Whenever a tree has dead or broken branches, it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. An untreated wound can jeopardize the health of the tree and may even lead to its decay. Branches can also grow to the point where they pose a threat to surrounding structures.
In that case, what should you do if you want to trim a tree that’s located close to power lines?
Why you should clear tree branches near power lines
Did you know that almost 40 percent of power outages are the result of branches or trees falling on power lines? Vegetation near these lines also poses a risk of electrocution and fire and may even cause damage to the power grid.
That’s why Hydro-Québec makes every effort to clear away any vegetation found in the area around the medium-voltage lines belonging to its network. Because these wires don’t have an insulating sheath, they are at a higher risk of short-circuiting.
Who to call when a tree is near power lines
Although it’s desirable to let our trees grow as much as possible, there always comes a time when one of them grows its branches a little too close to the power lines.
Émondage SBP can trim trees near electric lines as long as the branches are at least three meters away from the wires. If the branches are closer than that, the law stipulates that only Hydro-Québec approved companies have authorization to perform the trimming or felling work.
If you have vining plants growing along the exterior walls of your home, make sure to keep them away from your power-supply lines. Even though these wires have a rubber coating, if it becomes worn, there’s always a possibility that the wire could come into contact with a sap-filled shoot, resulting in electrocution. If your vines or other climbing plants are twisted around your electrical supply lines, don’t do anything. Instead, contact us.
Medium voltage wires: how to recognize them?
Medium voltage wires play a crucial role in transporting electricity from substations to residential and commercial areas. It is essential to know how to recognize them to avoid any danger during your pruning work.
These wires are very easy to identify. These are unsheathed overhead cables, always installed at the highest end of electrical poles. They generally carry a higher voltage (between 750 and 34,500 volts) than the wires connected to your house.
They are often grouped in bundles of three (three-phase) or in one (single-phase) and are accompanied by transformers, recognizable by their cylindrical shape fixed to the poles.
- Three-phase wires: These are three wires installed in parallel on poles, allowing large quantities of electricity to be transported over long distances. They are often used in neighborhoods to power several houses or buildings.
- Single-phase wires: Made up of a single wire, they are generally used to transport electricity over shorter distances, for example, to power individual homes. Although they carry less energy than three-phase wires, they still represent a significant danger, so be careful!
- Transformers: Often mounted on poles, these devices reduce the voltage of electricity to make it usable in homes and businesses. Transformers are large, easily identifiable metal cylinders and must be treated with care.
It is important to note that medium-voltage wires are not sheathed, because the ambient air is used to insulate them. This makes them lighter and keeps costs low. Insulating them with a sheath would make the poles more bulky and expensive. As a result, they are exposed and therefore extremely dangerous to come into contact with.
This is why our team of arborists does not carry out any work within 3 meters of these wires. Our employees can do work near the wire going to your house, or for example, a Videotron cable wire, but not near a medium-voltage wire.
Émondage SBP does not work within 3m of a medium-voltage network.
Precautions! Make sure that no person, tool, or material comes within 3 meters of these wires. Bringing an object or even your body too close can create a deadly electric arc, similar to a static electricity shock, but with much more serious consequences.
Choose a company qualified by Hydro-Québec for pruning work
If your trees or branches are at this critical distance, contact a company qualified by Hydro-Québec to carry out the work safely. It is imperative to choose a company that displays the Hydro-Québec logo next to its contact information to ensure that the work is carried out in compliance with safety standards. The International Society of Arboriculture of Quebec (SIAQ) provides on its website a list of its members authorized by Hydro Quebec.
What to do if a tree falls on a power line
Are the branches of one of your trees getting dangerously close to an electric line? Don’t risk your safety! Entrust the job to professionals. Trimming or cutting down a tree near a power line represents a serious safety hazard, both to you and to the power grid.
If you see a branch or a tree on an electric wire, you should not attempt to access it by climbing up a ladder or using a tool.
When a tree near a power line is an emergency
Below are a few examples of urgent situations that require a quick intervention on the part of Hydro-Québec. In these cases, you should NEVER try to do the trimming work yourself.
- A tree has fallen on an electric wire or threatens to fall on the secondary lines leading from the main power lines to your home
- A tree or large branch threatens to fall on electric lines belonging to the Hydro-Québec power grid
- A tree or large branch is leaning or resting on power lines that are part of the Hydro-Québec grid
- You see sparks or smoke coming from between Hydro-Québec’s power lines and a nearby tree or large branch
- A vining plant is entangled in the electric lines that are part of the Hydro-Québec power grid
Entrust all your tree-trimming work to professionals
Are you looking for arboriculture specialists to trim your trees safely and securely? The team of experts at Émondage SBP is at your disposal to help you optimize the health of your trees in full compliance with all of the rules and regulations currently in effect.
Reference: HYDRO QUEBEC
https://www.hydroquebec.com/business/customer-space/request-work/vegetation-pruning-other-work.html
https://www.hydroquebec.com/safety/power-lines/how-identify-medium-voltage-line.html
