The sight of flocks of birds perched comfortably on high-voltage energy traces, seemingly oblivious to the deadly electrical energy pulsing by means of the wires beneath their ft, is so widespread that we hardly discover it.
It nearly seems magical to the untrained eye. In any case, since we had been younger kids, we’ve been warned in regards to the dangers related to electrical energy. When birds land on energy traces, why don’t they expertise the identical end result?
The reply is discovered within the intriguing interplay between physics and biology. Let’s break down precisely what’s taking place when a chook lands on a high-voltage wire.
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Distinction in electrical potential
Why birds don’t get shocked is dependent upon a fundamental idea in electrical energy, which is, present solely flows by means of a wire when there’s a distinction in electrical potential or voltage.
When a chook sits on an influence line, each its ft make contact with the wire on the similar electrical potential, which is on the similar voltage stage. There isn’t any important voltage distinction between the factors of contact with the chook, so little electrical present will go by means of the chook. Birds don’t get electrocuted on energy traces as a result of they don’t full {an electrical} circuit — they’re not offering a path for electrical energy to circulation from excessive voltage to low voltage. Their small dimension, the quick distance between their ft, and their isolation from the bottom all work collectively to maintain them secure.
If a chook touches each an influence line and one thing grounded (like a utility pole, man wire, or transformer), it creates the identical harmful state of affairs people face. (Supply: Freepik)
Why people get electrocuted otherwise
As people, we face electrocution dangers as contact with electrical sources is normally accompanied by grounding, thereby establishing a path between {the electrical} supply and the bottom. This implies individuals will be touched by a high-voltage wire, go the electrical energy by means of their our bodies, and discharge it into the bottom, which maintains the zero electrical potential. This excessive magnitude of potential distinction constitutes a considerable amount of present circulation by means of the human physique, making it deadly.
When birds do get electrocuted
Sadly, birds can generally get electrocuted. This occurs as a consequence of a number of of the next causes: Story continues under this advert
Touching a number of wires: If a big chook like an eagle or crane spreads its wings large sufficient to concurrently contact two totally different energy traces carrying totally different voltages, it creates a path for present to circulation between the wires by means of the chook’s physique. This may be deadly.
Touching wire and floor: If a chook touches each an influence line and one thing grounded (like a utility pole, man wire, or transformer), it creates the identical harmful state of affairs people face.
Wire-to-wire contact: Birds will be electrocuted in the event that they bridge the hole between an influence line and a grounded piece of kit, or between two traces with totally different phases of electrical energy.
