Myths about Electricity

Farmers and their families have been injured or killed because they believed in myths about electricity. The truth can be shocking. Get the facts.

Myth: Rubber boots, gloves and tires will protect you.

Facts: Rubber offers little protection against the voltages found in overhead power lines.

• Rubber boots and gloves are not made to insulate you against the tremendous amount of power flowing through a typical distribution line. They will catch fire if zapped by electricity.
• Some rubber tires will actually conduct electricity. For example, carbon-based rubber, steel belts and reinforcements make some tires very good conductors.
• Tires on farm vehicles may explode or begin to burn immediately upon contact with a power line.

Myth: Wood doesn’t conduct electricity so it’s safe to cut tree branches that are touching power lines. Wooden ladders and tool handles also deter the flow of electricity.

Facts: Wood can conduct electricity. It’s a good insulator only when every trace of moisture and chemical deposits is removed.

Tree trimming is dangerous. You may accidentally touch a line with your saw or hand. If you are on an aluminium ladder or the tree is wet, you run the risk of a deadly electrical shock. Remember, the interior of the tree is always damp with sap.