What precautions should I take?
Accidents involving any kind of power line can be avoided if simple precautions are taken.
The most important safe practices include:
• Avoid bringing yourself, or any object you are holding, close to an overhead power line.
• Do not lift, elevate, build or pass under a power line with any object, equipment, facility or vehicle that could come close to energized wires.
• Do not attempt to calculate how close you can come to a power line. Local laws and federal regulations establish clearances ranging from six to 10 feet. As a general precaution, we advise that, when under a line, never place yourself or any object higher than 14 feet above the ground.
Possible Shock Hazards
Normally, shocks do not occur when OG&E’s guidance is followed (see the following sections). However, under certain conditions, non-hazardous nuisance shocks can still occur and possibly cause discomfort.
Nuisance shocks can vary from barely noticeable to the discomfort you might feel if you were to touch the spark-plug ignition wire on your lawnmower. The nuisance shock would continue as long as you were in contact with the metallic object. As we will discuss in more detail, objects that can become charged with induced voltage include vehicles, fences, metal buildings or roofs and irrigation systems that are near the line or run parallel to the line for some distance.
An electrical shock hazard also exists when coming into contact with transmission towers or metallic objects near the power line but a short distance away from the high-voltage wires.
These types of shocks are caused by a voltage induced from the power line into the nearby metallic objects. Typically, shocks can be avoided when the nearby metallic objects are grounded or connected to earth. The severity of these shocks depends on the operating voltage of the power line, the distance from the conductor, the size or length of the object, its orientation to the line and how well the object is grounded.
Vehicles
Under some high-voltage lines, vehicles can collect an induced voltage. This may occur if the vehicle is parked on a nonconductive surface such as asphalt or dry rock. You can safely ground the voltage from your vehicle by attaching a chain that reaches the ground or by leaning a metal bar against your vehicle. To be sure you won’t receive a nuisance shock, park your vehicle 100 feet away from high-voltage power lines. Contact OG&E before locating roads and parking areas within the OG&E right of way.
While the chance of fuel ignition under a transmission line is remote, refueling vehicles is not recommended closer than 100 feet to high voltage transmission lines.
Vehicles and large equipment that are not more than 14 feet in height, such as harvesting combines, cranes, derricks and booms, generally can be operated safely under OG&E transmission lines that pass over roads, driveways, parking lots, cultivated fields or grazing lands. Report any lines that appear to be low-sagging to OG&E immediately. And, always coordinate with OG&E in advance if you need to exceed the 14-foot limit.
Buildings
Remember: Construction and maintenance of any structures are strictly controlled within an OG&E right of way. This is both for safety and to assure OG&E crews have access to these lines for repair and maintenance. Coordinating with OG&E early in your planning process can keep you safe and avoid wasting time and money. Contact OG&E if you plan to use the right of way for any purpose.
OG&E prohibits the construction of buildings within its right of way. However, in some instances, buildings located a short distance away from OG&E’s rights of way may carry an induced voltage. This voltage is sometimes grounded through the building’s plumbing, electrical service, metal sheeting or metal frame. If the voltage is not grounded through these systems, it can result in a nuisance shock.
OG&E recommends grounding metallic components on buildings near a power line when:
• the building is within 200 feet of the edge of the transmission right of way;
• the building has more than 2,000 square feet of metal surface and is within 150 feet of the outside wire; or
• the building is used to store flammable materials and is within 250 feet of the outside wire.
OG&E will assist in grounding metallic objects after receiving a request and conducting an investigation.
Wire Fences
Barbed wire and woven wire fences insulated from ground on wood posts can carry voltage when located near power lines. If you are having a shock-related problem, call OG&E for a review of the facility. The fence may need to be grounded if:
• it is located within the right of way;
• it parallels the line within 125 feet of the outside wire and is longer than 150 feet; or
• it parallels the line 125 to 250 feet from the outside wire and is longer than 6,000 feet.
These fences should be grounded at each end and every 150 to 200 feet with a metal post driven at least two feet into the ground. Attach all wire strands of the fence to the metal post. Install the grounding posts at least 50 feet from the nearest transmission tower. If shocks are experienced when contacting a fence or gate, or if you have any questions about the need for grounding, call OG&E at 1-800-272-9741
Electric Fences
When a fence cannot be grounded for some reason, as is the case with electric fences, a filter may be installed by OG&E to remove voltages induced by power lines. Do not use fence chargers that are not approved by Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc. They may carry voltages and currents that are hazardous to anyone touching the fence – even if power lines are not present.
Irrigation Systems
Irrigation systems have been operated safely near power lines for years. However, caution should be used in storing, handling and installing irrigation pipe, and in operating spray irrigation systems near power lines.
To avoid electrical contact with power lines, two very important safety practices should be observed at all times:
• While moving irrigation pipe under or near power lines, always keep the equipment in a horizontal position to keep it away from overhead wires
• Electricity can be conducted through water so never allow the irrigation system to spray a continuous stream onto power lines or towers.
In addition, central pivot irrigation systems installed near or under power lines can develop hazardous shock potentials during operation and maintenance. To eliminate these hazards:
• Provide a good electrical ground for the pivot point.
• Do not touch the sprinkler pipe or its supporting structures when the system is operating under or parallel to and near a power line.
• Perform repairs/maintenance of the system with the sprinkler pipe perpendicular to the power line.
Contact OG&E if you have questions about storing, handling, installing or operating an irrigation system on OG&E rights-of-way.
Activities
There are many types of electric lines – including the smaller lines that bring service from distribution poles to individual houses or businesses. Always be aware of the clearances under these lines to avoid contacting them with items like ladders and pole trimmers.
