Running water in conduit with high voltage lines

[DanS26]

I took this pic recently of an overhead high voltage (I believe 13kv line to line, 7kv line to ground) transition from an overhead local distribution to under ground feeder. The conduit was under pressure from what I think was a break in the conduit upstream that allowed water under gravity pressure to transit the line and exit at the transfer box at the bottom of the pole.

It seemed to me that this was a dangerous situation since moving water under pressure in conduit might be able to wear away the insulation or thru vibration, etc. cause the line to make ground. Step potential would then be a concern.

I ask a local about this and he said this situation has been going on for years. There is a walking path within 3 feet of this transition box with many people including young children passing by every day.

Not sure if the POCO is aware.

 

[letgomywago]

If no splices then it's probably as safe and a underwater high voltage run.

 

[electrofelon]

I don't see an issue. The only issue with water is if it freezes and cracks the conduit. I had that happen on a customer owned primary so I put some U-guard over it. The support is a bit fisher Price for sure

 

[Fred B]

Seen before, big fountain out off top riser at the pole down hill from house. Conduit had been damaged and not properly repaired and ground water created such head pressure had a fountain at the pole and a nice ice formation when winter came. AFAIK the contractor responsible for the damage did nothing for repair, and is still like this now 5 yrs.

 

[DanS26]

Thank guys for the responses. I really would not have thought much about it except for the youngsters goofing around the path near the pole. I think I will still raise the issue with the local POCO manager. I really doubt anything will be done unless the unprobeable happens.

 

[Fred B]

You can go out and test with a meter. One probe in the wet area and another farther away or maybe the GEC. If you have Voltage present you have some weight to make a request for investigation.