How to Protect Overhead Wiring from Storm Damage
Have you ever watched tree branches sway wildly near your home’s electrical lines during a storm and felt a knot of worry tighten in your stomach? You’re not alone. Many homeowners share that concern, especially those with overhead service wiring bringing power from the utility pole to their house. Storms are unpredictable, and the damage they can inflict on your electrical system can be significant.
Your home's electrical service drop – that wire running from the pole to your house – is a critical link in your power supply. Keeping it safe and functional is essential for your comfort and safety. Ignoring potential problems can lead to power outages, dangerous electrical hazards, and costly repairs. This article will guide you through practical steps to safeguard your overhead wiring, helping you weather any storm with confidence.
Understanding the Vulnerabilities of Overhead Wiring
Overhead wiring, while a standard and often cost-effective way to deliver electricity, is exposed to the elements. This exposure makes it more vulnerable to storm damage than underground wiring. Let's break down the primary risks: Wind: High winds can cause overhead lines to sway and potentially snap, especially if the wires are old or weakened. Falling Trees and Branches: This is perhaps the most common cause of damage. Limbs break and fall onto the wiring, pulling it down or severing it completely. Ice and Snow: Heavy ice accumulation can add significant weight to the wires, causing them to sag or break. Snow buildup on trees can also increase the risk of falling branches. Lightning Strikes: While less common, a direct lightning strike to overhead lines can cause a surge of electricity, damaging your electrical system. General Wear and Tear:Over time, the insulation on overhead wires can degrade due to sun exposure, temperature changes, and pollution, making them more susceptible to damage.
By understanding these vulnerabilities, you can take proactive steps to minimize the risk of storm-related damage.
Practical Tips for Protecting Your Residential Overhead Lines
Protecting your overhead wiring is a multi-faceted task. Here are actionable steps you can take to bolster its resilience:
1.Tree Trimming and Pruning: This is the most crucial step. Regularly trim trees and bushes near your overhead service drop. Hire a professional arborist to remove any branches that could potentially fall on the wires. Stay at least 10 feet away from any power lines when trimming trees yourself, and never attempt to trim trees that are directly touching power lines. Contact your local utility company; they often have programs to trim trees near their main power lines for free.
2.Inspect Your Wiring Regularly: Visually inspect your home electrical service drop for any signs of damage, such as sagging wires, cracked or missing insulation, or loose connections. If you notice anything unusual, contact a qualified electrician to investigate. Do not attempt to repair damaged wiring yourself.
3.Reinforce the Attachment Point: The point where the overhead wires connect to your house is a common point of failure during storms. Ensure that the mast (the pipe extending from your roof or the side of your house that supports the wires) is securely attached and in good condition. Consult with an electrician about reinforcing the mast if necessary. Also, check the weatherhead (the fitting at the top of the mast) for cracks or damage.
4.Install a Surge Protector: While a surge protector won't prevent physical damage to your overhead wiring, it can protect your appliances and electronics from power surges caused by lightning strikes or downed power lines. Consider installing a whole-house surge protector in your electrical panel for comprehensive protection. Point-of-use surge protectors offer added protection for sensitive devices.
5.Consider Underground Wiring (Long-Term Solution): While more expensive upfront, burying your electrical service drop eliminates the risk of storm damage and improves the aesthetics of your property. Talk to your utility company and a qualified electrician to explore this option. Be aware of potential obstacles like existing underground utilities and soil conditions that could affect the cost and feasibility of underground installation.
6.Document Existing Conditions: Take photos of your overhead wiring and its surrounding trees in good weather. This documentation can be helpful when filing insurance claims after a storm or when discussing maintenance needs with your utility company or an electrician.
7.Review Homeowners Insurance: Understand your homeowner's insurance coverage for electrical damage caused by storms. Know what is covered and what your deductible is. Consider if you have sufficient coverage to replace electrical panels, wiring, and appliances in case of significant damage.
8.Emergency Preparedness: Know what to do if your overhead wiring is damaged during a storm. Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to your utility company. Have a backup power source, such as a generator, available in case of a power outage. Keep flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit on hand.
