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Electric Safety Myth
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“All power lines are insulated … so what’s the problem touching them?”
Here are the facts:
Power lines are not all insulated. The overhead wires you typically see on city streets and neighborhoods at the top of the poles are usually bare wire.
Wires called “service drops” which carry power from the pole to your home, while often insulated, should be treated as dangerous. Insulation can wear off. |
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Electricity had been recognized as a mysterious force for centuries before scientists in the early 19th century began to understand its qualities and how to generate electricity.
An electrical current is produced when magnets are rotated within copper coils. This rotation of a magnet within a coil of copper is at the heart of every electric generator. To make the magnet, or “rotor,” spin inside the stationary coil of copper, power companies use steam, wind or the force of water.
At every step of the way, from generation to transmission to the line that serves your home or business, PGE’s system is designed to ensure electric safety.
Fundamental facts of electric safety
- Electricity is always seeking a path to ground or earth. If you become part of that path to ground, you are in danger.
- Electricity travels best through conductors. The best conductors are metal, like copper and aluminum. Water is an excellent conductor. People are good conductors.
- High- and low-voltage electricity can cause serious injury or death.
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