PROXYPower Line Inspection by Drone
Romania has over 120,000 km of overhead power lines. Traditional inspection — by helicopter or climbing crews — is slow, expensive, and dangerous. A drone equipped with thermal camera and optical zoom inspects one km of line in 10 minutes at just 250 RON/km.
How it works
The drone follows the power line route at 10-15 m distance, photographing each pole, insulator, and junction. The thermal camera detects hot spots (weak junctions, deteriorated insulators), while the RGB camera at 30x zoom identifies cracks, corrosion, and vegetation too close to conductors.
Comparison
| Criteria | Drone | Helicopter | Climbing crew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per km | 250 RON | 2,000+ RON | 500-800 RON |
| Speed | 6 km/hour | 20 km/hour | 0.5 km/hour |
| Thermal imaging | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Human risk | Zero | Low | High |
| Inspection detail | Very high (30x zoom) | Medium | High (direct visual) |
Economic analysis
100 km power line inspection cost:
When you need this
Drone inspection is needed in the following cases:
- Scheduled periodic inspection — semi-annual or annual
- After extreme weather — storms, blizzards, fires
- Vegetation growth — safety distance verification
Why ProxyDrone
Certified operators for flying near critical infrastructure, experienced in thermal image interpretation for power grids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of defects can the drone detect on power lines?
The thermal camera detects hot spots (weak junctions, deteriorated insulators), while the RGB camera at 30x zoom identifies cracks, corrosion, and vegetation too close to conductors.
How much does inspecting one km of power line by drone cost?
The standard rate is 250 RON/km, 8 times cheaper than helicopter inspection.
Does power need to be shut off during inspection?
No. The drone flies at a safe distance from conductors (10-15 m), without requiring power supply interruption.
How long does a 100 km line inspection take?
Approximately 2-3 working days, including the actual flight and image processing. The final report is delivered within 48 hours of flight completion.