HOW DO THEY DO IT: The processes behind everyday -- what some might call mundane -- activities often go unnoticed. Ever wonder how electricity flow allows you to turn on the light or TV? Where do those cables come from? How often are they checked? Can workers get zapped? How do they do it?

SANFORD

Central Electric Membership Corporation provides energy to more than 39,000 poles across four counties, including Chatham, Harnett, Lee and Moore.

Central Electric -- located at 128 Wilson Road -- was established May 1950 in Sanford. Originally operating out of a building located on Steele Street, the corporation is about meeting needs and expectations, delivering a better way of life through electric service, which in this day and age, is no longer a luxury, but a necessity -- according to its website.

Energy is transported through power lines and oftentimes are flowing overhead through utility poles.
James Taylor, communications specialist with Central Electric, told The Herald just how the transportation of electricity via utility poles works.

In general, what does a utility pole do? What do the cables transport?

Utility poles are an efficient and cost effective way to safely support power lines and equipment that carry electricity to homes and businesses. They primarily carry two different types of power lines, transmission or distribution, as well as equipment such as transformers and regulators that adjust the necessary voltage required by a home or business. Telecommunications providers also attach to utility poles to support equipment used to provide service to their customers.

Is each utility pole used for a specific thing, such as telephone cables or electricity?

Utility poles can carry several different types of utility lines. Power lines that carry electricity and require the most ground clearance for safety are placed at the top. These lines are managed by electric utility providers, such as Central Electric. Closer to the ground are cable, internet and telephone lines that are independently managed by telecommunication service providers.

see switch/page a6

Are there different poles linking to businesses, which need more electricity, and residential customers, who need less?

The type of pole is dependent upon the load of electricity being carried across the power lines and the clearance needed from the ground. Generally, most businesses and residential homes can all be served from standard distribution lines that carry 14,400 volts. Transformers, also found atop utility poles, are used across the system to lower the voltage to the required level for a home or business.

Do the poles hold multiple lines, or is one pole dedicated to hold a certain line?

Yes, poles can hold multiple sets of lines depending on how the lines are routed across the system. When multiple sets of lines are placed on a pole, a taller pole or larger cross-arms may be used for additional support of the equipment.

Is there a requirement for the amount of spacing between the poles? What about height?

Yes, the spacing is determined by mid-span clearance as set forth in the National Electric Safety Code. The average span is around 300 feet and has been determined by experience and best practice standards. The length of the span also determines the height of the poles, as longer spans require taller poles to ensure the proper clearance is met.

What are the poles made of?

Utility poles used across the system range from standard wood to fiberglass, metal and concrete. The type of pole used is determined by strength requirements.

What sort of maintenance generally needs to be done on the poles and/or lines? How often are the poles and lines' condition checked?

The condition of poles and lines are continuously monitored by linemen and other operations staff who are out working on the system day-in and day-out. Central Electric also has a staff position dedicated to continuously inspecting the system and reporting conditions that need to be repaired, including poles, lines and other equipment. These efforts are done in addition to periodic inspections that are done across the system every three to five years to maintain the safety and integrity of the equipment. Poles are also frequently replaced outside of regular maintenance as the result of fallen trees from wind, ice and snow storms.

What kind of protection do workers need to wear to check the poles and lines?

For simple pole inspections taking place on the ground, hardhats, safety glasses and gloves are required safety gear. However, lineman working around energized electric lines are required to wear several layers of safety gear, ranging from high-voltage rubber gloves and sleeves to hardhats and safety glasses. Safety and making sure workers are properly protected is a top priority, especially since they are working around electricity which is highly dangerous and can be fatal if not treated with respect.

How often are the poles and lines replaced?

Poles and lines are replaced on as-needed basis determined by age or need. Existing poles and lines may be upgraded due to age or the need to support additional load to serve consumers. However, it is not uncommon for a pressure-treated pole to last more than 35 years under normal circumstances.

Is the company starting to get away from utility poles and run cables underground?

A majority of new connects, especially urbanized areas and subdivisions, are moving more towards underground service. However, main distribution lines and spans that cover a spread out area continue to be constructed overhead because it is much more cost-effective. Today, we use a combination of overhead and underground service to provide the most reliable and cost-effective service for our members.

Central Electric is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information, visit its website at www.centralelectriconline.com, or call 919-774-4900.

___

(c)2016 The Sanford Herald (Sanford, N.C.)

Visit The Sanford Herald (Sanford, N.C.) at www.sanfordherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.