What happens when a Mylar balloon hits power line?

Proper handling and disposal keeps them from drifting into power lines and causing a power outage. When a metallic balloon touches a power line or floats into substation equipment, it can cause a surge of electricity that short circuits equipment and can lead to power outages, fires, and possible injuries.

Why do Mylar balloons cause power outages?

The balloons, which can stay inflated for two weeks or more, have a metallic coating that conducts electricity that can cause a short-circuit or power surge when they in contact with power lines. These incidents can lead to large-scale outages, melting of electrical wires and fires.

Do Mylar balloons conduct electricity?

Mylar balloons have a metallic coating that conducts electricity very well and can cause power outages and personal injury if mishandled. Mylar balloons should be kept secured at all times and never be released to float through the air.

What do you do if a balloon is stuck on a power line?

Additionally, metallic balloons should always be tied to a weight and never released outside. They can cause outages if they come in contact with overhead power lines. Do not attempt to retrieve any object tangled in overhead power lines, stay away and call SCE immediately: 1-800-611-1911.

Why do electric wires have balls?

The main purpose of the marker balls is so that helicopters and low-flying planes don’t hit electrical wires. They are an extra precaution since anything that flies isn’t supposed to fly lower than the electrical towers.

Why are there buoys on power lines?

The marker balls are placed on power lines to make the conductor crossings visible to aircraft. Helicopters and small aircraft often fly low in mountain passes or freeways and usually fly low while approaching an airport.

What is the difference between mylar and latex balloons?

Mylar balloons are shinier than latex balloons because they are made of two different materials. The base material is mylar, which is a type of nylon, while the outer, thin layer is foil, which is aluminum. That’s why mylar and foil balloons are the same.

Are Mylar balloons flammable?

Many Mylar balloons have flammable strings attached to them, so the balloons should not be near any source of open flame. Do not release your Mylar balloons outdoors. These balloons use metal and when they land on overhead power lines, they can burn, creating a fire or a power blackout.

Why do balloons short power lines?

When a foil balloon, or trampoline, which have metal components, touches a power line, it can cause a surge of electricity that shorts out circuits or other electrical equipment near the line.

Can balloons take out power?

Metallic balloons have a silvery coating, which conducts electricity. If the balloons make contact with power lines, they can short transformers, melt electric wires and cause power outages, all of which pose public safety risks.