Hi all. Concerning repair of high voltage transmission lines using a helicopter, could someone explain why there is an arc from the transmission line to the wand held by the repairman on the helicopter platform?
I understand the helicopter is not at the same potential as the line and apparently that is the reason for the arc current flow, but I feel the real science is a bit deeper than that.
Birds, for example, are not at the same potential as the transmission line but they don't get zapped when they land on one. Yes, I know it's because they are not touching ground when they land on it and so, do not complete the circuit for current to flow through them, but - neither is the helicopter!
Perhaps it is not an AC arc at all, but a discharge of static electricity generated in the helicopter?
Thanks!
I understand the helicopter is not at the same potential as the line and apparently that is the reason for the arc current flow, but I feel the real science is a bit deeper than that.
Birds, for example, are not at the same potential as the transmission line but they don't get zapped when they land on one. Yes, I know it's because they are not touching ground when they land on it and so, do not complete the circuit for current to flow through them, but - neither is the helicopter!
Perhaps it is not an AC arc at all, but a discharge of static electricity generated in the helicopter?
Thanks!