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What's On That Pole

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  1. Safety
  2. What's On That Pole
What's on that pole graphic

Ever pass an electric utility pole and wonder what all that equipment is for? 

This illustration shows the basic equipment found on electric utility poles. The equipment may vary according to location and the service they provide.

1. Insulators — Insulators prevent energized wires from contacting each other or the pole.

2. Primary Wires — Primary wires carry 7,200 volts of electricity from a substation. That voltage is 60 times higher than the voltage that runs through your home’s electrical outlets!

3. Surge Arrestors — These protect the transformer from lightning strikes.

4. Neutral Wire — The neutral wire acts as a line back to the substation and is tied to the ground, balancing the electricity on the system.

5. Secondary Service Drop — Secondary Service Drop carries 120/240 volts of electricity to consumer-members’ homes. It has two “hot” wires from the transformer and a bare “neutral” wire that’s connected to the ground wire.

6. Ground Wire — The ground wire connects to the neutral wire to complete the circuit inside the transformer. It also directs electricity from lightning safely into the earth. 

7. Communication Wires — These are typically the lowest wires on the pole. These wires carry telephone, cable and fiber to homes.

Never nail posters or other items to utility poles. These create safety hazards for lineworkers.

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Contact Info

Bluestem Electric Cooperative

P.O. Box 5
1000 South Wind Dr.
Wamego, KS 66547
Office: 800-558-1580

About Us

Bluestem serves parts of Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee, Jackson, Clay, Washington, Cloud, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary and Marshall counties.

Over the years, the cooperative has added valuable programs and services for its members so that they can fully enjoy the many benefits of rural living. Give us a call or stop by for additional information about our programs and services.

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©2023 Bluestem Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Your Cooperative
    • Cooperative Bylaws
    • Management Staff
    • Board of Trustees
    • Job Openings
  • Member Services
    • About Your Bill
    • Capital Credits
    • Connect or Disconnect Service
    • Figuring Your Electric Usage
    • Outage Map
    • Payment Options
    • Products
    • Rural Economic Development Loan Program
    • Save On Your Bill
    • Solar & Wind Energy
    • Tax Exemption Form
  • Safety
    • Cold Weather Rule
    • Essential Medical Equipment
    • Electrical Line Safety
    • Generator Safety
    • What's On That Pole
  • News & Events
    • Annual Meeting Information
    • Kansas Country Living
    • February's Cold Weather Event
    • Scholarships
  • Contact Us