What Are the Hanging Balls On Power Lines In North Carolina?

What Are Those Balls on Powerlines in North Carolina?

Driving through North Carolina, you may have noticed brightly colored spheres dangling from powerlines. They’re hard to miss, often painted in vivid shades of orange, yellow, or white, but their purpose isn’t immediately obvious. Are they decorations? Weather-related devices? Or something else entirely?

Strategically Placed Along Key Areas

These mysterious orbs are strategically located, often found near highways, rivers, or open stretches of land. While they might seem like quirky additions to the landscape, their placement is intentional and serves a crucial purpose.

The Answer Lies Above

So, why are they there? The answer lies in the skies. These balls are visibility markers, designed to make powerlines more noticeable to low-flying aircraft like helicopters and small planes.

"They weigh about 17 pounds each, and you will often find them near mountain passes, in deep valley areas, near major freeway crossings and around airports. Visibility markers are placed on power lines to make the conductor crossings visible to aircraft pilots." [Energized]

The hanging balls on powerlines are called aerial marker balls or visibility marker balls, used to make powerlines visible to aircraft.

A Safety Measure for North Carolina’s Diverse Terrain

With North Carolina’s mix of urban areas, rolling hills, and waterways, these markers help prevent potential collisions in zones where powerlines intersect with flight paths. They are especially valuable near airports, mountain passes, and other high-risk locations.

A Silent Guardian

Beyond aviation safety, these markers also serve as a subtle reminder of the unseen systems protecting us every day. Next time you see those balls swaying on powerlines, take a moment to appreciate their critical role in keeping the skies and ground safe.