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Grandma (the Boss) and I were driving east on 4-lane US-70 in Progress Energy (old Carolina P & L) territory between Rockingham and Hamlet (NC) 'long about 11 p.m., when I espied a flame up in the air across on t'other side of the 4-lane..."humm, that's not the usual place for a fire," sez I...

Getting abeam of the spot, I saw it was the top of a power pole a-fire, and right over a pole pig.
The poletop was on fire! Interesting and more interesting! I pointed it out to the Boss, who took a double-take, too.

Driving on to the next median crossover, I came about and headed back under full steam to check out this fire on the wire. Quick as it appeared on our right side up ahead, Boss Mama took to fussing and squawking about NOT getting any closer! "Hush, dear. It's only a li'l fire," sez I....
But as we approached, a bodacious arc lit up the pole down to the pole pig, as Boss Mama took to fussing hysterics. 13.2 kV for our viewing pleasure.

Well, the arc blew out the fire to my disappointment (and the Boss's huge relief). Where was the 'letric when you most wanted it!? Carolina P & L had staged another fault and invited me too late. Resolved not to pay our next electric bill until they stopped treating me so. Snot heads.

Turned around at next crossover and headed back towards home, but only after stopping at a pay phone and reporting the exact location of the fault to Carolina P & L, knowing the homes on that pole pig would have heaved in a complaint or two also.

Called the company couple weeks later to inquire. The dispatcher had them pass on the word:
The pin insulator atop the pole had cracked from a lightning strike, and later arc'ed through setting the fire and tracking the pole 'til I got my own private arc just in time.

Still awaiting a real arc on a 115 or 230-kV line in the meantime.

Gawker
calltaylor@isp.com

Charles A & Leonor L Taylor
Greenville, North Carolina