What are the "dodgeball'' looking things on the powerlines for?

Question

What are the "dodgeball'' looking things on the powerlines for?

Answer 1

They are wire markers, painted in orange to alert pilots of low flying aircraft to the location of power lines.  Power lines can be difficult to identify from the air unless you are close to them.  It is bad news when an aircraft flies into power lines.

You will usually find the balls near airstrips and small airports.

The first link below is for the company website that makes wire markers.  

The second link shows a copy an add in an aviation publication (Trade-A-Plane) for these wire markers.

Answer 2

I think they also keep the power lines steady in high winds, which is why I first saw them in a line that crossed over a lake.

Answer 3

I also have understood they were for Planes to see.

Answer 4

they keep the power lines from touching

Answer 5

They are for aircraft so the pilots can see the liocation of the wires a slow plane travels at about 90mph and at that speed it is hard to see a cable at only 5/8 to1"3/4 at that speed

Answer 6

It is to reduce the waves (caused by wind) that can bounce the wires and cause them to break over time.

Answer 7

for power surgers, and also it makes the power lines more see able.

Answer 8

So planes can see them. They also steady the wires in high wind.

Answer 9

I believe it has to do with visibility. they are usually found across highways where a helicopter might have to land. Not sure though.