Seattle City Light will be holding a community meeting in the High Point neighborhood on Monday, March 18 to discuss plans to upgrade the streetlight electrical grounding system. The project is scheduled to begin in late March and will enhance streetlight safety by reducing the risk of contact voltage through improved grounding.
Grounding systems are installed on street lights 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 electricity and become energized.
No contact voltage problems have been found at High Point during the past two years of inspections. Testing is completed annually by Seattle City Light to make sure all electrical equipment is safe. Streetlights at High Point were installed appropriately according to the codes in place at the time. Since then, improved grounding techniques have been established. This project will update streetlight grounding to current standards to enhance safety.
There is a possibility of power interruptions during the day in order for the contractor to complete their work safely. Customers will be notified of upcoming outages at least 48 hours prior to any power outage.
The project will take approximately ten weeks to complete. Work hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be minor traffic and parking disruptions, but flaggers will be used on residential streets to direct traffic. Crews are careful to maintain access to driveways.
A community meeting is scheduled in the Neighborhood House at the High PointCenter on Monday, March 18 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. to discuss the project. There will be opportunities to ask questions and discuss concerns. Please join us in the discussion about what to expect. You can learn more about this project at http://www.seattle.gov/light/aboutus/construction/ .