Bird guards are used all over the world. If you can think of any part of the world in which a power line exists, a bird guard would be necessary. From Route 66 across America to the N1 across South Africa, bird guards are an essential element of power line infrastructure. In last month’s blog we took time to understand exactly what bird guards are and what they’re used for. In this month’s blog we’re going to look at how and when they are installed (with a specific focus on SA).

What are bird guards?

To refresh memories its pertinent to remind ourselves that many differing species of birds use power lines to perch on and nest in. The problem is not that they do this, but rather when they choose the wrong or most dangerous and critical parts of a power lines (like the tower) to do so on. When they perch or nest on the tower it can lead to the bird getting electrocuted and causing a fault or streamer or the bird excrement or pollution can cause faults and black outs to occur as well.

How are bird guards installed in South Africa?

We know that bird guards are a necessity worldwide but just how do they come to find their way onto power lines, specifically in SA? In our country, the main power utility and electricity provider, Eskom, has created a bird guard design to prevent problems like we’ve mentioned above.

“Eskom has designed a standard bird guard with specific dimensions, material specifications, technical tender returnable and installation requirements” says Marketing and Finance Manager at Bee Tee Projects, Talitha Oosthuizen.

As one of the leading bird guard manufacturers in South Africa, Bee Tee Projects has perfected the installation and maintenance of their bird guard structures as per the Eskom brief. “When installing new power lines or wanting to install bird guards, Eskom will put a tender out to those manufacturers who can meet their specifications and then follow due tender process” says Talitha.

Eskom will ask manufacturers who are applying for the tender to be able to adhere to the following:

  • Manufacture the bird guards to an acceptable quality
  • Ensure the bird guards can withstand long periods of harsh weather conditions
  • Adhere to all dimensions given in order to ensure effective bird diversion above the conductors to prevent and reduce bird related faults.
  • Adhere to the installer guidelines which ensure proper and effective fitment

Installing bird guards to exact and high standards ensure that the less bird fatalities occur and that less power outages and faults occur too. Bird guards are an important environmental protection mechanism and essential to prevent down time on power lines.

For more information on bird guards and the benefits of installing them, contact the specialists in the manufacture and installing of top-quality bird guards today. Call BeeTee Projects on 011 894 5573 or check out our website at www.beeteeprojects.co.za