In mid-July in Mohali, India, following an explosion that led to blackouts, a large snake was found dead inside the electrical transformers. While it’s more common for birds or rodents to cause these blackouts, cases involving snakes do occur, and they are just as unfortunate.
Snakes approaching electrical transformers isn’t simply an act of curiosity. Instead, it’s a natural response to the conditions these devices offer: heat, shelter, and access to food. This behavior underscores the importance of considering how human infrastructure impacts wildlife and the need to develop measures that minimize risks for both.
Why Snakes Are Attracted to Electrical Transformers?
1. Attraction to Heat
Electrical transformers and other equipment generate significant heat during operation. Snakes, being ectothermic (relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature), are naturally attracted to these sources, especially during cold nights or in cooler climates. The warmth from transformers offers a comfortable environment where they can efficiently regulate their temperature.
2. Shelter and Safety
Transformers and electrical installations are often situated in protected or enclosed areas, offering snakes a safe refuge from predators. These structures provide ideal hiding spots where snakes feel secure, away from the sight of other animals or humans. Additionally, the compartments within transformers can simulate the cracks or natural crevices that snakes seek in their natural habitat.
3. Abundance of Prey
Sometimes, areas around electrical transformers attract small rodents or birds seeking shelter or food. Snakes, as opportunistic predators, are drawn to the abundance of prey in these locations. The presence of these animals near transformers makes these sites prime hunting grounds, leading snakes to approach more frequently.
Managing Wildlife Interference and Local Regulations Can Be an Added Challenge
While the incident in India highlights the unfortunate consequences of snakes seeking warmth and shelter in electrical transformers, similar challenges are faced in the United States. In Middle Tennessee, a recent surge in power outages has been attributed to snakes coming into contact with energized equipment. What’s particularly striking is the logistical challenge these incidents present.
In the U.S., removing snakes from electrical substations requires a specialized license, making it clear that preventing these encounters is not just about safeguarding the equipment but also about navigating regulatory complexities. This situation underscores the importance of proactive measures, such as installing Animal Outage Protective Covers. These covers provide a first line of defense, reducing the likelihood of wildlife interference before it escalates into a more complicated and costly problem. By integrating such solutions, electrical companies can protect their infrastructure, ensure reliability, and avoid the added challenges of dealing with wildlife removal under strict regulations.
How to Avoid Power Outages and Protect Electrical Installations from Snakes with Animal Outage Protective Covers
The interaction between snakes and electrical installations, such as transformers, presents a significant challenge for the electrical industry and wildlife conservation. Snakes can cause short circuits and other technical issues when they come into contact with electrical components, leading to power outages and equipment damage. Moreover, these encounters are often fatal for the snakes.
To address these issues, Animal Outage Protective Covers are a proven, cost-effective, and easy-to-install solution.
At Midsun, we offer a wide range of silicone covers specifically designed to protect electrical installations from wildlife interference, including snakes. These covers are made from insulating and weather-resistant materials, ensuring that critical components of transformers and other electrical infrastructure are safeguarded. Using these covers prevents snakes and other animals from coming into direct contact with electrical parts, reducing the risk of short circuits and electrocution.
By choosing the right wildlife asset protection and receiving timely advice, power outage losses can be avoided, and wildlife can be preserved. Contact us here for more information on how our Animal Outage Protective Covers can protect your electrical installations.
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