This Release is from last year but is very much applicable today.
“Nova Scotia Power is issuing a harsh warning to anyone taking the risk of stealing copper wire from their equipment – you are putting yourself at risk of severe injury or death by doing so.
The company has been the target of a rash of copper wire thefts.
“There is a very high risk of electrocution,” said Casey. “Live wire can carry 25,000 volts of electricity – a charge from that wire would be life threatening or fatal for anyone in the vicinity and can cause significant damage to our equipment. Not to mention, removing the wire can generate an unstable electrical current for nearby customers and create dangerous working conditions for our crews.”
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Source : Media Release