Safe guy wires
For everyone’s safety it’s important to check guy wires
It’s important that guy wires:
- Have an insulator on them
- Are well anchored, intact and not compromised by severe rust
- Are nice and tight (not slack at all)
What to do if you do find something we should look at
We’re out and about every day checking the safety of our 5,500km of lines, but your real time ‘eyes on the ground’ can help us with that.
If you do come across a guy wire that has come loose or doesn’t have an insulator, please send us a photo with
the location to info@northpower.com or give us a call.
Keep a safe distance (10m) from unsafe lines
Looking out for guy wire safety on rural properties
Local farmer Murray Mortimer is urging his fellow farmers to check poles with stay wires on their properties after recently attending a cow which had become distressed. The cow was
subsequently electrocuted, when it contacted a guywire which had become live due to an unexpected failure on the cross arm.
It was identified that the lack of an insulator on the guy wire played a role in that outcome.
Thankfully Murray recognised the dangerous situation and the risk of electrocution and did not approach the cow, a decision which may have saved his life.
“My message to fellow farmers is to check your poles to see that your stay wires have an insulator on them. In the storms we’ve had there will be damage around, and it’s important to take your time, stop, slow down and think – take the time to check what’s going on before approaching an animal in distress near lines. If power is involved it’s just not worth the risk. Check your poles and guy wires have insulators on them and if anything does not look right let Northpower know."
View Murray's story
You can learn more about Murray’s story and the potential life-saving decision he made in this interview with Northpower Chief Executive Andrew McLeod.
Learn more about staying safe together
Keep your trees away from power lines
Safe service lines
