A Guide to troubleshooting after vehicle hit utility pole
Experiencing issues with troubleshooting after vehicle hit utility pole? This guide will help you identify the problem and find a solution.
A Guide to Troubleshooting After a Vehicle Hits a Utility Pole
The sound of screeching tires followed by a loud crash is a jarring experience for any homeowner. When that crash involves a utility pole, it can create a dangerous and confusing situation. For residents in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania, where winding roads and unpredictable weather can increase the risk of such accidents, knowing what to do is crucial for safety and for restoring power to your home. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps to take after a vehicle strikes a utility pole, from immediate safety measures to assessing and repairing your home’s electrical system.
Immediate Steps to Take: Safety First
In the immediate aftermath of a utility pole accident, your personal safety and the safety of others is the absolute top priority. The area around a downed or damaged pole is extremely hazardous.
**Stay Far Away and Call 911**
The single most important rule is to maintain a safe distance. Assume every downed wire is a live, high-voltage power line. The ground itself can be energized in a large radius around a downed line, a phenomenon known as “step potential,” where simply walking nearby can cause a fatal electric shock. Stay at least 35-50 feet away—the length of a school bus—from the pole and any fallen wires. Once you are in a safe location, call 911 immediately to report the accident and the downed pole. This will dispatch police, fire, and emergency medical services to the scene.
**Warn Others and Secure the Area**
If possible, without putting yourself in danger, warn neighbors, pedestrians, and other drivers to stay away from the accident scene. Do not attempt to be a hero. Your role is to alert others to the danger, not to intervene directly.
**If You Are in the Vehicle**
If you are in a vehicle that has struck a pole and there are wires on your car, the safest place to be is inside the vehicle. The car’s tires can act as an insulator. Do not exit the vehicle unless it is on fire. If you must exit, jump from the vehicle with your feet together, being careful not to touch the car and the ground at the same time. Then, shuffle away with your feet close together to minimize the risk of step potential.
Understanding the Hidden Dangers
A damaged utility pole presents multiple, often invisible, dangers that every homeowner should understand.
**The Threat of Energized Lines and Surfaces**
Downed power lines can energize not only the ground but also fences, guardrails, and other conductive surfaces. They do not always spark, arc, or hum, so you cannot rely on visual or auditory cues to determine if a line is live. Always treat them as energized. The high-voltage electricity from these lines can cause severe burns, neurological damage, or electrocution.
**Structural Instability**
A vehicle impact can compromise the structural integrity of a utility pole, even if it doesn’t fall immediately. It could be weakened and fall later due to wind, rain, or the strain from the attached lines. This is especially true for older wooden poles, which are common in many of Pittsburgh's established neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill and Shadyside.
**Other Utility Lines**
Utility poles often carry more than just electrical wires. They can also support telephone, cable television, and fiber optic lines. While these are not typically as dangerous as power lines, they can still present a tripping hazard and may be entangled with live electrical wires.
Assessing Your Home’s Electrical System from a Safe Distance
Once emergency services have secured the area, you can begin to assess the potential impact on your home’s electrical system. This initial inspection should always be done from a safe distance, without approaching the damaged pole or any downed lines.
**Inspect the Service Drop**
The “service drop” refers to the bundle of wires that runs from the utility pole to your house. Look for the following:
• Is the service drop still attached to your house? A powerful impact can rip the wires completely off your home.\n• Is it sagging or damaged? The wires should be taut and clear of any obstructions.\n• Is the weatherhead damaged? The weatherhead is the curved conduit where the service drop wires enter your home, typically on the roof or side of the house. It’s designed to prevent water from entering the electrical system.\n• Is the electric meter or meter box damaged? The meter box is the enclosure that houses your electric meter. If it has been pulled away from the house or is visibly damaged, this is a serious issue that will require professional repair.
**Understanding Responsibility: Utility vs. Homeowner**
It is critical to understand the division of responsibility for electrical equipment. In Pennsylvania, the local utility company (such as Duquesne Light or West Penn Power) is responsible for the utility pole and the service drop wires up to the point where they connect to your house. The homeowner is responsible for the equipment attached to the house, including the weatherhead, the service mast (the pipe that the wires run through), the meter box, and all the wiring inside the home. This distinction will determine who is responsible for making and paying for repairs.
When the Professionals Arrive: What to Expect
A team of professionals will respond to a utility pole accident. Here’s who to expect and what they will do:
**The Utility Crew**
The utility company’s crew has one primary job: to make the area safe. They will de-energize the power lines and then begin the process of repairing or replacing the damaged pole and lines. This can be a time-consuming process, especially in difficult weather conditions, which are common during Western Pennsylvania winters.
**The Role of the Licensed Electrician**
If the accident has caused damage to your home’s electrical equipment, you will need to hire a licensed and insured electrician. The utility company cannot and will not restore power to your home if your equipment is damaged. An electrician will need to make the necessary repairs to meet the standards of the National Electrical Code (NEC). This could involve replacing the meter box, repairing the service mast, or even upgrading the service entrance equipment, which is often necessary for older homes in areas like Mt. Lebanon or Dormont to bring them up to current code.
Restoring Power and Making Repairs: A Homeowner’s Guide
Getting your power back on after a utility pole accident involves a coordinated effort between you, your electrician, and the utility company.
**Step 1: Hire a Qualified Electrician**
If your home’s electrical equipment is damaged, your first call should be to a reputable, licensed electrician. They will assess the damage and provide a quote for the necessary repairs.
**Step 2: Obtain an Electrical Permit and Inspection**
In most municipalities in Allegheny County and the surrounding areas, any repair to the service entrance equipment requires an electrical permit and an inspection from a certified third-party agency. Your electrician will typically handle the permit process. Once the repairs are complete, an inspector will need to approve the work before the utility company can reconnect your power.
**Step 3: Coordinate with the Utility Company**
Once the repairs have been made and passed inspection, your electrician will notify the utility company. The utility will then send a crew to reconnect the service drop to your home and restore power.
**Step 4: Check Your Home’s System After Power is Restored**
After your power is back on, there are a few final checks you should perform:
• Check your main breaker panel. The surge from the power being restored can sometimes trip breakers. Reset any that have tripped.\n• Test your outlets and switches. Walk through your home and test a few lights and outlets in each room.\n• Look for flickering lights. Flickering or dimming lights can be a sign of a loose connection or other issues that may require further investigation by an electrician.\n• Check your surge protectors. A nearby lightning strike or a major power event like a pole being hit can damage surge protectors. Many have indicator lights that will show if they are still functioning.
Conclusion: Be Prepared and Stay Safe
A vehicle hitting a utility pole is a serious event that can pose significant risks to your safety and your home. By understanding the dangers, knowing the immediate steps to take, and being prepared for the repair process, Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania homeowners can navigate this challenging situation safely and effectively. Always prioritize safety, rely on qualified professionals, and never take chances with electricity.