Doug Miller wrote:
In article , "James \"Cubby\" Culbertson" wrote:


There are lots of times work is done on hot systems. Many precautions need
to be done but essentially wearing the correct protective equipment
(gloves, isolation mats, etc...) presents a pretty safe environment. How
do you think those guys working on the high voltage power distribution lines
do it?


From a helicopter.

I used to live right across the road from a 750KV transmission line, and
watched them doing maintenance several times. Really awesome to watch. I have
a lot of respect for both the electrician *and* the pilot.


Its called a Faraday cage. Basically the workers suit up in a chain
mail suit, not unlike the under armor of the middle ages. The metal then
acts as a conductor of any induced currents, keeping them away from any
path thru the body of the worker. They reach out with a long metal rod
to touch the wire as the chopper brings them close to equalize the charges.