Power Line Dangers: Is My RV Safe?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Marah Elisabeth
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Line Power
AI Thread Summary
A power line is dangerously low, just four feet above an RV, raising concerns about potential electrical hazards, especially if branches fall during rain. It is advised to move the RV to a safer location and investigate why the power line is so low. Grounding the RV's metal chassis can help prevent electrical shock if contact is made with the power line. If the RV becomes live, jumping from the vehicle without touching the ground simultaneously is crucial for safety. Overall, immediate action is necessary to mitigate risks associated with the low power line.
Marah Elisabeth
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
There is a power line of undetermined voltage hanging just 4 feet above my RV and the stream running next to us. If during the rain, a branch from the redwood tree above us falls and causes the hot line to land on the RV and stay there, is there a way to prevent us being shocked while we try to escape? I am concerned as a limb fell last winter but missed the line. Should I put grounding rods on the four corners in the ground and connect to some copper? Any ideas? Thank you
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

That is insufficient clearance, you should move your RV now.
Find out why the power line is so low.

You need to ground the metal chassis of the RV in one place to prevent the vehicle voltage being different to ground. That should cut the power line supply if electrical contact with the RV is made.

If a vehicle might have become live, jump from the vehicle, so you do not contact the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes russ_watters, Lnewqban and berkeman
Marah Elisabeth said:
There is a power line of undetermined voltage hanging just 4 feet above my RV and the stream running next to us. If during the rain, a branch from the redwood tree above us falls and causes the hot line to land on the RV and stay there, is there a way to prevent us being shocked while we try to escape? I am concerned as a limb fell last winter but missed the line. Should I put grounding rods on the four corners in the ground and connect to some copper? Any ideas? Thank you
Welcome to PF. :smile:

Using my Mentor superpowers, I can see that you live about 10 miles from where I live, so I'm very familar with your area. An RV is pretty non-conductive in the first place. Also, I'm not aware of anywhere here locally where the situation you describe exists. It sounds more like there is a cable TV line running above your RV/mobile home, in which case there are no issues (other than aesthetics).

If you are still worried, please just send me a Private Message (PM) with your address, and I'll bike or drive over and have a look.

Have a nice day. :smile:
 
Last edited:
Reply
  • Like
Likes pinball1970, anorlunda, Tom.G and 4 others

Thread 'How might electronics be different if AC voltage was 72V at 45 Hz?'

Hey guys. I have a question related to electricity and alternating current. Say an alien fictional society developed electricity, and settled on a standard like 73V AC current at 46 Hz. How would appliances be designed, and what impact would the lower frequency and voltage have on transformers, wiring, TVs, computers, LEDs, motors, and heating, assuming the laws of physics and technology are the same as on Earth?
View full post »

Thread 'Why does the amperage go real high if there is a low voltage short?'

I used to be an HVAC technician. One time I had a service call in which there was no power to the thermostat. The thermostat did not have power because the fuse in the air handler was blown. The fuse in the air handler was blown because there was a low voltage short. The rubber coating on one of the thermostat wires was chewed off by a rodent. The exposed metal in the thermostat wire was touching the metal cabinet of the air handler. This was a low voltage short. This low voltage...
View full post »
Thread 'Electromagnet magnetic field issue'

Thread 'Electromagnet magnetic field issue'

Hi Guys We are a bunch a mechanical engineers trying to build a simple electromagnet. Our design is based on a very similar magnet. However, our version is about 10 times less magnetic and we are wondering why. Our coil has exactly same length, same number of layers and turns. What is possibly wrong? PIN and bracket are made of iron and are in electrical contact, exactly like the reference design. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks. edit: even same wire diameter and coil was wounded by a...
View full post »

Similar threads

EMF below Power Transmission Lines
Replies
2
Views
2K
Considering Earth ground vs floating ground in off grid solar
Replies
13
Views
6K
Electric Power Line Cleaning Helicopter
Replies
1
Views
2K
Can I Safely and Neatly Regulate Power for My Chameleon's Habitat?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Earthing & Lightening Protection for a Home on a Mountain Top
Replies
9
Views
9K
What Caused the Buzzing Sensation Near the Power Line?
Replies
9
Views
12K
Did the 1883 Krakatoa Explosion Leave Ships in Peril?
Replies
16
Views
7K
News Obama Inaugural Address: Summary & Analysis
Replies
33
Views
6K
Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
Replies
4
Views
8K
What colors and attributes could alien flora & fauna have?
Replies
15
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top