Tips & News - Summer 2019

WITH TODD TIPS

Todd Neville is a Sr. Product Specialist with our Cable Accessories business unit. Formerly, he was a lineman for 25 years.

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6 RULES TO FOLLOW WITH A DOWNED POWERLINE

Power lines that are commonly seen in residential areas are not insulated and contain at least 7,000 volts. One should never be in close proximity to a power line that is hanging low or lying on the ground. Even if the line is not sparking, the line is still not safe to touch or be near.

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Stay a minimum of 50 feet away from a downed power line. The voltage traveling across the ground around a downed line can be deadly.

If you find yourself close to a downed power line, keep your feet together and shuffle or hop away to a safe distance. Shuffling steps are safer and can minimize the potential voltage difference between your feet as you move away from the point of contact.

Never touch or go near anything that is in contact with a power line. Items such as: fences, trees, limbs, vehicles, etc. could become energized. Never drive over a downed power line or try to move one with a stick, pole or pipe.

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Remember, if your power is out it still does not mean a downed line near you is de-energized.

Always let utility employees remove anything touching or close to a power line. Removing a limb or tree from a power line will not make your power come back on.

Keep in mind, a downed power line can become energized at any time. Just because it was de-energized earlier does not mean it will stay de-energized. For example, an improperly wired generator from your home or a neighbor’s can energize a downed power line to full voltage.

HUBBELL POWER SYSTEMS | 13