Bare transmission lines

Fascinating to watch linemen wok on live high tension lines. They use a special pole to equalize the voltage potential between themselves and the high tension line. Once equalized they can hang on the wires bare handed if they wanted to (humidity permitting).

However, one mistake could be very fatal.

A human being will b safe as long as his hanging/presence does not reduce the clear space between the lines or line to ground.If it is less than the required clearance ,he will definitely cause flash over. When one is working on live conductors one should be very alert and absolutely clear about the subject. The resistance offered by shoes(absolutely dry and without nails please) is good enough for LT applications. It is always in personal interest to deaden the line b4 embarking on any (mis)adventure. regards Ravipra

very right, the conditions for a short circuit not to occur are absolutely ideal (un-realistic). Unless the situation is tested for surety never ever try to touch any live wire. It is no heroism to touch live wires.

I know that high-voltage transmission lines are designed especially out west where these lines span vast expanses to allow them to be worked hot from helicopters.

I hear that birds can be shocked into immobility by the field gradient in a 600,000 volt line and sometimes they are killed by hitting the ground, on others they are able to fly once they fall for a while. Anyone hear of this?

Hi how do they work at highvoltage easy the wear special metal mesh suits and bgi rubber boots and gloves. The mesh suit act as a faraday cage and the gloves and boots prevent direct skin contact. This is ok up to 400Kv but above that the supply has to be turned off and the line earthed out.