Spring is here and Dave Lewallen, CEO of Marshall County REMC warns citizens to look up. Many citizens will begin outdoor projects and agriculture-related work that may require large vehicles and equipment.
He said, “Before you start, I want to inform you about the dangers of overhead electric and communication cables. Overhead lines are everywhere and can pose a significant risk of injury or death should your equipment come in contact with them, not to mention the damage and costly repairs.”
The National Electric Safety Code (NESC) establishes minimum height requirements for electric and communications cables to provide safe clearance between lines, vehicles, equipment, structures and people. The utilities that install and maintain these lines are responsible for ensuring NESC height requirements are met. Unfortunately, significant risk still exists with the size of some vehicles and equipment. Lewallen said, “I caution that you never assume height requirements have been met because bad actors do exist.”
New electric lines and communications cables are being installed every day. Each time you operate equipment or vehicles that have the potential of reaching overhead lines, you must look-up for new dangers. Because of funding currently available for fiber-to-home projects, Marshall County is seeing more companies out installing fiber optic communications cables on poles throughout the county. These cables can be installed quickly, so in an area where there may not have been cables yesterday, there may be today. The strand, the support cable that fiber cables are lashed to, is extremely durable. When hit by equipment or vehicles, utility poles will often break before the strand does, creating dangerous and costly situations.
Purdue University Extension recently published “Overhead Power and Communications Lines — Don’t Get Grounded,” which thoroughly explains these dangers and what to do if you are involved in a contact incident. This publication can be viewed for free online at goiec.org/grounded-mcremc.
Dave Lewallen said, “I highly recommend that anyone at risk of contacting overhead lines take a few minutes to read this publication and share it with anyone who may also be at risk. Lastly, if you have questions or concerns about low-hanging wires on Marshall County REMC poles, please contact us so we can address the situation.”
Article and photos provided by Marshall County REMC
May primary ballots set for Vermillion County
SW Parke identifies 'Big Five' themes for Revision Project
Lucas Oil named title partner of 500 Festival Parade
Applications open for new United Way of Central Indiana initiative to build community solutions
Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC announces increases over next three years
Fountain County man arrested on sex crime charges, Parke County investigation remains
Friday is National Wear Red Day
Vermillion County DCS worker facing felonies
One week left to file for office in Indiana
Bridge closures to impact State Road 42 over I-70 in Clay County
Road renaming resolution co-authored by Criswell to honor Bobby Knight passes House
Thrive West Central to host Utility Workshop
Greene Realty continues to grow
World Food Championships set for 2026 Indianapolis return
NWS extends Winter Storm Warning to Monday morning
IDHS activates State Emergency Operations Center in response to winter storm
