Working close to power

deevo said:
The service drop/ triplex are not insulated they are coated, big difference if there's a nick in it somewhere and you touch it you can still get juiced.
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The coating is insulation. You are much more at risk handling energized extension cords standing on the ground than a limb brushing insulated secondary cable in a tree.
 
Dragonslayer said:
The coating is insulation. You are much more at risk handling energized extension cords standing on the ground than a limb brushing insulated secondary cable in a tree.
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. I work around and clear service lines on islands and water access cottages a lot, and the older service lines have a thin coating of plastic over them that I'd barely classify as insulation, from the 50's and 60's the hydro guys are hesitant to do line drops now because the wires and poles are in such poor shape. The ESA inspector sometimes won't authorize a re hook up either, it's time to replace or bury the lines. Either way your not supposed to be touching conductors directly or indirectly period. You should change your mindset on that immediately if you are doing that, ( not you Ray) If your not sure about working around power then don't do it. Just look in the monthly TCIA magazines on how many people who shouldn't be working around power die.
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This thread is once again a reminder to get your training from experts, not hearsay (maybe heresy) over the internet. Anybody that is even thinking of tree work should take electrical hazard and awareness training.
 
As mentioned above your limit of approach is 12 feet for your province or more depending on the voltage. Draw a circle 24' all the way around with those wires in the center. If you swing a limb or anything within that circle you are breaking the limit of approach. 12' away in ALL directions. Tri-plex is insulated or it would arc out on itself because of the way it is wrapped, however that is NOT tri-plex in that photo. If those lines are covered it will be weather coating only which is not insulation. In Ontario there is no limit of approach for 750v and less, however the lines are still energized and you should still wear rubber gloves and use insulated tools etc. Call the power company to prune it back or remove the tree for you. If you are working within the limits of approach to energized lines and don't have permission from the utility you are trespassing.
 
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Really appreciate all the replies guys. I'm happy I asked. I've been in buisness for just over 2 years and haven't wrecked anything yet but still very cautious and never stop learning. I did on the other hand turn down a number of jobs that were close too or tangled in the lines.
 
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mrtree said:
This thread is once again a reminder to get your training from experts, not hearsay (maybe heresy) over the internet. Anybody that is even thinking of tree work should take electrical hazard and awareness training.
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I was planning on tagging your name so you'd visit this post wth intensions of ruining your day.



Hahahahahahaha I'm sorry man in just pokin' the bear. I have much respect for your passion about safety in our industry, I completely mean that. I just feel like maybe you might have a bit of an abrasive side?
 
In no way was my reply intended to be flippant about working around energized conductors. Knowledge and safety are job 1. If anyone has any shadow of doubt as to what the wires on the pole are, call your power company. It behooves us all to get that knowledge and it's not a huge mystery. Your local lineman/troubleman would be glad to give you that info and educate you on the difference between a bare neutral, primary, secondary, services and even transmission voltages and what MAD (minimum approach distance) applies to each. Many companies can supply you with a printed copy free of charge. Be safe.
 
CutHighnLetFly said:
I was planning on tagging your name so you'd visit this post wth intensions of ruining your day.



Hahahahahahaha I'm sorry man in just pokin' the bear. I have much respect for your passion about safety in our industry, I completely mean that. I just feel like maybe you might have a bit of an abrasive side?
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Oh all the idiots bring it out of me. I am sick and tired of so called arborist spouting opinions as facts. In this case maybe it has something to do with growing up with a former linesman down the street that had hooks rather than hands.

Generally tree workers die from falling and struck-by but every year a few are electrocuted. All would do you well to take a course not ask on the internet for answers that may or may not be correct for your jurisdiction.
 
mrtree said:
I am sick and tired of so called arborist spouting opinions as facts. In this case maybe it has something to do with growing up with a former linesman down the street that had hooks rather than hands.

Generally tree workers die from falling and struck-by but every year a few are electrocuted. All would do you well to take a course not ask on the internet for answers that may or may not be correct for your jurisdiction.
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Agreed. I used to work with a former lineman who was missing his left arm and shoulder and his right arm up to his elbow. Don't mess around with power! Get proper training.
 
Fireman, Please please take boomslang up on his offer. Shit I'd pay just to watch him, and to be able to pick his brain while doing so. This it the type of experience you do need, and it's being offered. So jump all over it.
 
@evo, I just took a EHAP course with NATS and discussed this exact thing. I referenced a good thread about the conductivity of dyneema with the instructor.

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evo said:
Fireman, Please please take boomslang up on his offer. Shit I'd pay just to watch him, and to be able to pick his brain while doing so. This it the type of experience you do need, and it's being offered. So jump all over it.
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I will be asking him to come along if I get the job, the lady said most likely she will get it done in the spring so not for a while.
 
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