Family electrocuted putting up ham radio antenna

[kd8hho]

PALM BAY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Three people are dead after being electrocuted while trying to erect a ham radio antenna. It happened off of Alaska Avenue near Interstate 95 in Palm Bay.

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/brevard_news/101209_Three_dead_from_electrocution


sad story, even sadder that when putting up a antenna you should make sure you stay away from wires and make sure the antenna can not fall on wires if you lose your handle on the antenna

 

[4dude]

Very sad

 

[dustintv]

Very tragic the news video said they were also trying to put it up in darkness of night. In that case they probably didn't see the power lines, a reminder to work during daylight as well as taking the usual safety conditions.

 

[SteelRocker]

It is very tragic indeed. I can't help but wonder was it a ham radio antenna or an 11 meter vertical? It wasn't very visible, but it didn't appear to have traps, and if they are in FL and wanted to talk to family in Jamaica, more than likely they would need 40 or 80 meter traps too.

Either way, very sad and my heart goes out to the family.

 

[4dude]

Would wearing gloves and rubber shoes stop you from being affected if power were to suddenly come thru?? (I reckon it would)

 

[dustintv]

Would wearing gloves and rubber shoes stop you from being affected if power were to suddenly come thru?? (I reckon it would)

Only 100 percent pure rubber insulates against electricity. I've heard reports that household rubber gloves and shoes are not always 100 percent rubber and in fact made of some rubber along with a mixture of different additives. Sometimes the additives can act as a conductor of electricity, rather than stopping it.