When a widespread power outage occurs and high-voltage transmission lines require
immediate repairs, the electric utility often sends a skilled technician by helicopter to speed the
repair. Helicopters and drones are also utilized for monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining
transmission towers and power lines. Linemen often work on transmission lines that are not de-energized, allowing for an uninterrupted power supply.
In these cases, aerial observation tags are vitally important to quickly identify the location of a high-voltage tower from the air. Aerial observation tags are typically made of metal or plastic and installed horizontally or vertically using vandal-proof mounts on posts or stakes. The brightly colored, high contrast numbers and letters typically indicate the line number, section,
and tower/pole number.
Because of the importance of identifying the correct tower, aerial surveillance markers must be readily visible for many years despite continual expose to sun, rain, snow, sleet, wind, and even corrosive elements like acid rain. Unfortunately, traditional painted and laminated identification products frequently fade or delaminate when continually exposed to outdoor
weather or punishing conditions. Even supposedly durable products designed for this purpose
can become unreadable over ten years or more.
Even operators attempting to view aerial markers through the drone’s high-resolution camera may find it difficult without flying closer than needed to the power lines. Operating drones near power lines presents several challenges and dangers, including increasing the risk of arcing.
The alternative is more durable signage made of high impact polyolefin plastic like the EVERLAST ® brand from Tech Products, a manufacturer of identification products for the
electric and gas utilities, telecommunication and cable companies, OEMs and pipeline
companies. EVERLAST signs and tags display text or pictograms that are permanently
embedded through the entire thickness of the substrate.
UV stabilizers and antioxidants are added to provide complete protection and weather resistance in all climates. For optimal visibility at a distance, polyolefin plastic aerial observation tags come in sizes ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches, the largest in the industry. Entergy, a Fortune 500 integrated energy company, has used this type of signage on their transmission towers since 1989.
Polyolefin plastic signage is also used to identify nearby lines or to indicate unexpected
changes in the elevation or direction of the line. For the helicopter crew, crossing lines can be
very dangerous, particularly in low visibility conditions. To prevent mishap, signs are posted.
Within the industry, it is typical to clearly indicate a power cable crossing with signage marked
by an “X” or a change in direction with an arrow.
When a helicopter crew is flying at high speeds, any power cables in the vicinity or any
sudden directional changes can increase the possibility of a serious accident. Crossing signs
mitigate the risk but must be clearly visible in any weather conditions. The embedded characters help to ensure readability decades later. EVERLAST crossing signs are available in a large 10” x 14” format to promote optimum visibility. For more information, visit www.techproducts.com.
Helicopters and drones are also utilized for monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining transmission towers and power lines. Linemen often work on transmission lines that are not de-energized, allowing for an uninterrupted power supply. In these cases, aerial observation tags are vitally important to quickly identify the location of a high-voltage tower from the air. Aerial observation tags are typically made of metal or plastic and installed horizontally or vertically using vandal-proof mounts on posts or stakes.
The brightly colored, high contrast numbers and letters typically indicate the line number, section, and tower/pole number. Because of the importance of identifying the correct tower, aerial surveillance markers must be readily visible for many years despite continual expose to sun, rain, snow, sleet, wind, and even corrosive elements like acid rain. Unfortunately, traditional painted and laminated identification products frequently fade or delaminate when continually exposed to outdoor weather or punishing conditions. Even supposedly durable products designed for this purpose can become unreadable over ten years or more.
Even operators attempting to view aerial markers through the drone’s high-resolution camera may find it difficult without flying closer than needed to the power lines. Operating drones near power lines presents several challenges and dangers, including increasing the risk of
arcing. The alternative is more durable signage made of high impact polyolefin plastic like the
EVERLAST ® brand from Tech Products, a manufacturer of identification products for the
electric and gas utilities, telecommunication and cable companies, OEMs and pipeline
companies.
EVERLAST signs and tags display text or pictograms that are permanently embedded through the entire thickness of the substrate. UV stabilizers and antioxidants are added to provide complete protection and weather resistance in all climates. For optimal visibility at a distance, polyolefin plastic aerial observation tags come in sizes ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches, the largest in the industry. Entergy, a Fortune 500 integrated energy company, has used this type of signage on their transmission towers since 1989.
Polyolefin plastic signage is also used to identify nearby lines or to indicate unexpected
changes in the elevation or direction of the line. For the helicopter crew, crossing lines can be
very dangerous, particularly in low visibility conditions. To prevent mishap, signs are posted.
Within the industry, it is typical to clearly indicate a power cable crossing with signage marked
by an “X” or a change in direction with an arrow.
When a helicopter crew is flying at high speeds, any power cables in the vicinity or any
sudden directional changes can increase the possibility of a serious accident. Crossing signs
mitigate the risk but must be clearly visible in any weather conditions. The embedded characters help to ensure readability decades later. EVERLAST crossing signs are available in a large 10” x 14” format to promote optimum visibility.
For more information, visit www.techproducts.com.
