This paper examines fundamentals of signal propagation over low-voltage (LV) bare conductor power lines. It is well known that power line carrier (PLC) signals are highly attenuated by load impedances. In this paper high frequency propagation over distribution lines is modeled using the electromagnetic power system transients program (EMTP). A sample distribution system is analysed for different load types and magnitudes. In this model frequency-dependent parameters of lines are included such as skin effect and ground coupling. It is found that loads may significantly attenuate high frequency signals on LV lines and a novel technique is proposed to improve the high-frequency signal propagation characteristics.
