Purpose of Bright Balls on Power Lines & Effect on Blackout

The Kenya Power and Lightening Company (KPLC) has explained that the colored balloon-like balls often seen on power transmission lines are installed for use as warning balls.

Also known as aviation balls, the often red and white balls are used as markers positioned along power lines to enhance the visibility of conductors crossings to flight paths.

Kenya power explained that the balls are often positioned along power lines strategically near airstrips, water bodies, roads, and railways.

In addition, the balls which weigh approximately 7kgs each, are used as a way of chasing away birds and reducing the likelihood of avian interference with the power lines.

“Aviation warning balls, essential visibility markers, are typically positioned along power lines to enhance the visibility of conductor crossings to flight paths.

“Placed strategically near airstrips, water bodies, roads, and railways, these huge spherical balls play a crucial role in ensuring aviation safety and protecting electrical infrastructure. Additionally, they serve as deterrents to birds, minimizing the risk of avian interference with the power lines,” Kenya Power stated.

Also Read: KPLC Explains Why Kenyans Experience Power Blackouts When It Rains

Effect of the Hanging Balls on Power Connection

The balls normally don’t have any effect on power supply to different areas therefore does not enhance power outages.

However, during heavy rainfall like the one experienced in the country recently, the power company indicated that the balls were waterlogged.

Specifically, Kenya Power noted that the GSU to Magadi 66kV power line was affected because the weight of the balls reduced allowed clearance between the conductors leading to blackouts.

“Recently, heavy rainfall waterlogged warning balls on power lines, affecting our GSU to Magadi 66kV line. This saturation increased the conductor’s weight so much that it reduced the allowed clearance between the 66 kV phase-to-phase conductors and ultimately caused power interruption to our customers in Magadi, Kajiado County,” indicated Kenya power. 

To address the matter a sub-transmission maintenance team was deployed to drain the balls off the water and reduce the sagging. 

“Our sub-transmission maintenance team promptly initiated efforts to drain the warning balls, preventing them from sagging further and ensuring customers’ swift restoration of power supply,” explained Kenya Power.

Also read: KPLC Steps Up Measures To Thwart Electrocution Of Birds By Power Lines

Kenya Power on Reason for Blackout When it Rains

There are several reasons why when it rains, different parts of the country experience blackout.

One of the reasons as previously explained by Kenya Power is that when lightning hits hitting power lines, it causes a surge in voltage, which damages crucial switching and voltage regulation components of power plants, leading to blackouts.

Additionally, during heavy rain, the insulation of devices on power lines decreases, leading to blown fuses because of short circuits.

At the same time, severe winds experienced during lightning storms can break branches or cause trees to fall on transmission lines causing power outage. 

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