Do you have a big DIY project underway? What is your plan for emergency electrical repairs?
When it comes to renovations it is important to plan for everything, even accidental damage. Power lines are tricky business and this is why you need professional help when installing or removing them. But what happens if you accidentally damage a power line? In case of emergency electrical repairs, you need the expertise of a power line technician.
How To Identify If You Have Damaged A Power Line
Often the first sign of power line damage is a power outage, however, if you are renovating and accidentally cause damage yourself, there may be other signs that you need to call for help. Even if there is no outage, a downed power line requires you to call for emergency electrical repairs. The downed line can easily cause a safety hazard and lead to a power outage.
Other signs typically associated with a damaged power line are sparks or flames. If either sparks or flames are emerging from a power line you should avoid touching the surrounding area, and call for help immediately. Buzzing sounds or crackling are also indications that there is some form of damage.
If a tree or another large object has fallen on a power line or pole, this has likely caused damage that needs to be repaired.
If you suspect that you have damaged a power line while renovating, you need to call in professional help.
What Commonly Causes Pole Line Damage Needing Emergency Electrical Repairs?
No two renovations or emergencies are the same, but there are some common scenarios that we see that cause emergencies.
- Excavation and digging without knowledge of buried power lines. To avoid this you should have a power line technician perform cable locating to find buried power lines.
- Equipment contact with power lines can cause damage. Even if you are not using heavy machinery like an excavator, you should be cautious of power lines.
- Tree trimming or removal can cause damage if a tree or branch falls onto power lines. For your safety, you should contact an expert arborist to get any trees or branches removed near power lines.
- Building Additions or adding new structures, roofs, or extensions without accounting for the safe clearance required around power lines can lead to accidental contact.
We always suggest planning and taking the time to properly carry out your renovation.
Steps to Follow If You Damage a Power Line
Accidents happen, and while we always do our best to avoid them, it is important to be prepared in case of emergencies. If you do accidentally damage a power line here are the steps you should follow:
- Stay Safe: Prioritize the safety of everyone in the area including yourself. Whether or not the power line is sparking and smoking, you should keep a safe distance and avoid contact with the area surrounding the downed line.
- Assessing the Damage: Do not try to move or touch any downed power lines. If you can see the cause of the damage, get as much information as possible for the repair.
- Call emergency services: If there is imminent danger or someone has been injured, you need to call 911 for help immediately.
- Find an Emergency Electrical Repair provider in your area: make sure the provider will arrive quickly to safely repair the damage.
- Provide relevant information: Any information you have about the cause or the damage will be helpful to ensure the right tools and journeymen can repair the damage.
- Stay clear: While waiting for emergency services or the repair team to arrive, do not attempt to repair the damage yourself.
- Alert others: If the damage is in an area with people, cars or animals you should make them aware of the damage to prevent them from inadvertently coming in contact with the danger.
- Follow instructions: When emergency services and the electrical repair team arrive, it is important to follow their instructions. We are working to get your electrical emergency repaired as quickly and safely as possible.
Leave Emergency Electrical Repairs to The Professionals
Power lines can be dangerous when not handled properly. We are highly trained to deal with power lines, especially in emergencies. It is important if you damage a power line or pole, that you do not attempt to repair the damage yourself. You could cause greater damage and experience a significant injury or death.
Whether it’s an underground power line, an overhead power line, or a pole, we will assess the damage and get it repaired quickly and safely. We know it is disruptive when the power is out, so we offer 24/7 emergency electrical repairs for these situations. All you need to do is call 1-888-478-8739!
Tips to Prevent Pole Line Damage
- Always plan ahead: When doing any building or digging, contact an electrical service provider to locate cables on your property.
- Find a trusted electrical service provider: When it comes to power lines, it’s better to leave it to the professionals. We have the training and expertise to get the job done quickly and safely.
- Plan for tree growth: Often we see people planting trees too close to powerlines which may cause problems as they grow tall. To prevent power line damage, plant your trees at a safe distance from any overhead powerlines.
What to Do if You Need Emergency Electrical Repairs in a Remote Area?
If your cottage or home is off the beaten path, that does not prevent electrical emergencies. Whether you need assistance repairing electrical damage that a previous owner never got around to, or you have a new problem that needs repairing, we will come to remote locations for both regular service and emergency electrical repairs.
Some of the services we offer include submarine cable installations, Island padmount and pole-top transformer installation, cable terminations, Island transformers, and pole replacements. We also offer Island overhead to underground conversion with pole line removals. This allows us to get to even the most remote locations.
If you are a DIY-er, you know that accidents happen, but when it comes to power lines, you need to leave emergency electrical repairs to the professionals. At Sturdy Power Lines, our expertise will help you get your power back on safely or plan ahead to prevent emergencies. To get emergency electrical services call us 24/7! Or contact us to plan ahead with cable locating services!