Clearance question

[pre_apprentice_ID]

I'm currently a cable guy and had a to climb a pole to run a new line, and was a little worried about getting zapped.
The local utility has the three phases on the fiber glass extender arms. So I assume they are doing a conductor change out. ( the old stuff is really thin copper) They have orange string tied from each conductor that loops down stapled five feet from the ground then goes back up to the *arrestor*( I not sure what it was)

My question is how far can the current travel down the string? What is a safe distance? My cable tap was bout five feet from conductors.

Other question is what is the string for?

Thanks

[topgroove]

Its called spider rope and if you followed the orange rope down the line you'ld see the reals that hold the rope. the rope allthough its thin is very strong. Its completly non conductive. If you look close you'll see its not tied to the energized conducters. They stood the old conducter off in whats called hot arms. The look kinda flimsy but trust me they can hold about 250 to 300 lbs.

[Lineman North Florida]

I would imagine that it is jet line or p-line going back up to a roller so when they get to that point with their pull line they don't have to climb the pole again to get it thru the roller, without seeing it that is my best guess.

[electric squirrel]

Your best bet is to stay away from everything till the power guys are done! Just play it safe,,,:cool:

[pre_apprentice_ID]

Thank you guys for the replies, I appreciate it. I saw the utility guys the next day pullin new conductors. Looked like they used the twine to do it. Didn't get a good look at how they were they were doing it though. The old conductors looked like they were ready to snap at any second, scared me a little.

Thanks guys