Seattle City Light will be upgrading the electrical grounding system in the High Point neighborhood starting in late March.
Grounding systems are installed on street lighting and other electrical systems to ensure safety for the public and anyone who may come in contact with elements of the system. Contact voltage can occur on the surface of metal streetlight structures, street signs, or other equipment that can conduct electricicty and become energized.
No incidents of contact voltage in the High Point neighborhood have occured. Testing is completed annually to make sure all electrical equipment is safe. City Light is moving forward with equipment upgrades to ensure that all streetlights continue to work properly and safely.
City Light's contractor will be making streetlight system improvements to High Point neighborhood streetlights from late March to June 2013. Residents may see contractors working on streetlight poles and vaults throughout the neighborhood. There is a possibility of power interruptions during the day in order for the contractor to complete their work safely, but residents will be notified at least 48 hours prior to any power outage.
What You Can Expect
- Work hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
- There will be some minor traffic and parking disruptions in the immediate work area
- Crews will be careful to maintain access to driveways
3/28/2013 Update:
High Point Q & A:
High Point Neighborhood Community Meeting, Monday, March 18, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Neighborhood House High Point Center, 6400 Sylvan Way SW
Q) What is the purpose of ground rod?
A) A ground rod distributes electricity to planet Earth. The new ground rods in this project will be deeper & more numerous.
Q) What is a ground rod?
A) It is metal, conducts electricity safely to ground.
Q) Why the concern with this project?
A) The present electrical grounding system is safe, we are enhancing it.
Q) What about excavations?
A) We will be drilling, not excavating. No holes will be left open.
Q) What are other areas receiving upgraded grounding?
A) New Holly, Rainier Vista.
Q) Is work M-F?
A) Yes, starting with pilot area.
Q) What is an ideal soil for grounding?
A) Oceanside; salt, moisture and temperature all impact the level of grounding needed and these contents typically change with elevation.
Q) What is duration of project?
A) 10 weeks.
Q) Why not work at night?
A) Noise & displaced parking would create other impacts
Q) Where is the work taking place?
A) In the right of way planting strip.
Q) What about school buses, they come through at 7:35 & 3:30?
A) City Light will provide a schedule to school district.
Q) Can school buses get around parallel parked cars?
A) Yes.
Q) How will parking restrictions work?
A) “No Parking” signs will be used.
