Can I take a branch off of a power line?
Under no circumstances should you try and remove a branch or tree from a power line by yourself. Power companies have employees that are specifically trained to do this and have special equipment to protect them from electrical shock.
What to do if a branch is on a powerline?
If a tree branch (or an entire tree) falls on an electric line, call 9-1-1 and call us immediately at 800-477-5050. Do not touch the branch or the electric line. Important safety facts to know about trees and power lines: Power lines are not insulated; if you touch one, you will be severely injured or even killed.
How do you remove a tree from a power line?
Use a chainsaw to sever the tree at its base. Use a 4-ton come-a-long to lean the tree away from the power lines as you’re sawing. Make sure none of the branches come into contact with the power lines as the tree is falling.
Is it safe to cut branches near power lines?
Remember: Trimming trees within 10 feet of a power line can be fatal. Never trim branches or limbs near a power line. It’s the law: only OSHA-certified line clearance workers are authorized to trim near power lines.
Can I touch the power line going to my house?
Misconception #2: Power lines are insulated, so they’re safe to touch. This is a common misconception that many people have about power lines. Power lines are not insulated and you should always avoid contact with them. It is quite possible for people to get electrocuted if you touch power lines.
Is it safe to remove a tree limb from a power line?
Can you trim a tree that’s touching a power line? Unless you plan on getting electrocuted, you should NOT touch, let alone prune a tree that’s in contact with power lines! Just touching a branch that’s touching a wire can cause a fatal injury.
Why can trees touching power lines?
If wires rub against the branches the insulation can read the way and then the wire can touch the tree branch causing a spark, fire, or dangerous situation altogether. The trees actually a poor conductor of electricity so very little current flows through it to the ground.
Can you cut limbs touching power lines?
Branches can conduct electricity. Since branches can conduct electricity, it is always recommended that you do not try cutting down branches touching the power line. You will be putting yourself at the risk of an electric shock.
What happens when a tree branch falls on power lines?
If a tree falls on power lines, then the electric utility company that owns the lines is generally responsible for repairing them and restoring power.
Can tree branches touching power lines?
Tree branches touching or in close proximity to power lines can be very dangerous. A tree branch will move a great deal in the wind and can easily break power lines. Trees near power lines need to be trimmed by either yourself or your utility company to about a 15-foot minimum distance.
How do I remove a power line from my house?
Locate the main circuit breaker in the house. This may or may not be near the breaker box. In older houses there often is a lever housed in a red box that shuts the electricity off in the house before it reaches the breaker box. Push the lever down to shut off the outside power source.
How do I get a tree removed from my power line?
The correct answer: you call your electric utility and request a tree trimming service. Since (in most cases) the overhead line going to your house is their responsibility, this service should be done at no charge to you. If your overhead line is insulated (such as the triplex wire pictured below), it should be safe to remove the branch yourself.
What happens if a tree branch touches a power line?
Tree limbs can easily make accidental contact with electric wires while climbing or playing around the tree, often with fatal results can. Even if branches aren’t touching a power line, a child’s weight could bend a branch to the point that it makes contact with the power line.
Is it safe to remove a branch from an overhead line?
If your overhead line is insulated (such as the triplex wire pictured below), it should be safe to remove the branch yourself. But I won’t promise that — the branch could have abraded the insulation exposing the live conductor.
How do you keep branches from falling on electrical wires?
Make sure the branches don’t fall on the wires – not so much that there’s a problem touching them, but if you drop a 100lb branch on them they may pull out of the house fittings. Ideally you should use a fibreglass ladder not a metal one, and wear safety glasses, just in case.