High voltage power lines

1.9 High voltage power lines and Lightning

Electric accidents may occur to people even when they are not dealing directly with electricity. Two sources of such accidents are the high voltage power lines and lightning.

High voltage power lines

Two types of power lines are used: overhead power lines and underground power lines.

 Overhead Power Line

The power company distributes electricity throughout the country by overhead lines. The cables are not insulated. They are supported by tall posts called pylons to reduce the chances of people, animals and vegetation touching the bare conductors, since to do so may cause death.

The following safety precautions should be observed in order to avoid accidents from overhead power lines:

a.       Never attempt to climb electric power posts.

b.      Do not touch broken overhead cables. Warn others about it and report to the authorities.

c.       Avoid climbing trees near overhead power lines.

d.      Avoid felling trees near electric power lines.

e.      Do not throw objects at the power lines.

f.        Never erect buildings below power lines,

g.       Avoid setting fires near power line posts.

Underground Cables

In cities and towns, housing estates and farms, electricity may not be distributed safely by overhead cables. It is distributed by insulated cables buried underground. These are called underground cables. Serious accidents may occur if the cables are broken when one is digging the ground. To avoid such accidents, the following precautions should be observed:

a.       Study the electricity distribution in the area.

b.      Consult the underground cable layout plans to locate and mark the presence of underground cables.