Do these power lines need turning off?

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just to veer off topic yet again,i have been to quote for the removal of 3xsycamores today and they run in a line along a road.turns out the end tree nearest the hv cables belongs to highways and not the client,so that rules that out for us,however the other 2 still require removing.The two trees have no limbs going towards the hv lines,and are a pole and a half away from the lines.theres a telephone cable but cant see that posing a risk as it isnt tagged onto the electric pole,and does not run directly near the hv cables. should i have these lines killed/isolating prior to the removal works,or are they far enough away not to pose an immediate effect,theres nothing growing toward the lines,nor is there anything that could make contact to the cables when dismantling.

 

please see sketch below and air your veiws.i do not hold ua tickets only know about them through a ladd who climbs for LEC and climbs part time for us.

 

[Taupotreeman]

After reading the threads i'm really glad someone has pointed out the lethal danger of LV lines, especially the ABC conductors which should never be considered insulated, they wear through very easily!

Many utility arborsists have taken a jolt over the years, usually through the tree losing amps so therfore get to tell the tale, many never get to tell the tale. When new lads ask the dangers of different voltages i tell them that HV will blow you up, you might get away with losing some limbs, severe burns and internal organ failure and manage a few days of intense pain before dying...., LV you're just DEAD.

 

Smart advice. I don't know how many times I've tried to tell people that but they insist ABC is perfectly safe without ever considering that A. It might not be ABC just weather proofing and B. You have no idea what ABC has been put through, i.e. rubbing limbs, etc.

[Al Cormack]

One time I worked near ABC lines the local leccy board put a yellow shroud over the cable.

 

It's still there 5 years later!

[PhilBeech]

One time I worked near ABC lines the local leccy board put a yellow shroud over the cable.

 

It's still there 5 years later!

 

I had an ABC shrouded and worked over it live. Just like you the orange shroud is still in place.

 

Overhead electric lines kill arborists, doens't matter what they are. Stay away and stay alive.

 

Year ago before I knew any better I climbed within 4mtrs of a three phase 11kv line and dropped a piece of dead wood across the phases.

 

I'm lucky to have survived and treat the invisible killer with the upmost respect these days!

[Tom D]

I have had 3 separate shocks at 240v (not in tree work) its not pleasant, but at 11kv you will FRY. literally. My dad knows a farmer who touched an 11kv line with a sprayer, the tractor stopped as the electrics failed, all 4 tyres on the tractor burst and melted. Scary stuff.

 

You will probably find that the power co will do it for free, good news for your client, not for you..

[gregors]

just to veer off topic yet again,i have been to quote for the removal of 3xsycamores today and they run in a line along a road.turns out the end tree nearest the hv cables belongs to highways and not the client,so that rules that out for us,however the other 2 still require removing.The two trees have no limbs going towards the hv lines,and are a pole and a half away from the lines.theres a telephone cable but cant see that posing a risk as it isnt tagged onto the electric pole,and does not run directly near the hv cables. should i have these lines killed/isolating prior to the removal works,or are they far enough away not to pose an immediate effect,theres nothing growing toward the lines,nor is there anything that could make contact to the cables when dismantling.

 

please see sketch below and air your veiws.i do not hold ua tickets only know about them through a ladd who climbs for LEC and climbs part time for us.

 

Whenever not sure ask the relevant power distributor in your area, they will be happy to advise. The guidlines are two tree lenghs or 15 metres whichever the greatest. Look at the site and imagine the worst case scenario, what if the weather changes, could branches be blown towards conductors? HV over the road, if anything did go wrong it might not be just yourself and your team at risk! Personally i always work from worst possible scenario's and if this involves injury or death then something is amiss.