Balls on Power Lines??

[REMillers]

Ok I've asked this before and always wondered:

What exactly is the purpose for the color balls on power lines??

Most of the answers seem to think they are to warn aircraft that the lines are there.

But they are not lite, so how can they see them at night. Plus they are often placed on power lines where no aircraft would ever be able to fly into or fit.

Seem them where the lines are surrounded by trees etc, or simply a few feet of the ground. Also not spread over enough distance of the line to safety guard a plane/chopter from them.

So anyone else have a idea what they are for??

 

[Logan]

To make people ask questions.

They work!

 

[REMillers]

I knew it!!!

Those sneaky people!!

Grrr

*runs off mumbling, revenage on power lines*

 

[acidbug]

They are there b/c when lightning strikes the wires...they absorb the shock...

 

[Logan]

I like my reason better.

 

[REMillers]

I like Logans more also, cause I feel the need to release some anger.

*finishes plans to over take power company*

 

[BacDoc]

I thought it was to keep squirrel's off of the lines? Keeps them from weighing the lines down or chewing at them. But I don't know I just heard that and it sounded funny but effective.

 

[Logan]

I wouldn't think the weight of a squirrel would make any difference to a strung power line.
Maybe they decided to decorate?
Add some pizzaz to the neighbourhood.

 

[KYREDP5]

It's for small airstrips, to keep the small private aircraft from hitting them. Most small airstrips are not open at night so it would be useless for them to light up. An airplave can strill hit a power line a few feet of the ground while taking off or landing. They are not spread over a distance becaust there is no need since small aircraft have a relitivly short decent.

 

[mazdadan]

It's funny you mention these things, because they are quite abundant alongside the Jersey Turnpike.

 

[AlaskaP5]

They are there for when the wind blows, they stop the lines from swaying so much, and if they do, they prevent the lines from touching one another.

 

[Natey]

They are there for when the wind blows, they stop the lines from swaying so much, and if they do, they prevent the lines from touching one another.

I agree. They act as spoilers to keep the line from "whiplashing".
Also for visability so that helicopters and small planes(or kites!) don't hit them. That's why they're bright orange.

 

[REMillers]

We have white, silver, yellow, blue!!!!, red and a few oranges. Its like a rainbow!!

Wait maybe that is it...they are there to make the lines look better by faking a rainbow.

 

[chuyler1]

They are there for when the wind blows, they stop the lines from swaying so much, and if they do, they prevent the lines from touching one another.

Thats what I was always told. But the idea about squirrells is pretty creative.

 

[REMillers]

Maybe they are actually hollow inside with little doors for the squirrels to sleep in....

hmmmmm

Kinda of like the nest they build on some lines for eagles and such to safety land on.

 

[Rogue]

We have those here in GA, too. When people asked what they were for, I'd tell them that sometimes when it rains really hard, it'll flood and those balls keep the wires out of the water. You'd be surprised how many people say, "Really? Wow." I just chuckle to my self.

Personally, I thought they were used as warnings for small planes.

(2thumbs)

 

[fakieair]

I always thought they were for helicopters but I do remember most of them being dark................... so I dont know. I think its so power company guys can find the lines with out squinting
I know I live near Fort Meade and there a sh*t load of those over there.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm............me no like power lines!!!!!!