grounds at distribution substation

[removeb4flight]

In my area I read that thieves have been stealing the copper ground wires off the substation power distribution systems. These are really large, I guess, as the loss was described as $50,000. What happens to the system when these grounds are removed? How hazardous is it to do this? Law Enforcement has been warned not enter the fenced perimeter of these substations to arrest the suspects because of the dangers. Will they find the suspect eventually, fried at the scene of the crime?

[Ron]

Some utilities cheat and use the earth as a return path. If your utility does this, then there is some danger. Although they are probably at the same voltage potential as they cut the conductor. It's the interruption of the current flow (if used as a return path) that would be scary.
More than likely, the danger is going too close to phase conductors in which at medium and high voltage, you don't have to touch to die. Air is not a great insulator at some medium and high voltages. Luckily thieves often suffer from Darwin's theory/syndrome.

[bmwpower]

$50,000 ???

Wow.

[mdshunk]

I'd rather think that they stole a reel or reels of copper wire, which is often stored for safekeeping inside the fenced in area of some substations. I'm quite famaliar with substation layout and wiring. You'd have to steal about 200 substations worth of copper bonding grid wire to get to 50 grand's worth. That's what makes me think they stole a reel.

[bmwpower]

Yea, but how do you steal a reel? It must weigh a couple thousand pounds, no? Do you roll it down the street? ha ha...

[mdshunk]

Some of the smaller line work subs use a regular flat trailer like you'd haul a car on. Two guys can normally roll it up the ramps if you get a running (rolling) start or use a winch.

[bmwpower]

Trying to figure out why some knuckleheads would do such a thing...

So, let's say you successfully steal it... what do you do with it? Who's going to buy it from you? I guess maybe if you know of a company that would use this sort of thing.

[mdshunk]

Reels of wire get stolen all the time. They generally burn off the insulation in a bonfire and sell the "scrap" copper and aluminium at the recycling yard.

[Ohm1]

Some of the smaller line work subs use a regular flat trailer like you'd haul a car on. Two guys can normally roll it up the ramps if you get a running (rolling) start or use a winch.

MD-
It sounds like you have some experince in this area! <Just joking> :D


This just reminds me of when they where stealing our main grounding conductors from the houses we roughed-in.

[joed]

The cost is not only the value of the wire. It is the fence repair, the labor to replace the cables and repair damage also.