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Myths About Electricity

Debunking myths about electricity

Many Hoosiers start learning about electricity at an early age, often through lessons in school. As we grow up, those facts are sometimes mixed with myths we hear through other people, the media, or social media.

Unfortunately, when it comes to electricity, false information and a lack of knowledge can be deadly.

In these cases, knowing facts about electric safety can be lifesaving. That’s why we take opportunities to educate members, young people, and others in the community about electric safety.

One myth that could be particularly dangerous during winter is that a power line automatically shuts off when it falls to the ground.

While this may be a common belief, it’s dangerous and incorrect. A wire on the ground may still be energized. If you see one, stay at least 30 feet away and call your electric cooperative or 911 immediately. Remember, even if you don’t see sparks, stay away.

What happens if you’re in a car and it strikes a utility pole? First, unless there is a fire or other immediate danger, stay in the car and call 911. You need to wait until utility workers tell you it’s safe.

Here are some other myths about electricity:

Myth: Power lines outside carry the same 120-volt electricity we use in our homes.

Truth: You can’t tell the voltage by just looking at it. In Indiana, most power lines carry 7,200 volts, and some carry up to 19,000 volts.

Myth: Rubber gloves and rubber shoes protect you from electricity.

Truth: That’s true only if they are 100% pure rubber with no holes or tears (the kind that electric lineworkers wear and are regularly inspected). Typical cleaning gloves and shoes are made with rubber mixed with cheaper materials. They aren’t going to protect you in an electrical encounter.

Myth: All power lines are insulated.

Truth: As a rule, power lines aren’t insulated. And you never know the condition of any insulation. Remember, no line is ever safe to touch.

Sources: NYSEG, ESFI

Three mistruths about electricity

Power lines are insulated.

False: At least 90% of them are not insulated. Since you don’t know, don’t take a chance.

If a power line is not high voltage, it’s safe.

False: Voltage won’t kill you, but amperage will. Just 1 amp will cause fatal heart irregularities. Between 100 and 200 amps run through an average house.

A live wire will always spark when it fails.

False: Sometimes, but not always. When the line makes firm contact, it will spark. If it doesn’t make firm contact, it won’t, but it could still be carrying its electrical charge and kill you.

Sources: NYSEG, ESFI

Water and electricity: Insulator vs. conductor

We have all heard that it’s dangerous to go swimming during a lightning storm. Water in natural resources like lakes and streams, and also in pools and hot tubs, makes for an excellent electricity conductor.

However, water itself is not the problem. The minerals dissolved in natural water and pool water are responsible for its conductivity. They turn pure water, which is an electrical insulator, into an electrolyte. If you could swim in a pool full of distilled water, it wouldn’t carry the same risks.

Sources: NYSEG, ESFI