SWER seems like an impossible practice, especially when there are incidents like a fallen line that is turning soil into glass as you "stand by."

[Linked Image from 67.115.161.42]
(From JLC photo archive)

Most don't realize that Jethro Clampett was a seasoned lineman. It's a little hard to make out, but that's him bar-be-quing some nice fat hog jowls and tasty sqirrelbacks at the end of his hotstick. He came up with a clever can't-lose-'em-in-the-coals hotstick accessory to do it.
[Linked Image from hfgp.com]


Above 600 volts, the rules (especially "earth return") really change.

It been a while, but the guy I talked to at the Alberta electric utility was very helpful, but seemed to indicate that the government enforcers really were concerned about proving and keeping low ground resistance at the load ends of the circuit. I can't remember if they had to test yearly or longer.

Apparently, based on usenet postings, it's also done in very rural Minnestota, Wisconsin or Michigan to a small degree.




[This message has been edited by Bjarney (edited 05-06-2003).]