service drop grown into tree

[GrahamS]

I was checking out a work order to raise / crown clean on a mature Sycamore today and I saw something that I was a bit uneasy about before starting the job. The tree has a residential service drop and streetlight service running through the lower part of the crown and one of the wires is completely grown into the tree. At some point the utility company spliced around the part that goes into the lead, but never cut the now bare(no weathercoating left) wire that goes through the center of the lead. So please correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't this mean that that lead is potentially or most likely energized at that point? Its a Sycamore in full leaf so I'm not in a hurry to get this done, and Ill call the utility to drop the lines before we go back, thought I would get some input, or see if Im being overly concerned about it.

 

[GrahamS]

pic of one of the splices

 

[Hammer]

Just call the utility and have them do a temporary disconnect when you do the job. It "Looks" like this is what is refered to as a duplex line (110v)and not a service drop (220v)line. And that the bare wire (neutral) is grown into the tree, but the weatherproofed portion has been spliced around the tree. It should not pose a danger, but have them do a temp disconnect to be sure.

 

[Norm_Hall]

Agreed.
Have the utility disconnect the line.

 

[GrahamS]

Yes, it is the 110 that is grown into the tree, the other line is lower, and on the other side of the crown. I appreciate the input, and dropping the line will defiantly make the job safer, and easier. Now hopefully the leaves will be off by the time we get back out there, Sycamore's and my respiratory system don't get along very well.