Electrical problem when erecting Tet pole

This morning (January 21, 2022), December 19, while buildingflagpole, Mr. Nguyen Nhu Thap, residing at No. 15, Lane 1A, Dinh Le Street (Hung Dung Ward, Vinh City), caused a power grid failure for the entire 473 E15-7 line from Ben Thuy Ward to Ha Huy Tap Ward for 30 minutes. The incident also injured Mr. Thap, who had to go to the hospital for a health check.

The scene of the power outage after people erected a pole in Hung Dung ward, Vinh city. Photo: Tien Dong

Immediately after this incident occurred, Vinh City Electricity, together with Vinh City Police, People's Committee and Hung Dung Ward Police, came to inspect and make a record of the scene to handle it according to the provisions of law.

The pole is wrapped with LED bulbs, although it has low power and has an electrical converter, but if it is placed under a high voltage power line, it is very easy for discharge to occur, conduction of electricity causing short circuits and fire, and danger to people, livestock and poultry when they come close. In the photo, the pole and LED string left after the incident in Hung Dung ward this morning. Photo: Tien Dong

This is not an uncommon case of incidents and accidents while erecting the Tet pole in recent years. In fact, there have been many accidents, even causing deaths, when erecting the pole. Specifically, on January 25, 2021, in Minh Hop commune (Quy Hop), while a group of people were erecting the pole, they were unfortunately electrocuted, causing 1 death and 2 serious injuries.

Despite the painful lessons, many people still ignore safety warnings, brazenly erecting poles under the power grid corridor; erecting poles with materials that easily conduct electricity, causing unsafe conditions.

The incident caused by the pole erection this morning caused a widespread power outage in Vinh City from Ben Thuy ward to Ha Huy Tap ward for 30 minutes. Photo: Tien Dong

In fact, the movement of erecting poles to welcome Tet has developed strongly in recent years. In all localities from Que Phong, Tuong Duong, Con Cuong, Yen Thanh, Thanh Chuong, Dien Chau, to Vinh City... everywhere, splendid pole streets appear.

The pole is usually made by people from tall bamboo trees, over 10m; there are also other types.iron pole, bent into fixed shapes and wrapped with LED light bulbs.

Scene of a tragic accident while erecting a pole. Photo: Nghe An Newspaper

In many places, tall poles are erected close to high-voltage power lines. On the top of the pole, people leave the leaves intact, hang decorative items, flashing lights, when there is wind, the pole top is pushed close to the power lines, easily causing discharge, conduction of electricity, posing a danger to humans and livestock and poultry when they come close.

Particularly in urban areas, due to lack of space, the pole is often erected right on the street, erected on a corrugated iron roof or tied to an electric pole. This makes the risk of electric shock possible at any time. Not to mention that when a short circuit or fire occurs, it can cause widespread power outages, causing great damage to production, business activities and people's lives.

Many poles have been erected under high-voltage power lines, despite safety warnings. Photo: Tien Dong

Mr. Pham Van Nga - Director of Vinh City Electricity said: although the LED light bulbs have low capacity and have gone through the power converter, however, because these products have many types and the quality is not guaranteed, it can lead to the phenomenon of electric discharge and short circuit.

The law does not prohibit people from erecting poles according to traditional customs. However, if they erect them under the power grid safety corridor, they will violate the Electricity Law, guided by Decree 14/2012/ND-CP detailing the implementation of the Electricity Law on Electrical Safety.Depending on the type of violation, violators will be handled according to Decree 134/2013/ND-CP regulating administrative sanctions in the fields of electricity, hydroelectric dam safety, and economical and efficient use of energy," Mr. Nga added.