Birds often interact with overhead transmission lines in ways that, unfortunately, can result in electrocution. This issue impacts both wildlife and the reliability of electrical systems. Identifying the leading causes of bird electrocution is essential to develop solutions that safeguard birds while preserving critical infrastructure. Below are the 8 most common ways birds can suffer electrocution:

8. Contact Between Two Conductors

Birds can unintentionally touch two live conductors at the same time, creating a direct path for electrical current. This action closes the circuit, resulting in an often fatal discharge.

7. Interaction Between a Conductor and a Triangular Crossarm

In triangular configurations, birds may perch on a conductor while simultaneously making contact with the crossarm of a tower. Since the crossarm is typically grounded, this dual contact can lead to electrocution.

6. Interaction Between a Conductor and a Horizontal Crossarm

Horizontal crossarm layouts pose a risk when birds touch a live conductor while sitting on the crossarm. This scenario is especially dangerous in transmission structures with multiple layers of conductors.

5. Interaction Between a Conductor and a Vertical Crossarm

In vertical configurations, the risk increases as birds land or take off. Simultaneous contact with the live conductor and the vertical crossarm can result in electrocution.

4. Contact Between an Overhead Conductor and a Crossarm

When a conductor is positioned directly above the crossarm, birds are at risk of touching the live conductor while perched on the grounded structure below.

3. Contact Between a Post Insulator and a Live Conductor

Birds perched on post insulators can inadvertently touch a nearby live conductor, creating a closed circuit and leading to a fatal accident.

2. Defecation Over Live Conductors

Though rare, birds in flight may expel waste, forming a conductive bridge between two energized conductors. This can result in electrocution for the bird and potential damage to the electrical system.

1. Reduction of Safe Clearance Distances

When birds perch on electrical structures, they inadvertently reduce the distances designed to prevent electrical arcing. This heightens the risk of a discharge jumping between a live conductor and a grounded structure.

How to Prevent Bird Electrocution on Power Lines?

You can avoid electrocution from birds and other animals by usign Animal-Outage Protective Covers. which are engineered to cover high-risk areas of power infrastructure, reducing the chance of hazardous contact.

By shielding conductors, insulators, and crossarms with silicone, our products significantly decrease the risk of bird electrocution. Additionally, these solutions help prevent costly power outages and improve system reliability.

How to Protect Infrastructure from Birds?

Protecting birds from electrocution is not just about conservation; it’s also about ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability. Preventive measures safeguard wildlife while enhancing the reliability of your electrical system.

Reach out to Midsun IKM today and learn how our solutions can make a difference in your facilities.