The 500kV linear tower is a key component of ultra-high-voltage transmission networks, playing a critical role in delivering electricity over long distances. Regular inspections are essential to ensure structural integrity, operational safety, and the reliability of power delivery. This article outlines the essential inspection points and industry standards for UAV-based inspections, covering tower structures, insulators, conductors, and grounding systems. By following these guidelines, operators can efficiently detect potential faults, prevent failures, and maintain the safe and stable operation of high-voltage power lines.
| Serial Number | Inspection points | Shooting quality requirements | Software checkpoint screenshot | Real Inspection Point Images |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tower Overview | The entire tower structure should be complete, with materials and tower angles clearly distinguishable. The main structure (top to bottom) should occupy at least 80% of the image frame. |  | |
| 2 | Tower Head | The tower head should be fully visible. |  | |
| 3 | Tower Body | The full tower body (excluding the tower head and base) should be visible. |  | |
| 4 | Pole Number Plate | The pole number plate should be clear enough to identify dual circuit line names. |  | |
| 5 | Tower Base | The surrounding ground condition near the tower base should be clearly visible. |  | |
| 6 | Left Circuit – Lower Phase – Conductor Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, locking pins, and small fittings (including vibration dampers) must be clearly visible. If components block each other, take photos from multiple angles. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 7 | Left Circuit – Lower Phase – Insulator String | The entire insulator string should be covered. Multiple photos may be taken. The final image must clearly show surface damage and the connection of each insulator disk. |  | |
| 8 | Left Circuit – Lower Phase – Crossarm Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, and locking pins must be clearly visible. Take photos from multiple angles if components block each other. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 9 | Left Circuit – Middle Phase – Conductor Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, locking pins, and small fittings (including vibration dampers) must be clearly visible. If components block each other, take multiple angles. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 10 | Left Circuit – Middle Phase – Insulator String | The entire insulator string should be covered. Multiple photos may be taken. The final image must clearly show surface damage and connections of each insulator disk. |  | |
| 11 | Left Circuit – Middle Phase – Crossarm Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, and locking pins must be clearly visible. Take photos from multiple angles if components block each other. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 12 | Left Circuit – Upper Phase – Conductor Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, locking pins, and vibration dampers must be clearly visible. If equipment obstructs the view, capture from multiple angles. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 13 | Left Circuit – Upper Phase – Insulator String | The entire insulator string should be covered. Multiple photos may be taken. The final image must clearly show surface damage and connections of each insulator disk. |  | |
| 14 | Left Circuit – Upper Phase – Crossarm Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, and locking pins must be clearly visible. If components block each other, take photos from multiple angles. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 15 | Left Circuit – Ground Wire | The installation and combination state of fittings and aluminum wrapping tape at the ground wire contact point should be visible. Bolts, nuts, and locking components should be clearly identifiable. If obstructed, take photos from multiple angles. |  | |
| 16 | Right Circuit – Ground Wire | The installation and combination state of fittings and aluminum wrapping tape at the ground wire contact point should be visible. Bolts, nuts, and locking components should be clearly identifiable. Take photos from multiple angles if obstructed. |  | |
| 17 | Right Circuit – Upper Phase – Crossarm Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, and locking pins must be clearly visible. If components block each other, capture from multiple angles. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 18 | Right Circuit – Upper Phase – Insulator String | The entire insulator string should be covered. Multiple photos may be taken. The final image must clearly show surface damage and connections of each insulator disk. |  | |
| 19 | Right Circuit – Upper Phase – Conductor Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, locking pins, and vibration dampers must be clearly visible. Capture from multiple angles if obstructed. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 20 | Right Circuit – Middle Phase – Crossarm Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, and locking pins must be clearly visible. If components block each other, capture from multiple angles. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 21 | Right Circuit – Middle Phase – Insulator String | The entire insulator string should be covered. Multiple photos may be taken. The final image must clearly show surface damage and connections of each insulator disk. |  | |
| 22 | Right Circuit – Middle Phase – Conductor Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, locking pins, and vibration dampers must be clearly visible. If components block each other, capture from multiple angles. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 23 | Right Circuit – Lower Phase – Crossarm Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, and locking pins must be clearly visible. If components block each other, capture from multiple angles. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 24 | Right Circuit – Lower Phase – Insulator String | The entire insulator string should be covered. Multiple photos may be taken. The final image must clearly show surface damage and connections of each insulator disk. |  | |
| 25 | Right Circuit – Lower Phase – Conductor Suspension Point | Bolts, nuts, locking pins, and vibration dampers must be clearly visible. Capture from multiple angles if obstructed. Each photo must include at least one insulator disk. |  | |
| 26 | Small Conductor Side – Corridor | The tower corridor should be clearly and completely visible, including nearby buildings, vegetation, crossing lines, and other environmental conditions. |  | |
| 27 | Large Conductor Side – Corridor | The tower corridor should be clearly and completely visible, including nearby buildings, vegetation, crossing lines, and other environmental conditions. |  |
