strobes on high tension lines

[glmf]

Yes having worked at our local utility for a few years the power of these high voltage lines is impressive. In our 345KV switchyard, the disconnects are manually opened or closed. I would say that 8ft is about right for the distance that the arc jumps when you are operating the crank. Its 20ft above your head, but still impressive every time I do it, especially on a damp evening! Lots of fun, take 550 gallons of heavy oil a minute, and convert it to electricity and you get some power,,,,

 

[Cap-n-Cray]

High voltage is fun

DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE

Cary

 

[jsborn]

Most of those indicators can be installed either by hand or with insulated sticks from the ground. They look at the current on the line more than the voltage but either way they are used mostly for load information.

The company I worked for did maintenance on 230 and 500 KV lines using the Bare hand method when possible. This is a method of attaching yourself to the live line and doing your work while the circuit is still energized . It does take some training and is kind of scary at times but it also makes the work quicker and better for the customers.

I have been energized at 500 KV a few times in my career with very few lasting affects I think but that is my opinion not necessarily my wife's.