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National Grid Reminds You to Look Up Before You Climb Up
National Grid Reminds You to Look Up Before You Climb Up

June 23,2009

National Grid reminds homeowners and contractors working outdoors this summer to be conscious of power lines. Overhead power lines are not insulated, and carry enough energy to cause serious injury or even death. Always assume that power lines are energized.

Overhead power lines may be coated to protect them from the weather, but the coating will not protect you from electric shock. The weather coating does not offer protection from serious injury or even death should you or an object you are holding come into contact with a line.

    When working outdoors this summer, remember the following:
  • Always consider all power lines to be energized.
  • Maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet around power lines common to local streets and neighborhoods. Transmission or high-voltage lines require an even greater clearance.
  • Stay alert. Before erecting a ladder, always look up to be sure it will not contact – or even come near – any power lines. Keep ladders outside the 10 foot clearance zone when carrying, moving and raising them.
  • Keep away from wires when working with tools, pipe, and lumber or siding, all of which can conduct electricity.
  • Make sure the area is clear of wires before working near trees or shrubs.
  • Keep scaffolding and rigging away from electrical equipment and overhead lines. Scaffolding can sway into a power line, energizing the entire structure and endangering anyone who touches it.
  • Beware of power lines when installing television and other rooftop antennas.
  • Never attach or tie anything off to power lines or electrical equipment.

    • National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.