The Glenwood post., 1912-09-21

too close spacing of Mutual primaries
and Mutual secondaries, and the spread
er arrangement is not effective in wind
storm.
4. To space Mutual Light Heat L
Power wires at least eighteen inches
from each other and at least two feet
from lines, poles, cross arms and trans
formers of the Glenwood company
would amount to partial palliative of
the highly dangerous conditions of ac-
tual contacts and swinging contacts
way remove the ever present danger of
Glenwood company secondaries falling
on Mutual company primaries, which
is result of the short pole line con-
struction OF the Mutual company under
the high pole line construction of the
Glenwood company. We do not recon-
mend that this palliative be resorted
to, as the conditions would be only
temporarily improved, with the chance
condition, and might create false
sense of security from the dangerous
condition of secondaries above prima-
ries.
.. The dangers of the present ar
rangement are very severe, both to life
and property, since the condition Of
present contacts and proximities, to-
gether with condition of secondaries
above primaries, makes probable the
frequent entrance of unknown volt
ages, up to 23O0 for fixed contacts, and
possibly double that amount for swing
ing arcs, upon building wiring designed
for not over $50 volts maximum. Se
rious short circuit and grounding con-
ditions on interior wiring may also be
expected aside from the high voltage
breakdowns which are sure to occur Il
the present line relations are not
changed. We consider this condition
re-inspection of wiring in various
buildings, and application of charges
to cover this additional fire hazard
| were these dangers not to be removed
by proper regulation by the city au-
thorities.
6. As standard construction for the
condition of two service companies oc-
fupying the same alley, and to secure
the measure of safety provided in those
cities where the safeguarding for such
conditions has been taken up, we would
recommend that immediate action be
taken by the city council as ofllows:
A. Preferably joint pole line to be
constructed, with high, heavy poles
carrying cross arms about as follows,
from top to bottom: One or two cross
arms at top of pole, spaced not less
than eighteen inches, and carrying, on
one side of pole, primary wires of one
company, and on the other side prima-
ry wires of the other company. Not
less than three, and preferably four,
feet below primary cross arm, place one
or more cross arms, with eighteen inch
spacing bearing on one side secondary
wires of one company, and on the other
side secondary wires of the other com
pany. transformers in all eases to be
placed between primary and secondary.
This will bring both primaries above
secondaries. avoid interference of pri-
maries and secondaries, primaries and
primaries, or secondaries and second
ries, and make comparatively easy the
dropping of service wires from the
wires Of either company with compara-
tive freedom from danger of short cir
cults, grounds, or high tension entrance
into buildings.
b. AS an alternative, and possibly
under existing conditions, the most
feasible method of avoiding the present
hazardous construction, high pole line,
bringing Mutual light wires above
those of telephone company should be
placed on west side of alley with at
least three, and preferably four, feet
spacing from secondary cross arms of
Mutual company above highest wires
on telephone poles. Such construction
would result in entire relief of present
complication and unavoidable fire and
life hazard, except that some necessity
would still remain for changing OF
service drop arrangements.
Z. We believe that in the foregoing,
which confirms our conversation with
street and alley committee members
and with representatives of council at
special meeting of August 80, We at
suggesting the only feasible method of
avoiding a condition which, at present,
greatly increases the electrical fire
hazard throughout the city of Glenwooa
Springs.