Voltage from 345 KV line

[porterh]

I was talking to an electrician working on a condo project located below a 345 KV transmission line. He said the person installing the gutters was getting a tingle when handling the gutters.

The electrician turned off all of the power to the site. He said he was still getting a tingle.

He read the voltage from the gutters and got a reading of approximately 290 volts. He said that he got a reading of approximately .5 amps of current. After meeting with the utility engineers he was told that the 345 KV line was the source of the stray voltage. He then grounded the gutters with a 8 ft ground rod and the voltage went away.

The utility told him that the ground to the gutters would have to remain. My question is, can this voltage be lethal? Can the electrical contractor be liable if for some reason someone gets a shock from the gutter?

Thanks in advance

Herb

 

[charlie]

Re: Voltage from 345 KV line

That is the reason that some of the transmission easements are so wide. It is not likely that anyone would get enough current to be harmful but imagine the startle for a painter that touched the gutter the first time and fell from the top of the ladder because of the tingle. That is an experience that could be lethal. By all means, make sure everything is grounded which includes gutters and siding.