy rain (see 7.2.2):
for the lateral phases 70 – 35,45 + 16,7 – 9,03 = 42,2 dB(μA/m 1/2)
(corresponding to 128 μA/ m )
for the central phase 70 – 32,18 + 16,7 – 9,03 = 45,5 dB(μA/m 1/2)
(corresponding to 188 μA/ m )
The matrix of capacitances:
0,244 2 − 0,049 1 − 0,012 3

⏐C ⏐ / 2 π ε o = − 0,049 1 0,256 3 − 0,049 1
− 0,012 3 − 0,049 1 0,244 2
Consider first corona generation on phase 1 only. Then:
128
⏐Γ ⏐1 = 0,0 (μA/ m )
0,0
0,244 2 × 128 31,25

⏐i o⏐ = ⏐C⏐ ⋅ ⏐ Γ ⏐ 1 / 2 π ε o = − 0,049 1× 128 = − 6,28 (μA/ m )
− 0,012 3 × 128 − 1,57
Assuming, for the simplified analysis:
0,442 0,707 0,552

⏐N ⏐ = − 0,781 0,0 0,625 [ ⏐ N ⏐ –1 = ⏐ N ⏐ T ]
0,421 − 0,707 0,552
The modal currents at the generation section of the line then result in:
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 41 –
18,02
⏐i o(m) ⏐ = ⏐ N⏐−1 ⋅ ⏐i o⏐ = 23,22 (μA/ m )
12,47
Assuming the penetration depth p = 7,1 m, the field factors then result in:
y (in metres) F 1(y) F 2(y) F 3(y)

0 0,055 25 0,10 0,055 25
10 0,033 78 0,08 0,096 15
20 0,021 69 0,05 0,099 01
30 0,014 79 0,030 76 0,058 14
40 0,010 63 0,02 0,045 25
50 0,007 96 0,013 79 0,028 09
The modal attenuation factors for the line under consideration (with ρ = 100 Ω·m and
f = 0,5 MHz) are assumed to be
α1 = 10 × 10 −6 Np/m
α2 = 70 × 10 −6 Np/m
α3 = 350 × 10 −6 Np/m
The electric field strength level E1(y) results in:
Y (in metres) E1(y) (in dB(μV/m))

0 71,0
10 70,2
20 69,2
30 66,3
40 62,7
50 59,4
Consideration of corona generation on phase 2 only.
0,0
⏐Γ ⏐2 = 188 (μA/ m )
0,0
With the same approach as before, the electric field strength level E2(y) results in:
y (in metres) E2(y) (in dB(μV/m))

0 79,9
10 77,9
20 76,0
30 73,1
40 69,7
50 66,5
– 42 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
Consideration of corona generation on phase 3 only.
0,0
⏐Γ ⏐3 = 0,0 (μA/ m )
128
With the same approach as before, the electric field strength level E3(y) results:
y (in metres) E3(y) (in dB(μV/m))

0 71,0
10 74,1
20 75,1
30 72,3
40 68,5
50 63,1
Total electric field evaluation
According to the CISPR rule, the total electric field strength level is then:
y (in metres) E(y) (in dB(μV/m))

0 79,9
10 77,9
20 77,1
30 74,2
40 70,6
50 67,1
The lateral field strength profiles of E 1, E 2, E 3 and of the total field strength E are plotted in
Figure B.2.
IEC 1535/10
1
x
2
Figure B.1 – Designation of the geometrical quantities

Γ1
for the simplified analytical method

3
y1
z1
– 43 –
y2
z
z2
y3
z3
x
Reference
section
y
– 44 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
80
E(y) (dB(μV/m))
70
60
1 2 3
0 20 40 60
Lateral distance y (m)
Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Total
IEC 1536/10
Figure B.2 − Lateral profiles of the radio noise field strengths produced by
the individual phases and of the total field, as calculated
in the given example
TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E) – 45 –
Bibliography
[1] Project EHV; General Electric Company, EHV transmission line reference book, Edison
Electric Institute NY 1968, Chapter V, pp. 173-214.
[2] Y. Sawada: Calculating Method of Radio Noise Level and Its Application to Design of
AC power Transmission Line, IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems,
vol. 89, pp. 844-853, May/June 1970.
[3] Y. Sawada, T. Sugimoto, M. Ushirozawa: Radio Noise and Corona Loss of 500 kV
Power Transmission Line and Substation, CRIEPI Report No. 7 (Japanese), Central
Research Institute of Electric Power Industry (CRIEPI), Japan, June 1970.
[4] J.J. Clade, C.H. Gary, M.R. Moreau: Usage and Checking of the Theoretical Relations
Between Fields, Currents, and Excitation Functions in Radio Frequencies in the Case of
Short Test Lines, IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, vol. 88, pp.
1501-1511, October 1969.
[5] CIGRÉ-IEEE Committee Report: Comparison of Radio Noise Prediction Methods with
CIGRÉ-IEEE Survey Results, IEEE Transactions on PAS, May/June 1973, vol. 92,
pp.1029-1042.
[6] Addendum to "Interferences Produced by Corona Effect of Electric Systems (Description