For larger lines, the recommended guideline is to avoid raising any metal object more than 14 feet in the air underneath a transmission line. For example, when you mount an antenna on a vehicle that you plan to operate on a power line right of way, do not let it extend more than 14 feet above the ground.
Before you sail a boat on a lake or river, check the allowable clearance under any power line. All masts or guy wires above the deck should be connected electrically to an underwater metallic part such as the keel or centerboard. This precaution protects against lightning or accidental contact with a power line.
Any activities or use with a reach capacity greater than 14 feet (such as cranes, dump trucks, irrigation systems, etc.) may cause safety concerns. Contact OG&E with any questions.
Pools
OG&E does not permit the building of swimming pools within power line rights of way both because it impedes our ability to operate and maintain the power line and because it presents a potential safety hazard to the public. Hazards range from possible electrical contact with the wires (with pool skimmers or rescue poles, for example) to dangers that can be encountered during and after lightning strikes on transmission facilities.
Climbing
Climbing on power line towers or guy wires can be extremely hazardous. Do not do it under any circumstance. It is dangerous and illegal.
Tree Cutting
No tree cutting should be done within OG&E’s right of way without first contacting the company. Tree cutting near power lines can be very hazardous and requires special caution. Since trees conduct electricity, if one should fall into or close to a power line, the current could follow the tree trunk to the ground and endanger anyone standing near its base.
• If you come upon a tree that has fallen into a power line, stay away from it.
• If you accidentally cause a tree to fall into a power line, quickly move away from the scene. Do not attempt to retrieve your saw or equipment. Call OG&E immediately.
• If you have trees either on or close to the right of way that need to be cut, contact OG&E. It is unsafe to do it yourself.
Since power line rights of way usually are not owned by OG&E but are acquired through easements from landowners, trees or logs stacked within or alongside the rights of way are not public property. People removing trees and logs without permission can be prosecuted.
Lightning
Stay away from power lines and other tall objects during electrical storms. Lightning will usually strike the highest nearby object, which might be a power line tower or wire. Transmission facilities are designed to withstand lightning strikes by channeling them to ground at the tower.
Fires
Smoke and hot gases from a large fire can create a conductive path for electricity. When a fire is burning under a power line, electricity could arc from the wire, through the smoke and to the ground, endangering people and objects near the arc.
Burning is not permitted within the right of way. Field burning or other large fires near power lines can damage the lines and cause power outages. Water and other chemicals used to extinguish fires should never be directed toward a power line.
Kites and Model Airplanes
Do not fly a kite or model airplane anywhere near a power line. The electricity from the line can travel through the string or hand line and electrocute a person on the other end. If your kite or model airplane is about to touch a power line, drop the string or line instantly, before it touches the line. Do not try to pull the kite or airplane down or climb up after it. Call OG&E if this occurs.
Vandalism, Shooting and Theft
People entering high-voltage electrical facilities, such as substations and power line rights of way, for the purpose of vandalism or theft run the risk of serious injury or death. Do not shoot at transmission facilities. Gunshot damage can cause flashovers or may cause the wire to fall to the ground. This could be a serious hazard to anyone close to the power line. It could also cause a power outage and a fire.
Removal of equipment from substations or power line facilities can result in unsafe operating conditions and put people nearby at risk of serious injury or death. Those who cause willful damage to transmission facilities or associated property can be prosecuted under applicable state and federal laws.
Prohibited activities include:
• Shooting at power lines, transmission towers or substation equipment.
• Dumping any waste or material on OG&E property.
• Vandalism to OG&E property, buildings and vehicles.
• Theft of OG&E equipment, supplies, tools or materials.
Please report these or similar activities, or any damage to transmission facilities to OG&E at 1-800-272-9741.
Tall Objects
Temporary or permanent facilities within the right of way such as light standards, signs, above- ground utilities, etc., can create unsafe situations when constructed too close to OG&E power lines and structures. Allowable heights for such facilities can vary depending on site-specific conditions. Call OG&E for information if any of these uses are being considered.
Aerial Spraying
A transmission line crossing an agricultural area using aerial spraying, crop dusting or fertilizing can sometimes reduce the efficiency of the operations. It is important that farmers discuss the best approach with the aerial operator to ensure the operator’s safety while also achieving maximum crop coverage.
Underground Pipes, Telephone and Electric Cables
Underground pipes and cables are compatible with power lines if installation and maintenance are done properly. Pipes and cables should not be installed closer than 50 feet to an OG&E tower, any associated guy wires or grounding systems. These grounding systems are long, buried wires that are sometimes attached to the structures and can run hundreds of feet along the right of way. These grounding systems are not visible above ground and must be located by OG&E before any underground utilities are installed near the right of way.
OG&E’s Land Management Office will undertake an encroachment review to assure that the integrity of the soil around the foundation structure is adequately maintained.
In an extreme case, electricity could arc from the high-voltage wire to the tower and then to ground. This could produce a dangerous voltage on an underground piping or cable system. Contact OG&E before installing any underground utilities within a power line right of way.
Explosives
Apply to OG&E well in advance of detonating any explosives in or near the power line right of way. Blasting near or within rights of way must not damage facilities or permitted uses within the rights of way. Do not use electric detonating devices when blasting within 1,000 feet of a power line. Otherwise, there is a danger of accidentally discharging an electric blasting cap due to induced voltages from energized transmission facilities.
Towers and Wires
• Do not climb towers.
• Do not shoot or otherwise damage transmission facilities.
• Never touch a fallen wire.
• Do not attempt to dismantle towers.
• Do not attach anything to towers.
• Stay away from towers and lines during extreme windstorms, thunderstorms, ice storms or under other extreme conditions.
• Report any suspicious activities to OG&E at 1-800-272-9741
• Stay away from and report damage to transmission facilities.
• Stay away from and report broken, damaged or abnormally low-hanging wires.
