Northfork Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Operating in
Beckham, Roger Mills, Washita, Greer, Custer, Harmon, and Dewey
SCOTT COPELAND GENERAL MANAGER
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jimmy Taylor-Pres ....................Elk City Charles Hickey-V.
Pres..............Reydon Ransom Snowden-Sec-Treas........ Erick Chris
Mackey................................Sayre Larry Smith
............................Cheyenne Lloyd Joe Patton
..........................Sayre Brent Meador.............................Elk City Brendon
Atkinson......................Attorney
SAYRE OFFICE
Kenny Waugh
.................Mgr. of Marketing Lisa
Dailey...............Mgr. of Office Services Jeff
Mohr................Mgr. of Acct. & Finance Kay Brown
..........................Adm. Assistant Richard Bowdre................Operations Mgr.
REYDON OFFICE Barbara Swope ................655-4557
FOR OUTAGES AFTER 5 P.M. CALL 1-800-NO-VOLTS (1-800-668-6587) or
(580) 928-3366
OFFICE HOURS 8 AM TO 5 PM MONDAY-FRIDAY
ADDRESS P.O. Box 400
SAYRE, OK 73662 18920 E. 1170 Rd.
Birds on a Wire
by Heath Martin NFEC Safety Director
If you look up at overhead power lines, it would not be surprising to see birds sit-
ting on the wires. While it is safe for a bird to do so, it is not safe for people to be near overhead power lines. So how can birds sit on a power line unharmed? Safe Electricity reveals insights into the “bird on a wire” phenomenon and separates fact from fiction. “There are many false assumptions on why birds can safely sit on power lines, from specialization in bird anatomy to insulated lines.”
It is a myth that all power lines are insulated with a protective coating that prevents shocks. Most power lines are actually not insulated. The coating that is on lines is actu- ally for weather proofing and will not offer any protection from the electrical current. To understand why birds are actually able to sit on high-voltage electric lines un- harmed requires digging a little deeper into the science of electricity. In order for an electrical charge, or electrons, to move from one spot to another, it must be in contact (or sometimes close proximity) with conductive material that has at least two different points of potential. Electrons will move toward lower potential. That is why it is said that electricity is always looking for a path to ground (lower potential). A bird remains safe because it is sitting on a single wire and is at one point of con- tact—and consequently one electrical potential. If the bird sitting at this one potential was to also make contact with another object of different potential, that bird would be com- pleting a path to ground, causing severe electric shock or electrocution. For larger birds with wider wingspans, reaching and touching another cable is a real hazard. Getting near overhead power lines is also a serious hazard for people. The utility professionals who work near overhead power lines must wear appropriate safety clothing, use tested safety equipment, and take training to be able to do the installation, mainte- nance, and repair work they do. It is vital that safety equipment is regularly tested as even non-conductive materials, such as rubber, wood, or plastic, can conduct electricity if damp, dirty, or damaged.
Safe Electricity and Northfork Electric encourage everyone to be aware of their sur- roundings and shares the following safety tips: • Always look up and look out for overhead power lines. • Keep yourself and any tools or equipment a minimum distance of 10 feet away from power lines in all directions at all times. • Remember that getting too close to a power line, even without touching it, is very
dangerous. • Avoid working directly under powerlines. • When working with tall equipment such as ladders, poles, or antennas, carry them in a horizontal position as to not risk making contact with overhead lines. • Always assume that power lines, even if they have come down, are live and carry an electrical charge.
This institution is an equal oppor- tunity provider and employer.
“Whether you regularly work near power lines on the job or are planning an outdoor project at home, take the time to slow down, look up, and stay safe.” To learn more about electrical safety, visit
SafeElectricity.org. or feel free to contact me at 580-928-3366.
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