If you’ve ever looked up at the sky and noticed brightly colored balls hanging from power lines, you may have wondered what their purpose is. These eye-catching markers, known as aerial marker balls, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both airplanes and people on the ground. Let’s delve into why these multicolored balls are commonly found along electrical lines.
Using Visibility Markers for Sky Navigation
The colorful orbs that adorn electricity lines are more than just decorations. They serve as strong indicators that help maintain the safety of our skies. These markers, also referred to as visibility markers or aerial marker balls, have a specific function: they alert low-flying aircraft to the presence of electricity wires. Think of them as small signals that guide pilots away from potential hazards.
Staying Out of Danger
Imagine a scenario where an airplane is flying at a low altitude, possibly near canyons, lakes, rivers, or airports. In such cases, the aircraft may unknowingly fly into power lines that are not easily noticeable. To prevent accidents like these, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires the placement of aerial marker balls on power lines that cross areas with low-flying aircraft activity. By installing these markers, we ensure a safer environment for both aviators and individuals on the ground.
Colors that Catch the Eye
You may have wondered why marker balls come in a variety of colors. The answer lies in enhancing visibility. The colors used, often orange, white, and yellow, are carefully selected to contrast with different backgrounds. When flying through the sky, pilots need markers that stand out and are impossible to miss. These bold colors ensure that the markers catch their attention and alert them to the presence of electrical wires.
Remarkable Material: Plastic
You might be curious about the material used to make these marker balls. Surprisingly, they are made of plastic. This choice of material is both practical and strategic. Plastic is a good electrical insulator as it does not conduct heat or electricity. This ensures that the marker balls do not interfere with the functionality of the power lines while improving overall safety.
From Size to Weight: Technical Details
Marker balls come in various sizes, typically ranging from 20 to 36 inches in diameter. Despite their small appearance, they weigh between 11 and 17 pounds. This combination of size and weight allows them to be easily attached to power lines while remaining durable and resistant to wind.
Origin of Marker Balls
The story behind these colorful markers is as fascinating as their purpose. Over 50 years ago, in the early 1970s, a significant incident led to their creation. Winthrop Rockefeller, the governor of Arkansas at the time, was on an airplane with Edward Holland, the chief of the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics. As the aircraft descended, Rockefeller noticed power lines dangerously close to the plane.
Concerned for the safety of both pilots and passengers, Rockefeller urged Holland to find a way to make power wires more visible to aviators. Holland then approached engineer Jack Rutledge to take on this challenge. Rutledge came up with a brilliant idea to create bright and highly visible marker balls that could be securely attached to power lines without being easily blown away by the wind.
