# Tree trimming around electric wires

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [June 9, 2003, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566 "2003-06-09T01:49:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![trabi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecae2f/32.png) [@trabi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trabi)\
**Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566/21 "2003-06-09T23:15:40Z")

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I’m not familiar with your local by-laws, but it’s a pretty safe bet that you’re obliged to report the branches touching the wires so that the electricity co. can come and remove them.

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**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\
**Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566/22 "2003-06-09T23:19:07Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Crafter\_Man \*  
> \*\*Put another way, it would be no different than trimming a tree with an extension cord draping from it branches. As long as the extension cord’s insulation is in good shape, there’s little to worry about… \*\*

True, except that your average extension cord hasn’t been exposed to the elements for decades at a time, and doesn’t have a 100 or 200 ampere capacity. 😉

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**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [June 9, 2003, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566/23 "2003-06-09T23:50:03Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Q.E.D. \*  
> \*\*True, except that your average extension cord hasn’t been exposed to the elements for decades at a time, and doesn’t have a 100 or 200 ampere capacity. 😉 \*\*

Current capability does not matter when it comes to electrocution risk[sup]1,2[/sup]. A regular ‘ol 120 VAC receptacle on your front porch is _just as lethal_ as the secondary of the transformer sitting up on the pole; no more, no less. (The voltage is the same. The load impedance is the same. Thus the current is the same. And it only takes less than 100 mA to fry you.)

You also mentioned the condition of the insulation, and I agree with you on this point. I also mentioned this in my posts.  
[sup]1[/sup] [sub]This assumes a single “hot” to “earth ground” electrocution scenario, which is responsible for 99% of electrocutions.[/sub]  
[sup]2[/sup] [sub]Well, it does need to be able to source at least 50 mA or so.[/sub]

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**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\
**Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566/24 "2003-06-10T00:06:55Z")

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Well, yes, I realize that. Hence the 😉

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