of the phenomena and practical guide for calculation)". By CIGRÉ WG on Corona and
Field Effects. To be published as CIGRÉ Brochure.
[7] R. G. Olsen, S. D. Schennum, V. L. Chartier: Comparison of several methods for

calculating power line electromagnetic interference levels and calibration with long term
data. IEEE Transactions on Power delivery, Vol. 7, No. 2, April 1992.
[8] R. D. Dallaire, P. Sarma Maruvada: Analysis of radio interference from short multi-
conductor lines. Part 1: Theoretical analysis. IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus
and Systems, Vol. PAS-100, No. 4, April 1981
[9] R. D. Dallaire, P. Sarma Maruvada: Analysis of radio interference from short multi-
conductor lines. Part 1: Analytical and test results. IEEE Transactions on Power
Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-100, No. 4, April 1981
[10] B. A. Cauzillo, R. Cortina, P. Nicolini, J. C. De Medeiros, M. E. Bryant: Design criteria of

UHV lines based on experience acquired in the 1 000 kV Project. CIGRÉ 22-14, 1984.
[11] Y. Sawada, M. Fukushima, M. Yasui: Akagi 1000 kV Project in CRIEPI. Corona test
facilities and results up to 1983. CIGRÉ 36-05, 1984.
[12] M. Fukushima, T. Sasano, Y. Sawada: Corona performance of conductor bundles

measured in corona cages and its application. CIGRÉ Symposium 22-81, No. 232-01,
June 1981.
[13] P. Z. Rokhinson, A. S. Sokhransky, L. V. Timashova, N. N. Tykhodeev: Corona effects

of high bundle number UHV conductors: energy losses, radio and TV interference.
CIGRÉ 36-09, 1988.
[14] Table 4.1 in ‘Interferences produced by corona effect of electric system: Description of
phenomena practical guide for calculation’, by CIGRE WG36.01 in 1974.
– 46 – TR CISPR 18-3 © IEC:2010(E)
[15] Muno Ju, Kwangho Yang, Sungho Myung, Kooyong Shin, Dongil Lee, “Development of
New Formulas for Predicting Corona Noise from HVAC Transmission Lines”, ICEE 2002
pp. 2147-2150, 2002.
[16] CIGRE WG36.01, Interferences produced by corona effect of electric systems –

Description of phenomena practical guide for calculation, December 1996.
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INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON RADIO INTERFERENCE

Radio interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high-voltage

IEC Central Office

About the IEC

About IEC publications

INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON RADIO INTERFERENCE

Radio interference characteristics of overhead power lines and high-voltage

® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission

Figure 1 – Bundle conductors ............................................................................................... 22

Figure 3 – Line with conductors in a delta configuration ........................................................ 24

Table A.1 – Empirical methods, terms of the predetermination formulae developed by

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

RADIO INTERFERENCE CHARACTERISTICS

Part 3: Code of practice for minimizing

The text of this technical report is based on the following documents:

DTR Report on voting

A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

CISPR RECOMMENDATION No. 57

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR MINIMIZING THE GENERATION OF RADIO NOISE

RADIO INTERFERENCE CHARACTERISTICS

Part 3: Code of practice for minimizing

The frequency range covered is 0,15 MHz to 300 MHz.

IEC 60050-161, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 161:

NOTE Informative references are listed in the Bibliography.

3 Terms and definitions

4 Practical design of overhead power lines and associated equipment

4.2 Corona on conductors

4.3 Corona on metal hardware

As in the case of conductors, it is important to avoid damage to the hardware during

4.4 Surface discharges on insulators

4.4.1 Clean or slightly polluted insulators

4.4.2 Very polluted insulators

4.5 Spark and microsparks due to bad contacts, commutation effects

4.6 Defects on power lines and associated equipment in service

5 Methods of prediction of the reference level of an overhead line

5.2 Correlation of data given elsewhere in this publication

a) Methods relating to noise from conductors

5.3 CIGRÉ formula

E = 3,5 g max + 12 r – 30, in dB(μV/m)

This matter is considered in more detail in Annex A.

5.4 Determination of 80 % level

6 Preventive and remedial measures to minimize radio noise generated by

6.2 Preventive and remedial measures

When constructing high voltage equipment it is important

1) to ensure that all fixing bolts are securely tightened, and

a) Conductive grease and paste

6.3 Methods of detecting and locating bad contacts

b) A v.h.f. field strength measuring instrumentation fitted with a two-element broadband

7 Formulae for predetermination of the radio noise field strength produced by

7.1 Basic principles

7.2.2 Calculation of the excitation function in heavy rain

Γ h-r = 70 − 585/g + 35 log(d) − 10 log(n)

7.2.4 Calculation of the radio noise field strength

7.2.4.2 Rapid evaluation of the radio noise field of an overhead line

The evaluation is performed in two steps.

As regards the surface conditions, the following complementary information is available.

Figure 1 – Bundle conductors