Abstract: Langdale Home Inspector notes on service drop that can be touched. This is a dangerous condition that needs to be barriered-off immediately and rehung soonest possible.
BC Hydro Guidelines
The mast and overhead electrical wires should never be accessible to pedestrians. In fact, BC Hydro requires a 3.5 meter or 12 foot clearance between ground level and the overhead service. But owners will always strive for deck space and view, in spite of overhead utility service lines. Here the second floor deck had a renovation done where the deck was extended until the floor was right below the service drop.
Hazardous Touch Potential
A persons on the deck could easily reach up and touch the power line. Although the line may be insulated, there is always the situation of insulation becoming brittle over time. This can create micro-cracks that can then energize the surface under certain weather conditions. This is a very dangerous situation that requires immediate corrective action.
Immediate Action Required
In this case, the seller was notified to erect a barrier to prevent access to that area of the deck. An Electrical Contractor will have to rehang the overhead lines. We recommended to the real estate agents that this work be done by the seller, rather than leaving this unsafe condition as found.