---
title: 6 Rules to Follow with a Downed Power Line
description: Downed Power lines that are commonly seen in residential areas are not insulated and contain at least 7,000 volts. One should never be in close proximity to a power line that is hanging low or lying on the ground. Even if the line is not sparking the line is still not safe to touch or be near.
---

[Hubbell Power Systems Blog ](https://blog.hubbell.com/en/hubbellpowersystems)

# [6 Rules to Follow with a Downed Power Line](https://blog.hubbell.com/en/hubbellpowersystems/downed-power-line)

 Written by [Todd Neville](https://blog.hubbell.com/en/hubbellpowersystems/author/todd-neville) | Sep 14, 2018 3:18:00 PM

Power lines that are commonly seen in residential areas are not insulated and contain at least 7,000 volts. One should never be in close proximity to a power line that is hanging low or lying on the ground. Even if the line is not sparking the line is still not safe to touch or be near.

If a power line is down, take precaution and follow these six rules:

1. Stay at a minimum of 50 feet away from a downed power line. Note, the voltage traveling across the ground around a downed line can be deadly.
2. If you find yourself close to a downed power line, keep your feet together and shuffle or hop away to a safe distance.
3. Never touch or go near anything that is in contact with a power line. Items such as: fences, trees, limbs, vehicles, etc. could become energized. Never drive over a [downed power line](https://www.hubbell.com/hubbellpowersystems/en/hubbell-emergency-action-team) or try to move one with a stick, pole, pipe, etc.
4. Remember, if your power is out it still does not mean a downed line near you is de-energized.
5. Always let utility employees remove anything touching or close to a power line. Removing a limb or tree from a power line will not make your power come back on.
6. Keep in mind, a downed power line can become energized at any time. Just because it was de-energized earlier does not mean it will stay de-energized. For example, an improperly wired generator from your home or a neighbor’s can energize a downed power line to full voltage.

[View full post](https://blog.hubbell.com/en/hubbellpowersystems/downed-power-line)

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