This is a question that I've been pondering for years. I was once told that they are there to warn low flying aircraft, but this doesn't really make sense because their use seems so random. Some wires have them, and some don't. Sometimes they appear near airports, and sometimes they don't. So, if your answer is "...to warn low flying aircraft..." I'd appreciate some explanation as to exactly how their use is decided/regulated.
I'd also like to know the technical name for the 'balls,' if there is one, so that I can do research to check the answer myself.
I don't know if this is the right section for a question of this type. I guess I'm hoping that an engineer at a power company will see this and be able to shed a little light on it for me.
Thanks.
2007-08-21 00:44:01 · 4 answers · asked by Harry M 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
These things (which we simply call 'aircraft marker balls'!) are only employed where aircraft can be reasonably predicted.
Examples include:
- On approach vectors to airports
- where the line is the tallest construction in an area frequented by helo's or small craft
- where the government says they have to go (FAA in USA)
- where somebody simply asked for them
- over spans of water that may possibly be used by floatplaces, etc
- on towers and lines over certain minimum heights
- where somebody already manged to hit the lines with an aircraft!
2007-08-21 09:51:43 · answer #1 · answered by tinfoil666 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Orange Balls
2016-12-17 11:39:05 · answer #2 · answered by lunger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Balls On Power Lines
2016-09-30 07:14:31 · answer #3 · answered by seligson 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is correct. My understanding is that it is used to reduce a vibrational wind effect, called aeolian harp, that can create resonant and even distructive vibrations along the wire. These globes are usually placed on the wire in windy areas or where there is a long distance between towers, and significant sag. I have seen in most often on major transmission lines in the plains where there is a slight rise or dip in the terrain.
2016-03-13 16:29:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are called "marker balls". It is common to see these red marker balls on powerlines that span a large distance. The purpose of these marker balls is to indicate to low-flying aircraft where the powerline is so that they do not fly into it (called a wire strike). The FAA mandates their usage.
2007-08-21 00:52:34 · answer #5 · answered by af 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
These orange or bright colored balls on power lines are called "balisors". They are to warn low flying aircraft that there are power lines and to keep away from them.
2016-05-01 22:35:31 · answer #6 · answered by Monstro 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While this link is trying to sell powerline markers (as is the proper, yet simplistic term) it does provide FAA regulations concerning the use of powerline markers. Hope it helps.
http://www.energyequipment.co.nz/powerline_markers.htm
2007-08-21 01:04:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You dont realize that they are there for low flying aircraft . It is not unusual for cropdusting aircraft to be in the area where you see such balls ~~
2007-08-21 00:50:19 · answer #8 · answered by burning brightly 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/6caak
They are aviation safety markers. For helicopters mostly.
2016-03-29 07:33:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get Bigger Testicles Fast?
2016-08-01 05:43:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