Lesson 3 Page 2
Observe: Power line Safety
Suppose you were learning how to kayak and you were going on the water alone for the first time. Would you choose to kayak on a small, gentle stream or on a big, fast-moving river with huge rapids and waterfalls? Going down a large waterfall in a kayak might be exciting but very dangerous. The water in a big waterfall has a lot of energy because it falls a long way.
When we talk about moving water, we often use the word current.
A big, fast-moving river has more current than a small, slow-moving stream. The more moving water, the greater the current.
Falling water gets its energy from gravity. Electrons get their energy from batteries and power stations.
Voltage is the word for how excited electrons are — or how much energy electrons carry. The higher the voltage, the more energy each electron has.Like waterfalls, home electricity and power lines have high energy (voltages) and large amounts of current. Thus, we can say they have large amounts of very excited electrons! This is why electricity is far too dangerous to experiment with, and if changes must be made to home wiring, or a power line is down, experts should be called.
A beginner kayaker should never go on fast-moving water or over big waterfalls! To do the same with electricity is wise! A beginner should experiment only with sources of electricity that have small and safe amounts of current and voltage.
Video
Watch this ADLC Digital Lesson on Current and Voltage.
ADLC - Elementary Science Current and Voltage
Career Connection
Line installers and repairers can fix power lines.
You should never touch electrical wiring or power lines; it is far too dangerous. That job should always be left to an expert.
Click to watch Powerline Safety For Workers here.
Powerline Safety
- Look up for powerlines. You don’t have to touch a powerline to receive a deadly shock. Electricity can jump or “arc” to you if you get too close.
- Never play near or climb utility poles. Always obey the safety signs.
- Call or click before you dig!
- Plant trees away from overhead powerlines. Do not climb a tree near a power line.
- Watch for downed powerlines – if you see one stay back 10 metres (the length of a school bus) and call 911 immediately.
- Choose wide-open spaces to fly kites.
- Do not go near the green electrical boxes on lawns or in parks. If a toy, kite, or ball gets stuck in a power line or in a transformer station, call the Local Electrical Company.