Substations
The signs on the substation fence say, “Danger – Keep Out” or “Warning – High Voltage” – and they mean it. They may not sound very friendly, but these signs can carry an important safety message: that fence is there for your protection.
An electrical substation changes the extremely high voltage carried by the long-distance transmission lines into the lower distribution voltage that serves your home and business. To do this, the substation must have a direct feed from the transmission line into the substation structure. The equipment within the substation is always under high-voltage electrical load.
Substation technicians, line technicians, and maintenance crews are trained to work in high-voltage situations and to recognize and avoid potential hazards that exist in the substation. You can avoid these hazards by paying attention to the signs on the substation fencing; they mark the danger zone for you.
Underground Power Lines
If you’re planning any projects that require digging, such as installing fence posts or planting trees, stop and think twice about what may be hidden underground. Underground electric lines may serve you. Since these lines are out of sight, it’s easy to forget they’re there, perhaps just below the spot where you’re getting ready to dig.
Any Sam Houston EC member can call 1-800-DIG-TESS ((800) 344-8377) to be sure they don’t hit a buried power line.
Although underground electric lines are insulated, you can still be injured if you cut through the insulation while standing on the ground. Even when the insulation is only nicked, you may find your home without power weeks later after moisture has been able to seep into the line.
If you make the mistake of digging into an underground electric line, do not cover it back up. Leave it exposed and call Sam Houston Electric Cooperative right away. It is far easier and less expensive to repair at this time than to search for and correct the problem later.
Utility Poles
Utility poles safely support the electric power conductors (wires) that provide vital electric service to our members. They are the backbone of our distribution system.
Please do not place yard sale signs, posters, advertisements, or any other such items on utility poles. They are a safety hazard for our line technicians. Line workers who have to navigate around these attachments while climbing utility poles could fall and get hurt. Not only are the signs themselves hazardous, but the nails or staples used to post them can damage the equipment a line worker wears to protect him from electric shock. And if a line worker should hit a nail or staple while climbing, his climbing hook could slip off the pole.
Furthermore, sports equipment, private lighting, or any other device for personal use should not be installed on any utility pole.
Refrain from landscaping around the bottom of poles with flower boxes, birdhouses, etc. If a line worker should fall on these, he could be injured more seriously.
Don’t use electrical equipment installed on the pole for target practice. This will do nothing but damage equipment and probably cause outages. Shooting at power lines or insulators on the poles is illegal and could cause the lines to come down.
Fallen Wires
If you come upon a fallen wire, don’t touch it. Report it to Sam Houston Electric Cooperative or to the police.
If you’re in a car that is touching fallen lines, do not touch them or the car – you could be shocked. Stay in the car and try to drive away. If you can’t drive, wait for help to arrive – don’t get out! Warn other people to stay away. Avoid touching metal parts of the car. If you must get out, jump clear without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time, and hop or shuffle away keeping both feet together.
Chain-link and other metal fences may become electrified by fallen power lines. So, use caution around metal fences, especially after storms.