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Installing or removing antennas can be risky business. While most are aware of the possibility of injury from falling off a rooftop, there is also a potential danger in coming into contact with overhead electric lines. Contact with an overhead power line can result in serious injury or even death.
APS offers some tips that can help you avoid coming into contact with power lines when climbing ladders, or installing or removing antennas:
- Before work begins, check out the job site for overhead electric lines. Ten feet is the minimum clearance required from high-voltage power lines of 50,000 volts or less. Federal regulation requires mechanized equipment, workers and any hand tools being used to maintain this minimum distance.
- Never attempt to install antennas in bad weather. Wet or windy conditions can create potentially hazardous situations.
- Have sufficient help available. Never try to do a job yourself. If in doubt, hire a professional.
- If your antenna requires guy wires, make sure that all anchor points are strong enough to hold the load and all guy wires have proper tension. Maintain a distance of at least twice the length of the assembled antenna and mast from overhead electric lines.
- When judging distances from overhead lines, over-compensate in favor of safety. If your antenna will rotate after installation, make sure it will maintain proper clearance.
- In case of an electrical accident, remember that electricity can be transmitted from the victim to you. If an antenna that you are working on begins to fall let go of it immediately.
Even low-voltage electric lines and cords can be hazardous if damaged or improperly handled. Treat all electric lines with caution and respect. Any questions about clearances should be directed to your local electric utility.
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