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[roadfro]

I've never had a fear of touching utility poles. But I used to have a fear of any guy wires that were used to stabilize the poles—my unknowing younger self thought that those wires was how the electricity got below ground.

[MNHighwayMan]

I've never had a fear of touching utility poles. But I used to have a fear of any guy wires that were used to stabilize the poles—my unknowing younger self thought that those wires was how the electricity got below ground.

When I was in elementary school, I had a teacher tell me to not touch a guy wire near the playground because she believed it could shock me. I was into electrical stuff from a young age and I knew that was wrong, but I quit being around it for fear of getting into trouble.

[ErmineNotyours]

In Federal Way, Washington, there is a street running right under very menacing-looking power lines that crackle and buzz.  There used to be small signs right above the pedestrian signal actuators that said, "CAUTION - HIGH STATIC DISCHARGE."  Sooooo... do you press the button or not?  The signs have been removed, the buttons have been updated with devices that give vocal assistance.  Maybe they've gotten the static jolt problem under control, or maybe they've stopped worrying people about it.

[MNHighwayMan]

That's really odd. I can't see that as doing anything other than fomenting anxiety. Maybe it was problematic to people with implanted electronics (e.g. pacemakers?) I dunno.

On an unrelated subject, the traffic light to the right is bothersome with its three through signal heads all at different elevations.

[jakeroot]

On an unrelated subject, the traffic light to the right is bothersome with its three through signal heads all at different elevations.

If I recall correctly, when Federal Way went through about 15-ish years ago and started adding a bunch of supplemental signals to existing installs, some of the existing signals were moved for interim lane configurations, but never got moved back. Or, were missed in design reviews or something like that. New installs don't have the same problem, thankfully.

OT: I got a great shot of that ugly approach in this video I made showing how that approach uses a lagging FYA:

[MNHighwayMan]

I just realized that it'd probably be just fine if they mounted the middle signal head between the top and middle sections, like all the rest, rather than between the middle and bottom sections. I wonder if it ended up being slightly too low mounted like that, and that's why it's all weird.

[kalvado]

Now, with that said, virtually all telegraph (telephone?) poles around WA are wooden, and those don't naturally conduct electricity...being my practical self, I see no reason to fear a wooden pole.

Next thing you learn is that wet wood is a descent conductor. Especially once road salt is added to the equation...

[ET21]

Nope

[hbelkins]

Metal transmission line posts are being used in my area at an ever-increasing frequency. Most recently, a new transmission line was built to serve the Oakdale substation for Licking Valley RECC, and all the posts are metal. Plus, Kentucky Utilities has replaced some older poles/posts on the transmission line between Richmond and Beattyville with metal ones.

I haven't seen a metal distribution line pole, however, other than in places where transmission and distribution lines share the same posts.

[kphoger]

I work for the cable company.  We use the same poles.

[jakeroot]

Now, with that said, virtually all telegraph (telephone?) poles around WA are wooden, and those don't naturally conduct electricity...being my practical self, I see no reason to fear a wooden pole.

Next thing you learn is that wet wood is a descent conductor. Especially once road salt is added to the equation...

Oh don't worry I got that ("don't naturally conduct electricity...").

[hbelkins]

Next thing you learn is that wet wood is a descent conductor.

So it only conducts electricity downhill? 

[kalvado]

Next thing you learn is that wet wood is a descent conductor.

So it only conducts electricity downhill? 

Of course, from the wires up there to the ground. Otherwise - why would the lightning ever strike a top of any tree? Only because electricity can flow down from there!

[dcharlie]

I'm only afraid of touching a metal one with my tongue in the winter!     Thanks, A Christmas Story!

[jakeroot]

I'm only afraid of touching a metal one with my tongue in the winter!     Thanks, A Christmas Story!

Makes me think of Harry Dunne from Dumb and Dumber, though that was a metal ski lift.

[abefroman329]

I'm only afraid of touching a metal one with my tongue in the winter!     Thanks, A Christmas Story!

But what if someone double dog dared you?

[dcharlie]

I'm gonna have to hold out for the triple dog dare!

[Hot Rod Hootenanny]

I'm never going to answer anymore polls on this forum.

[Roadgeekteen]

I'm never going to answer anymore polls on this forum.

This isn't a poll.

[1]

I'm never going to answer anymore polls on this forum.

This isn't a poll.

It is, however, a Pole. (The one shown here is not electric.)



@Hot Rod Hootenanny: If you don't vote for several years, Ohio will take you off the list.

[Brandon]

I'm never going to answer anymore polls on this forum.

Sure it's not electric Poles?

[Hot Rod Hootenanny]

@Hot Rod Hootenanny: If you don't vote for several years, Ohio will take you off the list.

Do you know what the difference between a poll and voting is?!

[jakeroot]

@Hot Rod Hootenanny: If you don't vote for several years, Ohio will take you off the list.

Do you know what the difference between a poll and voting is?!

Point is, don't be afraid to cast your vote, no matter the medium.

[Henry]

Wood poles, no. Metal, I used to be afraid of them as a kid because of the higher electrical capacity their wires carried and the "DANGER- KEEP OFF" labels.