Contact of heavy vehicles with overhead power lines

Contact with overhead power lines is regarded worldwide as one of the leading causes of electrical fatalities. The analysis carried out in this paper refers to a real accident that occurred in Greece a few years ago, involving the contact of a heavy vehicle (concrete pump) with the medium voltage lines of the national distribution network. For a better understanding of the incident, a description of how the protection system of medium voltage distribution lines works when a fault occurs is given. Furthermore, emphasis has been laid on possible ways to avoid similar accidents in the future.

► A heavy vehicle came into contact with an overhead power line with a fatal outcome.
► The analysis showed that the existing network protection system is anthropocentric.
► Technical and organizational proposals are made to reduce future accidents.
► Safer work ethic and an increased awareness in society should be promoted.
► The electrical community should support a global effort.