I found a tree which is touching the 220 volts electricity wire. Can that tree act as a ground and can drain electricity? Is it hazardous and should be cut?
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$\begingroup$ trees can be used as monopole antennas... $\endgroup$– hyportnexCommented Apr 9, 2018 at 14:03
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$\begingroup$ This is not a physics question but, as far as the power company is concerned, 220V is low voltage. They don't like to see trees touching overhead power lines, but trimming trees that touch low-voltage lines probably is a low priority for them. $\endgroup$– Solomon SlowCommented Apr 9, 2018 at 14:11
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2$\begingroup$ @jameslarge why isn't it physics? $\endgroup$– FGSUZCommented Apr 9, 2018 at 15:28
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$\begingroup$ @FGSUZ because it isn't a question about the laws of the universe or, about how to solve equations that describe the laws of the universe. Questions about is-this-situation-in-my-neighborhood-a-public-safety-hazard are pretty far off topic even if there is a physical explanation of why it is a public safety hazard. $\endgroup$– Solomon SlowCommented Apr 9, 2018 at 16:07
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1$\begingroup$ Well, that's your opinion, but I do not share. The question is actually "is a tree a good conductor of electricity, and why?". For me it's interesting from the physical point of view. $\endgroup$– FGSUZCommented Apr 9, 2018 at 19:31
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If the 220V wire has no insulation, a tree touching it could definitely cause a current flowing to ground. Especially when it is wet. Also, the tree movements could lead to a break of the wire. Thus the branches should be cut!
answered Apr 9, 2018 at 15:11