answersLogoWhite

0

The high voltage is between one wire and the other. From one point on the wire to another point on the same wire, the voltage is quite insignificant. As long as the birds don't touch both wires, nothing much will happen.

The wire does not have a difference in voltage from foot to foot. The term "high voltage" refers from wire to ground. Electricity flows down a voltage gradient. There is no gradient of voltage between the feet.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Zoology

Why do big birds get killed by power lines but little birds don't?

The wingspan on a big bird is large enough to touch two wires at once. Any difference in voltage between the wires will cause current to flow through the bird, perhaps killing it. Small birds can only touch one wire at a time.


How do birds not get electrocuted on power lines?

Actually if we were to sit on a power line and not touch anything else like the birds do we would not get electrocuted.The current a flow of electrons,flows along a path of least resistance the electrons want to get to where they are going in the easiest possible way. Electricity flows from one voltage to another value of voltage. For the birds, the power lines have the same voltage -- so the birds are safe. Don't approach power lines, because humans come from the ground, which is a sink for the current.


Why don't birds get electrocuted while sitting on power lines?

There is no path for current to flow from the wires to the ground, through the bird. It is possible that touching two wires could cause current to flow, but the individual wires are usually far apart.


Why is it that a bird can perch without harm on high voltage?

There is no curcuit for the bird to get zapped. In order to create a curcuit the live wire has to be "earthed". This cam be done if the bird gets in conatact with another wire, the voltage will create a curcuit which creates a strong electrical current (at 2300v!) which goes straight through the bird and fries it! What you may have noticed however; is that bats can get fried, they usually hang upside down on one wire and the wind blows them into cantact with the other wire.


Why do birds not electrocuted when they are staying on live wire or wires?

Power lines are insulated and as long as they don't touch the ground (or another object) they won't be electrocuted.AnswerMost power lines are not, in fact, insulated because they are already surrounded by an insulating media -air.The reason that birds don't get electrocuted is because each foot is at the same potential and, for current to flow (it's the current which causes electrocution) through its body, each foot must be at a different potential. The bird is safe, providing another part of its body doesn't come in contact with one of the other conductors.

Related Questions

Why do birds get electrocuted on power lines?

Usually they don't.


How crow does not get electrocuted when it sit on the electric power lines?

Birds perching on power lines do not get electrocuted because they are not completing a circuit by touching another conductor. The power lines are insulated and the birds' legs are not close enough together to create a path for electricity to flow through their bodies.


Why do birds sitting on a power line not get electrocuted?

Birds do not get electrocuted when sitting on power lines because they are not completing a circuit for electricity to flow through. The electricity in power lines travels in a closed loop, and birds are not grounded so there is no path for the electricity to flow through them. Additionally, most power lines are insulated to prevent electricity from leaking out.


Can birds get electrocuted if they come in contact with two wires?

Yes, a bird can get electrocuted if it comes in contact with two bare power lines. The power lines are spaced apart so only the largest birds (buzzards, eagles, etc.) would be able to touch two at the same time.


Why do humans get electrocuted on power lines?

Humans get electrocuted on power lines because the high voltage electricity flowing through the lines can pass through their bodies, causing serious injury or death.


Why do big birds get killed by power lines but little birds don't?

The wingspan on a big bird is large enough to touch two wires at once. Any difference in voltage between the wires will cause current to flow through the bird, perhaps killing it. Small birds can only touch one wire at a time.


What are dodo birds?

the dodo bird is actually on the lines of a tucan without the colors


When birds stand on power lines and don't get hurt it's most likely because of?

OtaGamer Says: The reason that birds don't get hurt on power lines is because they put both of their feet on the wire at the exact same time. Therefore, the electricity passes through one leg and up out of the other. If they lifted up one of their legs, they would be electrocuted and die.


How do birds not get electrocuted on power lines?

Actually if we were to sit on a power line and not touch anything else like the birds do we would not get electrocuted.The current a flow of electrons,flows along a path of least resistance the electrons want to get to where they are going in the easiest possible way. Electricity flows from one voltage to another value of voltage. For the birds, the power lines have the same voltage -- so the birds are safe. Don't approach power lines, because humans come from the ground, which is a sink for the current.


How do linemen ensure they do not get electrocuted while working on power lines?

Linemen ensure they do not get electrocuted while working on power lines by wearing specialized insulated gloves, using insulated tools, maintaining a safe distance from live wires, and following strict safety protocols and procedures.


Why do birds not get sparks when flying near high-voltage lines?

If the bird is large enough to touch two different phase voltage lines or a grounded conductor ans a voltage line simultaneously it will be electrocuted. Just touching one line (and not a conductor leading to the ground) will not create a potential difference and so no current will flow.


Can I get electrocuted touching an electric pole if I'm not grounded?

First off you should not be touching any high voltage source whether you are grounded or not. A pole isn't typically dangerous, it is the wires on the pole. A path to ground is required for a current to flow. Technicians working on high voltage power line often touch the lines and ensure they are not grounded when doing so, by using special procedures. That is why birds can sit on bare power lines without getting shocked.