We have a job starting up, And there is electric lines everywhere.They asked me if they put rubber covers over the lines how close can get.My question to you guys is, Is 17 feet always or do you get some play with the covers.This is a dumb question i know , but not sure how to answer them.Thanks Scott             

Have you read this article?

http://www.concretepumping.com/article_forum/Powerlines.pdf

Except for the dead people shown in the article its a great read.

the electric companies here will not put boots on wires..they feel is gives people a false sense of security...electric companies can cut off and/or re-route the power form the lines you may be around...in other words the power can be cut off...any contractor who asks how close you can get to the lines is not worth pumping for. give him the conrol box and get a check for the your pump and say  have fun...back in the old days when i first started out i met a guy who did a contractor a favor on a house job, he can in with two hooks instead of hands and arms, a hole in his stomach and no toes...if you are still in doubt call pat at pioneer in atlanta, ga ask him about his 640 thomsen pump and power lines...it is always good to go home each night to your family in one piece

Thanks Todd for the e-mail,And yes i read it. I know it was a stupied question, But was not sure about the boots.Thanks you guys for the info. I wil just say no to the job or tell them to move the wires.Thanks for the help guys

Ruck It was a good question not stupid at all. I would try to keep the job, just get all the info to the contractor show him that 17' is as close as you can get and make sure you dont brake that rule. Be safe, we dont want to lose anyone to a power line. If you lose the job and somebody does it and gets closer than 17' take pictures and i will post them on the site ok, as an example of what not to do.

Ruck,

We pumped one hell of a lot of concrete before there were any booms.

Trailer rigs are sometimes the answer. Please be careful. ;~)

17 feet, end of story. if they dont like they can use system and trailer pump

Hey well it depends look at my profile and read power lines at a power plant and with pumping in Toronto in the old sections it is wires and trees everywhere they say 17 feet I prefer 20 plus but it dependes on the weather soil and a bunch of things I will say this if it is over 100000 volts and you hair is standing on your arm dont pump at all.

Ruck-

Just play it safe man, 17 feet. To be even more safe, make it 20.