ML20028G300

Part 21 Rept Re Two Occurrences of Insulator Flashover Experienced at 345 Kv Substation Since Apr 1980.Insulators Mfg by Lapp Insulator Co.Cause Unknown.Incidents Not Reportable Per 10CFR21 or 10CFR50.55(e)

ML20028G300
Person / Time
Site:	South Texas
Issue date:	01/24/1983
From:	Oprea G HOUSTON LIGHTING & POWER CO.
To:	Jay Collins NRC OFFICE OF INSPECTION & ENFORCEMENT (IE REGION IV)
References
REF-PT21-83-771-000 10CFR-50.55E, PT21-83-771, PT21-83-771-000, ST-HL-AE-929, NUDOCS 8302070607
Download: ML20028G300 (2)

Text

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The Light Company ii .,, ugiin,,g u- m m,x im ii_i.,,,,wxas moi am m..nii January 24, 1983 hj O ,q[] h ST-HL-AE-929 File No: G2.1 G2.2 E23 7~.__

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Mr. John T. Collins l4  !//

Regional Administrator, Region IV Nuclear Regulatory Commission

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611 Ryan Plaza Drive, Suite 1000 y'((p Arlington, Texas 76012 N

Dear Mr. Collins:

This is to inform you that the 345 KV substation at the South Texas Project site has experienced two cases of insulator flashover since April 1980. Both instances of flashover in the switchyard involved insulators manufactured by the Lapp Insulator Company. The cause of the flashover has not yet been identified but is believed to be a combination of environmental contamination and the properties of this specific insulator. HL&P is working with the Lapp Insulator Company to identify the problem with these insulators.

Our evaluation of the flashover problem has concluded that this situation is not a safety hazard for the South Texas Project and does not meet the criteria for reportability under 10 CFR 21 or 10 CFR 50.55(e). However, if this same type insulator is in use at other nuclear facilities, its failure may need to be evaluated for impact on plant safety.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please get in touch with Mr. M. E. Powell at 713 877-3281.

Very truly yours,

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. .- hefce President Exec tiv MRW/na f

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January 24, 1983 II nnion !.ighting & Power unnpany

• ST-HL-AE-929 cc: G. W. Oprea, Jr. Page 2 J. H. Goldberg J. G. Dewease J. D. Parsons D. G. Barker M. R. Wisenburg R. A. Frazar J. W. Williams R. J. Maroni J. E. Geiger H. A. Walker S. M. Dew J. T. Collins (NRC H. E. Schierling NRC W. M. Hill, Jr. NRC M. D. Schwarz Baker &Botts)

R. Gordon Gooch Baker & Botts)

J. R. Newman Lowenstein,Newman,Reis,&thelrad)

STP RMS Director, Office of Inspection & Enforcement Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D. C. 20555 G. W. Muench/R. L. Ranse Charles Bechhoefer, Esquire Central Power & Light Company Chairman, Atomic Safety & Licensing Board P. O. Box 2121 U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Corpus Christi, Texas 78403 Washington, D. C. 20555 H. L. Peterson/G. Pokorny Dr. James C. Lamb, III City of Austin 313 Woodhaven Road P. O. Box 1088 Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514 Austin, Texas 78767 J. B. Poston/A. vonRosenberg Mr. Ernest E. Hill City Public Service Board Lawrence Livermore Laboratory P. O. Box 1771 University of California San Antonio, Texas 78296 P. O. Box 808 L-46 Livennore, California 94550 Brian E. Berwick, Esquire William S. Jordan, III Assistant Attorney General Harmon & Weiss for the State of Texas 1725 I Street, N. W.

P. O. Box 12548 Suite 506 Capitol Station Washington, D. C. 20006 Austir,, Texas 78711 Lanr.y Sinkin Citizens for Equitable Utilities, Inc.

Citizens Concerned About Nuclear Power c/o Ms. Peggy Buchorn 5106 Casa Oro Route 1, Box 1684 San Antonio, Texas 78233 Brazoria, Texas 77422 Jay Gutierrez, Esquire Hearing Attorney Office of the Executive Legal Director U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D. C. 20555 Revision Date 12-20-82