Risk of power grid insecurity from Tet poles

The movement of erecting poles to welcome Tet has returned in recent years, especially strongly developing during the Lunar New Year Canh Ty. From the mountains to the plains, almost all over the districts of Que Phong, Tuong Duong, Con Cuong, Yen Thanh, Thanh Chuong, Dien Chau... everywhere there are splendid pole routes.

Brightly lit streets to celebrate Tet. Photo courtesy of Huy Thu

According to people's concept, the higher and more sparkling the Tet pole is, the more beautiful it is. To make a standard pole, the cost can be up to millions of dong, and the maker must also research and design skillfully. The custom of erecting a pole in front of the house has become a beautiful feature.

However, many people have unintentionally violated the safety corridor of the power grid when erecting the pole. This not only poses many risks to themselves but also poses a risk to the safety of the entire power grid system.

The "giant poles" right under the high voltage power lines. Photo: PV

Along National Highway 48 through Quy Hop district, National Highway 7 through Tuong Duong... it is not difficult to see the image of people erecting tall poles right under bare power lines. Large poles, several meters high, are erected right next to the 35kV medium voltage line. At the end of the pole, people leave the leaves intact and hang other decorative objects, which unintentionally increases the resistance. Every time there is wind, the pole tip swings with a large amplitude, brushing against the power lines. Not only in the mountainous districts, in Hung Loc and Hung Dong communes (Vinh city)..., many families also erect tall poles. Due to lack of space, the poles are all brought out onto the street, tied together with gate posts, corrugated iron roof posts or even power poles. The poles swing back and forth under the power lines, accidents can happen at any time.

There have been many tragic cases when erecting Tet poles in the power grid safety corridor. A typical case occurred on January 28, 2019, when three brothers of Mr. Le Dinh Quan (Cam Xuyen, Ha Tinh) were electrocuted while erecting a pole under a 35kV medium voltage power line. All three brothers were electrocuted, causing burns in many places on their bodies, fortunately not life-threatening.

Scene of the incident. Photo archive

Or even before that, on the afternoon of February 8, 2018, when Mr. Pham Ngoc Quoc (26 years old, residing in Thach Khe commune, Thach Ha district, Ha Tinh) and his younger brother went to a neighbor's house to help set up a pole to celebrate Tet. During the process of setting up, the pole touched a medium voltage power line, causing Mr. Quoc to be electrocuted and die on the spot, and his younger brother fell off.

The above two incidents are not rare cases that have been recorded, but there have been and will be more tragic accidents if people continue to encroach on the safety corridor of power grid projects.

Nghe An Electricity sends notice to localities, organizations and businesses about ensuring grid safety during Lunar New Year.

Mr. Nguyen Thuong Hien - Deputy Director of Nghe An Electricity Company said: "To ensure stable electricity supply as well as people's safety, Nghe An Electricity has issued a notice to local authorities, organizations, production and business establishments and people not to shoot white metal confetti and throw objects onto power lines and stations causing grid incidents; not to erect poles near the safety corridor of power grid works and power stations; not to hang banners, slogans, flashing lights on power poles... However, for people to be truly aware and comply, the participation of local authorities is needed."

Thanh Cuong