Learn the most common components of PEC’s power lines and poles

There is a lot of utility equipment around our service area, so much so that it can be confusing to look at. But every component serves an important role. Next time you look at the power poles in your neighborhood, you will probably see a combination of the following:

1. Primary wires
   Primary power lines carry high-voltage electricity from the nearby substation to the transformer.
2. Insulators
   Insulators are made of materials that do not conduct electricity and are used anywhere a live element does or could contact a non-insulated surface. This allows these tools to safely connect the wires to the pole.
3. Crossarm
   Not all poles have crossarms, but they are necessary in common three-phase, or three-wire, configurations like this one.
4. Lightning arresters
   Lightning or surge arresters are designed to protect PEC’s equipment from dangerous surges in electricity, most commonly caused by lightning. When a transient voltage hits this device, it diverts the electric current safely to the ground.
5. Pole ground wire
   This copper wire provides electricity a path to the ground to prevent hazardous voltages from affecting equipment.
6. Transformer
   Transformers are used all over the electric grid to convert electricity to different voltages. The ones that you see on the poles decrease voltage from the primary wires to the power used in your home. Transformers can also be housed in a steel box on the ground if the electric service is connected underground.
7. Neutral line
   The neutral wire provides a return path for electric current to the source and is part of the grounding circuit.
8. Secondary service drop
   These wires carry power from the transformer to the home or business where the electricity will be used.