Bloke travelling along power lines in what 'looked like' a boat-what weight can the lines hold?

[mart]

I had to do a 'double take' today while out on the bike this morning. No wacky back or alcohol in my system. I glance up, and say to myself "there's a bloke in a boat going along the power lines".

My second thought was, how can the power lines hold the weight? He kept stopping, then he would glide along a bit further.

There is obviously a logical explanation, but seeing something like that for the first time is a bit rare. Anyone know what he would be doing? (I don't mean speed).

I'm wondering how he got up there, I doubt it would have been via the pylon. It would also be a bit risky stepping from a cherry picker and hooking the 'boat' to the pylon cables, then climbing aboard.

 

[anto44]

Look up linesman on YouTube, some very cool videos of that kind of work.

 

[bricol]

Many tonnes of cable hanging up there - so I guess an extra 100kg won't make much difference.

 

[mart]

I will do anto. I always thought a linesman related to telephone lines, as in the Glen Cambel song, but I guess it will be all that type of stuff.

 

[Gragson]

I will do anto. I always thought a linesman related to telephone lines, as in the Glen Cambel song, but I guess it will be all that type of stuff.

Pretty sure that was about overhead power lines

 

[gaz1]

 

[mart]

This is one of the photos I took. From further away, before I went closer to take a photo it did resemble a boat.

 

[nickk]

I imagine the snow and ice load would allow for that. Nerves of steel! And you have to trust nobody can turn the power back on.
One hell of a zip wire ride.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

I imagine the snow and ice load would allow for that. Nerves of steel! And you have to trust nobody can turn the power back on.
One hell of a zip wire ride.

Aren't they worked on live?

 

[zzr1200]

Aren't they worked on live?

Sometimes a helicopter drops off/collects the worker on a live line, theres videos on YT from the usa, I can't see why they wouldn't do it here.

 

[pcwizme]

Aren't they worked on live?

Yep, they dont need to worry too much as they arnt earthed to anything. Birds sit on them with no issues.

 

[8ob]

Many tonnes of cable hanging up there - so I guess an extra 100kg won't make much difference.

Dont forget the other 100kg for their gonads

Bob

 

[zzr1200]

Dont forget the other 100kg for their gonads

Bob

They're perfectly safe, unless they forget to leave their wallet in the car/van safe......

 

[mtt.tr]

Man i would pay to do this for a day.


Once everything else stops being exciting I'll take up parachute jumping

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I liked how he nonchalantly crossed his feet at the start of the ride - I suppose it adds support for the leg muscles during takeoff?

 

[Migmac]

I think when our main supply line collapsed, Scottish power said the lines could take the weight of a small car. The snow must of been the wrong type the night the lines and towers came down

 

[Shedendman]

I bet they're not on minimum wage

 

[mike os]

Dont forget the other 100kg for their gonads

Bob

Per nad

 

[mike os]

Faraday suits?

 

[gordon stephenson]

Excellent video,Takes some nerve to do that, if a job becomes available, I WONT be applying,!!