We have a climbing vine that has spread from the tree to wrap itself around the electric main to the house.
Is it safe to cut it off at the base? Can the vine potentially conduct electricity to the point of the cut?
Will cutting it kill it?
Electrical – Safe to cut vine wrapped around electric mains
electricalsafety
Related Solutions
A snork lift is something that you could rent, and it is not that hard to use, as long as you are comfortable. With large equipment, it is always better to hire someone. If something goes wrong they will have insurance to cover it :). I am sure you are capable of doing it yourself, but sometimes the feeling of hiring a professional is better then the feeling of screwing up. I have operated this type of equipment, and I have to say, for jobs that require heavy machinery, hire a professional. It will be better in the long run.
This is what we sell quite a bit of, more at this time of year than other times.
Some people call them rocket post, or landscape post.
This is the post...
This gives you an idea of what you can add to it...
Click here to get the color flyer
Basically if you have a receptacle outside in a convenient location you can remove the weather proof cover and put this on...
...run conduit from one of the 1/2 or 3/4 threaded hubs (your choice when you buy) and run PVC to the post. At the post end you just end the PVC run with an elbow to come through the ground. You keep the top of the post blanked off or put almost any landscape light you want on top of it. It has a 1 gang opening one 2 sides and you can put in a low voltage divider. That way if you put the post in a place that you want a TV, Telephone, computer, speakers...you can use the post with a separate PVC.
Remember you will have a local code to follow and turn off all power when working on it. Our local code says Schedule 80 PVC or ridged galvanized conduit wrapped in 50 mil tape that breaks the ground, 18 inches deep, GFCI circuit and these are just what I'm highlighting. Depending on code you can use UF underground feeder (like 12/2 W/GRD UF)
Good Luck!
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Best Answer
Responsibility for the service drop (the wire from the utility to your house) lies with the utility. Generally the demarcation line is the splice between the service drop and the conductors leading up the mast.
Your electrical utility thus may be willing to clear these vines.
The wires are insulated, though you can't trust the insulation is perfect. The vines won't conduct enough electricity to matter. But if you cut the vines they'll die and dry out, and be far harder to pry off the line. Damage from the vines will at first be mechanical, as the weight of the vines especially if it's windy can be significant.
If you do clear the vines yourself, use a wooden ladder, wear electrician's insulating gloves, and gently unwrap the live vine without risking directly touching the insulated service drop wires. If you see flaws in the insulation, call the power company right away.
http://inspectapedia.com/electric/Electrical_Service_Drop.php