The Big Green Box  

They are big. They are often green. They generally sit on concrete, often within housing developments. Some people do not like these “electrical boxes” (a common nickname for pad-mount transformers) and try to hide them with bushes, fences, or flower beds. But stay clear: even small additions around pad-mount transformers create hazards.

To improve aesthetics of new neighborhoods, developers often put in underground power lines. While this eliminates utility poles and overhead wires, it requires installing pad-mounted transformers in some front yards. Unfortunately some homeowners, concerned about curb appeal, attempt to screen pad-mount transformers from view—creating an unsafe situation for all concerned, including Pointe Coupee Electric lineworkers.

“We realize landscaping represents an investment of time and money,” shares Joseph H. “Jodie” Cotten, Jr. “We respect the effort and care our members invest in making their properties attractive. However, landscaping around electrical equipment interferes with our ability to deliver reliable power.”

Pointe Coupee Electric requires leaving at least 10 feet of clear space around all four sides of the pad-mount transformers. Linemen repair units while they are energized so homeowners do not experience an interruption in service. To ensure safety, they use an 8-foot fiberglass hot stick that requires about 10 feet of “elbow room” in front of the access panel. Routine maintenance on the units is performed periodically.  Therefore, access to the structures should not be hindered by fences or landscaping.

“In some cases, consumers may leave plenty of space in front of the transformer, but grow vegetation on the other three sides,” explains Cotten. “This invites other problems. For example, plant roots can interfere with its operation. Overheating is another big concern that can cause service interruptions when air circulation is compromised.”

Members should also be aware that plantings along rights-of-way—strips of land adjacent to where the co-op places poles, wires, and other equipment like pad-mount transformers—could be damaged by co-op vehicles.

“Occasionally, we may need to repair a transformer, and eventually transformers must be upgraded and replaced,” says Jodie Cotten. “To perform this work, line trucks must be driven into the right-of-way and the transformer lifted out. Although we try to minimize the impact, plants and other structures will be removed if they are within the 10-foot clearnance area of our equipment.” 

To ensure the safety of our members, pad mount transformers are locked with a bolt and padlock.  Because these structures are located in member’s yards, they are subject to be hit by lawn mowers or vehicles.  If these structures ever apprear to be compromised or damaged, please contact us immediately at (225) 638-3751.

Call before you dig!

Because underground service continues throughout the entire neighborhood, you should never dig anywhere in your yard without first calling Louisiana One Call by dialing 811 to find out where cables are buried, then wait 48 hours, respect the marks and dig with care.