The Mystery of Balls on High-Voltage Wires: What Purpose Do They Serve?
Balls installed on high-voltage power lines.
Balls are typically placed on high-voltage power lines near airports, commonly colored red and orange.
The balls on high-voltage power lines are not merely decorative; they serve a significant purpose. If you drive along certain power lines or observe them from the ground, you might think these balls are relatively small, about the size of a basketball. However, these balls are much larger than you might imagine, with a diameter of approximately 91 centimeters.
Installing these balls is not an easy task. Many professionals are involved in the installation process. Some work from the ground, while others climb the high-voltage power lines to attach the balls.
Generally, the balls are spaced about 60 meters apart. However, there is one location where you can find them much more frequently: near airports. This is precisely why these balls are installed on high-voltage power lines.
Winthrop Rockefeller, the former governor of Arkansas, came up with this idea. While flying in the 1950s, he was alarmed to realize that the airplane was flying close to high-voltage power lines during landing. These lines are not insulated, and a slight contact could lead to catastrophic consequences for the aircraft. He decided that something must be done to protect the lives of the flight crew and passengers.
These balls are typically placed on high-voltage lines near airports to help pilots see them from a distance. This ensures that aircraft do not get entangled during takeoff or landing.
In addition to airports, these balls are also installed over rivers, canyons, and mountain passes where many planes travel. The balls are primarily colored red and orange.
