Ever Seen Brightly Colored Balls Along Power Lines? Checkout Their Purpose
The marker balls are placed on power lines to make the conductor crossings visible to aircrafts.
KokiNews
You've ever driven past those colorful balls strung up along a power line, you might have wondered about what purpose they serve—a thought that usually disappears as soon as the balls have faded from your rearview mirror.
Helicopters and small aircraft often fly low in mountain passes or freeways and usually fly low while approaching an airport.
When you are flying, the conductors and skyline become almost invisible against the terrain — especially the skyline wires.
According to electricaltechnology.org, the diameter of marker balls can range from 20 inches to 36 inches. Each one usually weighs around 17 pounds.
Where to find marker balls
The Federal Aviation Administration requires marker balls on many of the power lines near airports. You may also see them on electrical wires that cross a body of water or canyon.
