Dust and salt deposits on the insulation can result in electrical short circuits because electricity can run into the transformers and the ground, which will cut off power and start fires.
Pattaya Provincial Electricity Authority workers clean Pattaya power lines to prevent outages and fires during rainy season.
The rubber seals of the porcelain insulation, especially that on low-voltage lines, need to be checked regularly because they are exposed to weather and will eventually disintegrate and cause oil to leak out of the transformer.
Ground wires also are important and frequently are left exposed, posing danger to both people and equipment. The high-voltage power lines need to be checked and renewed when due. The electrical terminals for the low voltage lines which usually have many power lines connected need to be checked on each connection to see if they are securely fastened.
The operation was expected to be completed by the end of April.