Zap! Play it Safe Around Electricity!

In this picture, electricity travels on power lines from a generating plant to a substation where the voltage (the force of electricity) is decreased. Then it goes to homes and schools where we use it for lights, appliances, motors, and equipment. What Do You Know About Power Line Safety?

Transmission Lines

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next to the metal cables, nylon webbing around that jacket for strength, and another layer of hard rubber insulation around the outside. That hard outer layer of insulation resists oil, water, and fire, so it’s safe to use outside. In places like the “backyard” of the Big Top, where performers enter and exit, huge rubber safety mats are placed over the cables that lie on top of the ground.

Generating Plant

Distribution Lines

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Transformer

Substation

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Service Drop

Home

Those mats can take a lot of traffic, even elephants, horses, and cars full of clowns! n

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Pad Mounted Transformer

School

Think About It! Howis the electrical distribution systeminyour neighborhood like the systemat the circus? Howis it different?

For each of the numbered locations, describe a dangerous behavior and at least one way to stay safe. Write your ideas below.

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Circus power lines are insulated for safety, but those in your neighborhood are not.

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n If you see a downed power line, stay far away and tell an adult immediately. Even if they are not sparking or humming, downed lines can shock you and can energize the ground nearby. n Never throw things at or shoot at insulators on power poles. They keep electricity from traveling down the pole.

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ZAP!

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