RADIO AERIALS

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 188, 8 May 1934, Page 10

RADIO AERIALS

Possible Danger to Power Systems AUCKLAND EXPERIENCE Dominion Special Service Auckland. May 7. “I am a little concerned about radio aerials, as many are put up without regard to any danger that, may exist ” said Mr. R. 11. Bartley, general manager of the Auckland Electric Power Board, at a meeting of the board today. Mr. Bartley submitted a report concerning the effect of the severe weather last Thursday on the board’s electrical equipment. He said practically no damage was done to the board’s reticulation or plant. The worst interruption occurred in the Avondale area, and was caused.by a wireless aerial which was fastened to a tree at one end and a pole at the other being severed from the pole end to whip off the tree. It was flung right across the board’s

6000 volt system, and was, of course, burned through, .but not before it had tripped the line switches and feeder switches at the Ponsonby sub-station, and also the main feeders for the Ponsonby area from the King’s Wharf.

Mr. Bartley added that there had been instances where guywires for aerial masts had broken, and had come in contact with powerful lines, ■with the result that people had received shocks.

The board had no jurisdiction over the erection of wireless masts, but there should be some provision for ensuring they were erected in a safe manner. The matter required consideration. and he thought, of introducing it at the next Power Boards’ conference.