For one thing, the service drop belongs to the utility company , not to the homeowner. For another, power in the service drop cables can be shut off only by the utility company. Homeowners also should not attempt any work on the cables between the service drop and the home’s electrical service panel.
Who is responsible for the wire from pole to house?
The customer/owner is responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing all equipment beyond theservice connection point except for the electric meter. If you receive overhead electric service, your electric system con- sists of the following: 1. Electric Lines that run from the utility pole to your residence.
Can you touch a service drop?
The overhead power line to your house is the the 120/240 Volts service drop and is insulated up to 600 volts. By just touching it, you will not electrocute yourself. Touching one of the phase wires on your house service, if you are grounded, can certainly electrocute and kill you outright.
Who owns power lines to house?
Property owners are responsible for the electrical assets on their property beyond this connection point, including all private power poles, powerlines and pole-top fittings. It is your responsibility to ensure that these poles and powerlines are safely maintained.
How do you drop a service?
If you live or work in a neighborhood that receives electric service from overhead power lines that run between utility poles, you tap into the energy grid through a line called a “service drop.” A service drop spans from a nearby utility pole to your home or business, and routes the high-voltage electricity running ...
Why can birds sit on power lines and not humans?
Birds can sit on power lines and not get electric shocks because the electricity is always looking for a way to get to the ground . The birds are not touching the ground or anything in contact with the ground, so the electricity will stay in the power line.
Who is responsible for low hanging cable lines?
The electric utility company that owns the power lines is responsible for low hanging power lines.
What is a triplex service drop?
Triplex Service Drop Aluminum Conductor cable is designed for use to supply power from utility lines to the consumer weather head . For service at 600 volts or lower (phase to phase) at a conductor temperature of 90°C maximum for cross linked insulation or 75°C maximum for polyethylene insulation.
What is the most common service drop cable?
In the US, common services are 120Y/208 (three 120 V circuits 120 degrees out of phase, with 208 V line-to-line) , 240 V three-phase, and 480 V three-phase. 600 V three-phase is common in Canada, and 380-415 V or 690 V three-phase is found in European and many other countries.
Why are overhead cable not insulated?
Overhead transmission lines are not insulated primarily due to three reasons: first and foremost is to reduce the weight of the lines , secondly to save cost and the last is they are at sufficient height to avoid direct contacts.
How much do power lines decrease property value?
Lower Property Values
Proximity to power lines may lower a property’s value from 10 to 40 percent , according to Gustan Cho Associates.
Can you build under transmission lines?
The most important safe practice is this: Avoid bringing yourself, or any object you are holding, too close to an overhead power line. In other words, do not lift, elevate, build or pass under a power line with any object, equipment, facility or vehicle that could come close to the energized wires.
How much does it cost to have a power pole installed?
VERY rough numbers – commonly about $5-10/LF for overhead runs (meaning new poles typically every 100-300 feet, possibly more in high tree area), plus $500-3000 per pole needed depending on length (probably about 36-40′ tall minimum for your area if not rural but can be much more in heavily treed areas, so closer to ...
Why do train tracks not electrocute birds?
Because both of the bird’s feet are on the wire no electricity flows through it . ... There is no circuit, its two feet are at the same electric potential, and electricity travels along the wire instead of through the bird, so the bird doesn’t get shocked.
Why bird can stand on power line?
Birds are able to sit on electrical power lines because the electrical current essentially ignores the bird’s presence and continues to travel through the wire instead of through the bird’s body. ... Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity in that it allows electricity to flow easily along its surface.
Can a human sit on a power line?
Misconception #2: Power lines are insulated, so they’re safe to touch. This is a common misconception that many people have about power lines. Power lines are not insulated and you should always avoid contact with them . It is quite possible for people to get electrocuted if you touch power lines.
