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06-10-2009, 10:27 AM
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Helicopter Lineman Performing Barehand Work on Energized Power Lines
Helicopter-based barehand live-line work allows linemen to maintain and inspect energized high-voltage transmission lines without interrupting electrical service. A helicopter carries a lineman in a hooded conductive suit and safety harness on a platform attached to its skid, positioning him beside the conductors. The lineman uses a metal wand to make initial contact with the line. The resulting arc brings the helicopter, platform and worker to the same electrical potential as the conductor. He then attaches a bonding lead and can work directly on the line because there is no potential difference across his body. The conductive suit acts as a Faraday cage. The lineman shown is carried along a transmission corridor, placed beside a conductor bundle and positioned near an insulator string while the helicopter hovers nearby. |