RAPTOR ELECTROCUTIONS ON ELECTRIC UTILITY DISTRIBUTION OVERHEAD STRUCTURES

Distribution powerline raptor electrocutions have been studied extensively since 1971. Numerous methods to modify powerline structures to eliminate the potential for electrocutions have been developed, published, and utilized by the electric utility industry. Some of the modified overhead distribution line construction units have been adopted as standards by investor owned utilities and the Rural Utilities Service, dramatically reducing raptor electrocutions. Although utility construction practices have improved greatly since 1971, some raptor electrocutions still persist. Many utilities today are employing larger crossarms in their new construction to provide increased phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground separation to reduce the potential for electrocutions. Although an emphasis on providing increased phase separation may eliminate some electrocutions, uninsulated jumper wires may pose a greater threat to raptors. A review of utility raptor electrocution forms filed with the Rural Utilities Service since 1985 indicates that overhead distribution powerline poles configured with transformers and bare jumpers are associated with the most raptor electrocutions.