Oldtimer,
I wanted to respond to that and almost forgot. I have no problem whatsoever with that. By saying that I am not approving climbing near all lines in all trees, but the lines you are talking about are 240 volt, insulated lines. I'll bet the insulated lines are loosely wound around a bare line. That's the ground line. Hence the 240, actually only 120 V with respect to the ground line, are in contact with the ground wire. It would really be exciting if the 'hot' lines weren't insulated.



I doubt it. With clean dry throwline, even reasonably clean throwline, throwline it is an excellent insulator - much better than air. I've had the same thing happen on probably 44,000 volt lines and absolutely nothing happened; not between the phases, not from phase to ground, nothing. That's because the throwline is a much better insulator than air.

But, having said that, I am in no way saying that's a safe thing to do. It is always very bad and dangerous to let anything come too close to or in contact with high voltage lines.

In EHAP I NEVER use the word insulation about the covering over wires. There are teaching and learning issues with that. If the idea that the wires are insulated is used there is a perception change.

One co-op crew that was in one of my classes taught me a great concept. they called the wires 'The Dragon'. if anyone didn't face or pay attention they would yell, 'Face the dragon' or even just 'Dragon!' It was their code to keep attention high.

High voltage distribution wires are not insulated and are around 44,000 volts. Individual resident lead-in lines are thoroughly and completely insulated and only 120 V from either phase wire to ground. Thes lead in lines are typically loosely wrapped around a bare center conductor of the power transformer that is grounded. So if the phase wires weren't thoroughly and completely insulated, they would short to the bare ground wire that provides and electrical common and structrual support as well.

What teaching/learing issues?