Overhead powerlines

Overhead powerlines are used in many places to deliver electricity to houses and businesses. They carry a great deal of electrical power and can be very dangerous if touched.

It’s important to prevent trees from touching powerlines . A tree can conduct the electricity and either cause a blackout or a short circuit. It’s even possible to get an electric shock by touching a tree that touches powerlines, so trees near powerlines should not be climbed.

Branches that spread into powerlines can also cause wires to clash together or snap in strong winds.

Because branches and trees can conduct electricity, only qualified experts should trim trees near powerlines. If necessary, ActewAGL can arrange for the electricity to be disconnected to an area before work is carried out.

Isn’t it amazing that birds can sit perfectly normally on powerlines and not get fried to a crisp!

Electricity is looking for a way to reach the ground. When a bird sits on a powerline, it doesn’t touch the ground at the same time, nor does it touch anything in contact with the ground.

Have you ever wondered why people working on powerlines don’t get electrocuted?

Power workers are often standing on a ladder or using a cherrypicker truck that touches the ground, however they are still very safe from electric shocks.

That is because these workers wear special rubber boots, hardhats and gloves that don’t conduct electricity. They are highly trained, follow the safety procedures and use special tools made of non-conductors (insulators) to prevent getting shocked.