![Overton Nebraska population sign Overton Nebraska population sign](https://dawsonpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/WhatsOnThatPole-web.gif)
What’s on that pole?
This illustration shows the basic equipment found on electric utility poles. The equipment varies according to the location and the service they provide.
- Primary wires
- Primary wires carry 7,200 volts of electricity from a substation. That voltage is 60 times higher than the voltage that runs through your home’s electrical outlets!
- Surge arrestor
- This protects the transformer from lightning strikes.
- Neutral wire
- The neutral wire acts as a line back to the substation and is tied to the ground, balancing the electricity on the system.
- Secondary service drop
- Carries 120/240-volts of electricity to consumers’ homes. It has two “hot” wires from the transformer and a bare “neutral” wire that’s connected to the ground wire on the pole.
- Ground wire
- The ground wire connects to the neutral wire to complete the circuit inside the transformer. It also directs electricity from lightning safely into the earth.
- Telephone, cable TV, and fiber wires
- These are typically the lowest wires on the pole.
- Insulators
- Insulators prevent energized wires from contacting each other or the pole.
Never nail posters or other items to utility poles. These create a safety hazard for lineworkers.
Original illustration by Erin Binkley
OTHER NEWS
Dawson PPD’s board considers contract, load growth
Dawson Public Power District’s regular board meeting was held on July 3, 2024. Darin Bloomquist, General Manager of the Nebraska Electric Generation & Transmission Cooperative, gave an update on the organization’s work....
A day in the life of a consumer accounting representative
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when you call or visit Dawson PPD headquarters? Consumer Accounting Representatives (CARs) wear many hats, juggling multiple tasks throughout the day to keep things running smoothly.
2023 Dawson PPD annual report
In 2023, the District recognized adequate margin to cover expenses and fund planned investments in the power system that reliably serves our customers.