I don't doubt for one minute that despite some errors in describing the equipment, that this happened pretty much as described and shown.

We can all argue that the impedance of the coax, length, etc. should make this event unlikely or even impossible, but realize this:

Electricity is one of the most unpredictable forces in physics. It can and will behave in manners contrary to what the "rules" say.

And I have personally seen faults on the POCO side of an "ordinary" 120/240 volt service drop, and yes the fault current far exceeds what one would get on the load side of most residential circuit breakers.

One example that comes to mind is when a triplex secondary lateral fell last summer. It arced a 3" diameter hole into DRY concrete!! (No rain or water runoff from sprinklers.)

Never underestimate the destructive power of electricity!! [Linked Image]

And for those who doubt this event, anyone care to donate the same gear for a forensic re-enactment? I'll do the testing.... [Linked Image]


edited for spellling

[This message has been edited by mxslick (edited 12-19-2006).]

Stupid should be painful.