Safety
Search for your questions using the categories to the right. Don’t see it? No problem. Ask it using the “Have a Question?” button to the right. An Oncor representative will e-mail you, letting you know that Oncor experts are working on finding your answer. It’s just one more way Oncor is working to become a trusted adviser to the people we serve.
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What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1. DO NOT touch the power line or anything that may be touching the line, like tree branches, as they may also be electrified. Keep your children and pets away, too. For more safety information, visit www.oncor.com/safety.
-Randy A., Oncor Safety Expert
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Are power lines unsafe, or do they emit dangerous electromagnetic fields?
Power lines, and all electrical devices, produce electric and magnetic fields (EMF); however, significant research has been performed and no conclusive evidence shows an association between EMF exposure and health risks.
Power lines can seriously injure or even kill you if you physically touch them. DO NOT touch a power line or anything that may be touching a power line, as anything touching a line may be electrified. If a person or object comes in contact with a power line, don’t touch the person, object or line. Call 9-1-1 immediately. For more safety information, visit www.oncor.com/safety.
-Randy A., Oncor Safety Expert
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My son likes to watch TV while he is in the bath tub. How close should a TV that is plugged into the wall be to the bath tub?
The 2008 National Electric Code requires Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, near utility sinks and just about anywhere else that is likely to encounter water or dampness. All GFCIs should be installed by a qualified electrician. Even with GFCIs, Oncor recommends no electrical appliances of any kind be used near water sources. Water and electricity just do not mix. If the TV or any other electrical appliance gets wet or damp, it not only could stop working, but it could start sparking or cause other dangerous electrical situations that could result in personal injury or fire. When it comes to safety, always err on the side of caution. For additional safety tips, please visit www.oncor.com under the “Safety” tab.
-Michael W., Oncor Safety Expert
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My daughter wants to know -- why birds can sit on a wire and not get electrocuted?
Even though many birds can sit on a wire and not get electrocuted, there are still many dangers in touching an electrical wire. Electricity must always have two points for electricity to move between, creating a complete circuit. If a large bird sits on a wire and its wing also touches another wire or pole, then it forms a complete circuit that electricity can move through. The electricity would move from the wire the bird is sitting on to the pole its wing touched through the bird. The bird would be very hurt or even killed. Often this doesn’t happen because birds are able to just sit on a wire without touching anything else — no circuit, no way for electricity to travel.
People aren’t able to do that. If you were to touch a downed power line, for example, you would make a complete circuit — from the wire through you to the ground. You should never touch a power line or anything that touches a line, as it could seriously injure or even kill you. If you ever see a power line on the ground, leave the area and immediately call 9-1-1.
-Randy A., Oncor Safety Expert
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What is the procedure for city inspectors to communicate with Oncor for a service disconnect due to a safety issue?
Typically City Inspectors have a contact with Oncor, usually a Distribution Services Advisor or a Utility Designer, who they contact to report safety issues for disconnect. If a City Inspector does not have a contact, he or she can call Oncor’s service request number at 1.888.313.6862 to request a disconnect or the inspector can always reach out to Oncor’s area manager for that city. To view a list of Oncor area managers by city, visit Oncor’s Local Contacts webpage.
If an immediate hazard exists, such as sparking, arcing or burning near power lines, meters or other electrical equipment or anything touching electrical equipment, please call 911. Oncor works closely with local police and fire departments during such situations.
-Charles E., Oncor in the Communities Expert
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Does Oncor disconnect power for past due bills even during hot Texas summers? How hot does it have to be before you don’t disconnect? Is there a program to help the elderly?
Oncor is required to disconnect electric service at the request of a Retail Electric Provider (REP or the company you pay your electric bill to) or for safety concerns. However, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the organization that governs Oncor and REPs, established a “Disconnection of Service 25.483” rule regarding disconnection during extreme weather. This rule ensures that we do not disconnect due to non-pay in counties where the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory or for two days after the heat advisory expires- or when the previous day’s highest temperature did not exceed 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature is predicted to remain at or below that level for the next 24 hours anywhere in the county, according to the nearest National Weather Service reports.
To view a list of Oncor’s counties where heat advisories are in affect, please visit Oncor’s service territory page.
Some REPs have programs where they do not disconnect low-income or elderly customers during summer months. They may also offer bill payment assistance. You will need to check with your REP regarding these potential services.
Just because you are on one of these programs does not mean you will never lose power. No matter how prepared a utility company is, not all outages can be prevented. When outages do occur, Oncor works to minimize the occurrence and duration of outages. If you ever experience a power outage, call Oncor at 1.888.313.4747 to report it. In case of an extended outage, we recommend you have a backup plan, such as going to a friend’s house that does have power or to a public location like a mall or library to wait until power is restored, for you own safety.
-Marty S., Oncor Customer Relations Expert
