Q26CQ Before working on a power transm... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 20: Q26CQ (page 732)

Before working on a power transmission line, linemen will touch the line with the back of the hand as a final check that the voltage is zero. Why the back of the hand?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Our muscles contract when high voltage runs through our bodies. If we touch with the front of our hands, our muscles contract in the direction of the line, causing additional damage to our bodies. When we contact the back of the hand, the muscles flex in the opposite direction of the line, disconnecting the hand from the line and reducing the amount of damage produced.

This is why, before working on a power transmission line, linemen do a final check that the voltage is zero by touching the line with the back of their hand.

Step by step solution

Definition of Electricity

The presence and flow of electric charges define electricity. We can transmit energy using electricity to allow us to perform simple tasks.

The movement of electrons via conductors such as copper wires is the most well-known example. The term "electricity" is sometimes used to refer to "electrical energy."

Explanation

The shock may cause the muscles in the front of their hand to spasm, causing the hand to close around the charged wire instead of drawing away.

Because the muscles that close the fingers are stronger than those that open them, the hand closes on the wire unintentionally, shocking it. This has the potential to keep the shock going indefinitely.

As a result, they use the back of their hands.