Electrical Safety Considerations
Working with electricity is inherently dangerous. Always prioritize safety when inspecting or maintaining your overhead wiring.
Never Touch Downed Power Lines: Treat all downed power lines as if they are live. Stay at least 30 feet away and call your utility company immediately to report the hazard. Do Not Attempt DIY Repairs: Electrical repairs should only be performed by qualified electricians. Incorrect repairs can be dangerous and could void your homeowner's insurance. Turn Off the Power: If you need to inspect any part of your electrical system, turn off the main breaker in your electrical panel first. Verify that the power is off using a voltage tester. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: When working near electrical wiring, wear rubber-soled shoes, safety glasses, and insulated gloves. Be Aware of Wet Conditions:Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Never work with electrical wiring in wet conditions.
Troubleshooting Common Overhead Wiring Issues
Even with preventative measures, problems can still arise with your overhead wiring. Here are some common issues and how to address them: Sagging Wires: Some sag is normal, but excessive sagging can indicate a problem. This could be due to the weight of ice or snow, damaged support cables, or aging wires. Contact an electrician to inspect and repair the wiring. Flickering Lights: Flickering lights can be caused by a variety of issues, including loose connections in your overhead wiring, overloaded circuits, or problems with your electrical panel. Start by checking your circuit breakers and light bulbs. If the problem persists, call an electrician. Power Outages: Power outages can be caused by downed power lines, damaged equipment at the utility company, or problems with your own electrical system. Check with your neighbors to see if they are also experiencing a power outage. Report the outage to your utility company. Sparking or Arcing: Sparking or arcing near your overhead wiring is a serious hazard. Turn off the power immediately and call your utility company and an electrician. Do not attempt to investigate the problem yourself.
The Cost of Protecting Your Wiring
The cost of protecting your overhead wiring can vary depending on the steps you take.
Tree Trimming: Professional tree trimming can cost anywhere from \$100 to \$1,000 or more, depending on the size and number of trees. Wiring Inspection: A standard electrical inspection can cost between \$100 and \$300. Mast Reinforcement: Reinforcing or replacing a mast can cost between \$500 and \$1,500. Surge Protector Installation: A whole-house surge protector can cost between \$300 and \$800, including installation. Underground Wiring:Burying your electrical service drop can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the distance and complexity of the project.
While these costs may seem significant, they are a small price to pay for the safety and reliability of your electrical system. Remember that preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs.
When to Call a Professional Electrician
While some minor issues can be addressed yourself, it's crucial to know when to call a qualified electrician. Here are some situations that warrant professional help:
Any visible damage to your overhead wiring, such as sagging wires, cracked insulation, or loose connections.
Flickering lights or other electrical problems that you can't diagnose or fix yourself.
Sparking or arcing near your overhead wiring.
Any concerns about the safety of your electrical system.
If you are uncomfortable working with electricity.
A qualified electrician has the knowledge, experience, and tools to safely and effectively diagnose and repair electrical problems. They can also provide valuable advice on how to protect your overhead wiring from storm damage.
People Also Ask:
Can I trim trees near power lines myself?
It's generally not recommended to trim trees near power lines yourself. Power lines carry high-voltage electricity and can be extremely dangerous. Contact your local utility company or a qualified arborist to trim trees near power lines safely. They have the proper equipment and training to do the job safely and effectively.
What should I do if a tree falls on my overhead wiring?
If a tree falls on your overhead wiring, stay away from the downed wires and report the incident to your utility company immediately. Do not attempt to remove the tree yourself, as the wires may still be live.
How often should I inspect my overhead wiring?
It's a good idea to visually inspect your overhead wiring at least once a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Pay close attention to any signs of damage, such as sagging wires, cracked insulation, or loose connections. You should also inspect your wiring after any major storm.
Protecting your overhead wiring from storm damage is an investment in the safety and reliability of your home's electrical system. By taking the steps outlined in this article, you can minimize the risk of damage and ensure that your power stays on, even during the worst storms. Remember, prioritizing safety and seeking professional help when needed are key to keeping your home and family safe. With a little planning and maintenance, you can rest assured that your home's connection to the grid is ready to weather any storm.