Are static wires used on electrical transmission lines considered part of the electrical circuit?

Static wires, often referred to as overhead ground wires (OGWs), primarily serve as protection for transmission lines against lightning strikes and other surges. They are typically installed above the conductors and form a barrier to help direct lightning strikes away from the energized lines, ensuring the safety and integrity of the transmission system.

While these static wires are essential for shielding and safeguarding the electrical system, they do not carry current under normal operating conditions and, therefore, do not form part of the electrical circuit. The primary function of the static wire is to provide a measure of risk mitigation for external atmospheric conditions rather than participating in the flow of electrical power. This distinction is crucial in understanding the operational configuration of transmission lines and the components involved.

The other options may suggest scenarios or dependencies where static wires could be considered part of the circuit, but they fail to recognize the fundamental role static wires play in transmission systems. Thus, the characterization of static wires as not being part of the electrical circuit under standard operating conditions is correct.