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Power Line Dangers at a Distance

Power lines supply electricity to buildings through overhead or underground wires. The electricity within the wires is high voltage traveling at speeds of 299,330 kilometers per second. In fact, just a small amount of electricity exposure, such as 1 ampere, can easily kill a person. Electricity's extremely rapid speed and high power are especially dangerous to people up close, but also poses some threats at a distance.

  1. Electricity's Features

    • Electrical flow always travels to a source of ground. Any item that comes in contact with the electrical flow can become a conductor, including a person. A person's body contains a lot of water. Water is a very good conductor of electricity since it does not apply much resistance against the electricity's motion.

    Jumping

    • In general, people should keep at least a 10 foot space between their bodies and any electrical lines nearby. Electricity has the ability to jump from a powered line to an item if it has proper conductance capabilities, such as a metal ladder. Downed power lines are a dangerous concern since the electricity flowing within the wires can electrify surrounding items, like puddles. Although a passing person may not be within 10 feet of the power lines, he may be close to an electrified object, possibly receiving a shock. In fact, electricity will continue to flow through any conductor on the ground until it reaches a proper grounding point. Depending on the amount of conductors on the ground, electricity can flow far distances away from its originating power line.

    Electromagnetic Fields

    • Electricity forms an electromagnetic field surrounding its flow. Electromagnetic fields are combinations of electrical and magnetic forces creating radiation outward from its source. People are surrounded by electromagnetic fields on a daily basis, from microwave ovens to mobile phones. However, power line electromagnetic radiation is much stronger than a small appliance's field, generating concerns over power line dangers from radiation. Some people have complained that living close to power lines has caused a cancerous tumor or aggravated a pre-existing condition. Currently, there is no definitive evidence linking electromagnetic radiation with human disease, although researchers continue to experiment with the theory.

    Indirect Contact

    • Strong storms can easily knock a power pole down. At times, the connected power lines may land on an occupied car. A vehicle's framing is a good electrical conductor, making it dangerous for the person within the car to escape. Typically, emergency personnel need to shut the electricity off and remove the lines, saving the trapped person from electrocution. The person may receive a deadly shock if they attempt to leave the vehicle and touch an electrified portion.

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