[Elecraft] AC Pole Interference

[Jim Wiley]

Seriously wrong move.  Several reasons:


The pole is the utility company's property, not yours.  If "whacking" 
the pole causes any sort of damage, you are liable, for both direct 
costs and and damages caused to other users due to your actions.  It is 
dangerous. 


Electrical noise can be caused by failing hardware on the pole.  
Assaulting the pole could cause the entire pole, or anything connected 
to it, to fail completely, dropping live wires on you or others - again 
with serious consequences. 


Also, if someone from the utility company discovers your activities,  
they can reasonably claim your actions were the cause of any failures 
associated with the pole for years to come.  Not kidding about this - it 
can happen. 


Report your suspicions to the utility company, that's for sure, but stop 
there.  Let them fix it.  If they don't act in a reasonable time (2 
weeks to 30 days max),  then you can call in the FCC.   They WILL help 
you, but like any government agency, it may take a while.    Better 
results may be obtained if other neighbors are having problems with 
interference to their  TV or radio reception.   Several complaints from 
different sources will cause faster action.


- Jim, KL7CC



Tony Estep wrote:
> However, if it is something loose on the pole, you may be able to verify it
> by whacking the pole with a sledge hammer (seriously). If that makes the
> noise start and stop, you can prove it to the electric company guy when/if
> he comes out.
>
>