BuaNews (Tshwane)
Nthambeleni Gabara
1 December 2008
Midrand — The public have been urged to adhere to the warning boards and to keep away from the Gautrain Overhead Electrification System, due to the extremely high voltage passing through the cables.
On Monday the Gautrain Overhead Electrification System at the Midrand Depot facilities located in Alsation Road, off Allandale Road in Midrand, will be energised.
"Due to the extremely high voltage, as well as the current's ability to jump to the nearest person standing in close proximity to the lines without touching the lines, Gautrain would like to create awareness for public safety," said Bombela Concession Company spokesperson, Kelebogile Machaka.
Ms Machaka described the facilities as extremely dangerous to persons without touching the wires.
"Touching or even approaching electrical overhead systems may result in electrocution or immediate death. Under no circumstances should any member of the public trespass within 10 meters of any active part of the 'live' facilities," she said.
She said Bombela Electrical and Mechanical Works have clearly marked and cordoned-off the overhead facilities.
The area will be considered fully energised, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
She said the overhead cables voltage will be at 25 000 volt AC while the main sub-station, located in the Depot facilities will have both 88 000 volts (88 kV) and 25 000 volts (25 kV).
Any short circuit of the system, Ms Machaka said, may draw up to 12 000 ampere of current.
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