Discussion of “Transferred Potential—A Hidden Killer of Many Linemen”

Abstract

Summary form only given. The following discussion relates to the above paper [1]. Grounding is one of the most misunderstood aspects of electrical power systems, and the transferred earth potentials component of power system grounding is even less understood. I read this paper with great interest and wish to commend the authors for tackling the subject-particularly as it relates to worker safety within their country, especially since it is counter to existing practices. Having been in 30 different countries and observing installations worldwide, it is very apparent to me that safety grounding is commonly misunderstood worldwide. The reference to investigating other accidents that had been “closed” without finding the cause speaks to this point. The authors correctly identified the transferred earth potential and that it was the greater risk (I called it “transfer by grounded conductors” in reference [5] of [1]). This speaks to the need for using insulated boom trucks, always using insulated gloves, bonding the metal poles below their feet to the temporary ground, and working through practices that involve the equipotential bonding mentioned. Further details addressing wood and cement poles are a logical extension of their work. It is my hope that the authors can leverage their work with this paper to educate and affect real change in safety practices within India and elsewhere.