data from NOAA/NWS
Knowledge
Sources of Danger
What is "stray voltage?"
Stray voltage is resultant of faults in electrical equipment from age, accident, tampering, or vandalism which can create an electrical shock hazard if a suitable conductive path diverts from their intended wires or power lines. Water and other liquids that contact electric circuits wiring and/or connections may cause current leakage. The inevitable aging of electrical components increases the possibility of electrical shock until ultimately the deteriorated circuit fails or disconnects automatically.
Potential Sources of Voltage
Street Lights
Street light poles and bases are a common source of shock hazards as the electrical connections at the base are frequent sites of tampering by power thieves and vandals. A significant warning of possible tampering is an open cover in the base. Tampering is not always visible and poles and bases that appear intact can still pose a shock hazard.
Metal Plates
Metal covers in the street pavement can pose a shock hazard due to problems hidden beneath, such as deteriorated material or improper installation. This is most common where the metal is part of a building access and internal wiring is faulty, or not installed/maintained according to applicable codes. It may also occur where temporary wiring is in use during construction or renovation work.
Other Urban Metal
Metal objects at street level, or elevating from the ground, may present a shock hazard due to deteriorated wiring, vandalism, power theft, damage from vehicular accidents or construction activities. Reported examples include fire hydrants, phone booths, and sidewalk heating elements.
Outdoor Lighting
Holiday lights and other forms of decorative lighting should always be installed and operated only according to the manufacturer's instructions. Only those sets rated for outdoor service should be installed in such locations. Moreover, it is important to ascertain that replacement lamps are seated fully into sockets and also that sockets, plugs and other connectors are not so located as to become immersed in water after rain or snow. Those installed all year should be inspected to assure that the wires and other components have not become deteriorated from weather, temperature change or summer sun. It is vital to assure that the integrity of the insulation is preserved to prevent shock hazards to the public.
What to Do In an Electrical Emergency
Do not touch the victim or the energy source
Rescue attempts can be fatal.
Call for help
Dial 911 for a medical emergency. When calling for help for your pet there may be confusion or delay, and infraShock will be reporting on this soon.
Report the condition
Call Con Edison at 800-75-CONED (800-752-6633), or have someone else call, as soon as possible. Do not call the City at 311 to report an electrical hazard.