JB Marks Warns Residents Against Throwing Objects onto Potchefstroom Power Lines
The municipality says it has noticed a concerning trend of individuals throwing tyre wires and other foreign objects onto overhead power lines. It warns that these acts damage the electricity network, cause unnecessary power outages and place lives at serious risk.
What the municipality prohibits
According to the notice, the throwing, placing, attaching or directing of any foreign object onto or towards power lines is strictly prohibited. Tampering with meter boxes, mini-substations, transformers, cables or any other electrical infrastructure is also strictly prohibited.
"These actions endanger lives, compromise community safety, disrupt the electricity supply, and cause damage to critical municipal infrastructure," the notice reads.
The dangers listed in the notice
The municipality lists five serious consequences of throwing objects onto power lines:
- Electrocution and fatal injury: conductive objects can create a short circuit, allowing electricity to flow through the object and potentially through anyone who comes into contact with it.
- Electrical arc-overs: electricity can arc from a power line to an object and then to another surface or person, even without direct physical contact.
- Short circuits and electrical faults: conductive materials can bridge phases or connect a power line to the ground, causing faults and potentially widespread power failures.
- Damage to electrical infrastructure: repeated faults can damage transformers, cable joints, terminations and conductors, resulting in prolonged and costly outages.
- Damage to electrical appliances: frequent interruptions and surges can damage household and business appliances.
What this means for you
Stay well away from overhead lines with objects hanging from them and do not try to remove anything yourself, as electricity can arc to a person without direct contact. The municipality urges residents to immediately report any person seen throwing objects onto power lines or tampering with electrical infrastructure to the relevant authorities.
The municipality can be reached on 018 299 5969.
Source: JB Marks Local Municipality (Facebook), https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid09vxJM2Jz5DQFCo91s3o5Tt1TsWc1gHdYCmL9NsVUwxaX2KpxQhnBeFwg5e9WS2pyl&id=61557831397472
Photo: JB Marks Local Municipality Facebook page