# Can I (safely) drop an outside phone line?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-safely-drop-an-outside-phone-line/410366>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [July 3, 2007, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-safely-drop-an-outside-phone-line/410366 "2007-07-03T16:20:40Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\
**Post date:** [July 3, 2007, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-safely-drop-an-outside-phone-line/410366/1 "2007-07-03T16:20:40Z")

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I have been unsuccessful searching for an answer to this question. I can always call the phone company, but I do not want to be on hold all afternoon and do not necessarily trust their answer.

A friend had some tree damage during recent wind/rain storms. I offered to come over with my chain saw and help him clean up the mess. One of the trees still standing is severely damaged and should be taken out. I am comfortable doing that, however the phone line from the pole to his home is in the way. No electrical service lines are present.

Is it legal/safe/possible to remove the line (secured to his house via a ceramic insulator) and let it lie (lay) on the ground long enough to drop the tree? Economics preclude his hiring a pro.

Thanks!!

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**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\
**Post date:** [July 3, 2007, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-safely-drop-an-outside-phone-line/410366/2 "2007-07-03T17:46:45Z")

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Safe and possible? Sure. Normal on-hook voltage on a phoneline is -48 volts, and ringing power is 90 volts. Sounds high, but a phone line has such high impedance, all that will happen to you if someone calls while you’re holding it is you’ll get a heck of a sting. I’ve never heard of anyone being actually harmed. Yes, getting your bell rung is a bit unpleasant, but I’m walking proof that it’s not dangerous.

If you can disconnect the line, do the tree work and re-connect the line without involving the phone company, they’ll probably be happy to have one less house to attend to in the storm clean-up.

Legally, it’s a gray area because they own the wire from the pole to the demarc / protector box that’s mounted on the house. But I really don’t think they’d have any trouble with this.

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**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\
**Post date:** [July 3, 2007, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-safely-drop-an-outside-phone-line/410366/3 "2007-07-03T18:05:43Z")

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Thanks, **gotpasswords**. Just needed some reassurance, I guess. My friend thanks you as well!