The Hidden Purpose Of Balls On Power Lines In North Dakota

If you're ever driving down the road, gazing at open fields, and following the path of powerlines stretching down the horizon, you may have noticed some mysterious spheres on the power lines. They remind me of kickballs from gym class—a traumatizing memory of getting smacked in the face with one comes to mind.

If you are zoning out and notice these, first, be careful. Second, let's find out what these red balls are doing there.

Red Balls On Power Lines

If you're like me you may have wondered what they were for. What's the purpose?

After some research, I found that these have a very specific purpose, and it's a matter of safety.

You might think their purpose is to weigh down power lines, but no. These red balls are actually called "visibility markers." They are primarily used in low-visibility areas to make power lines more visible to low-flying aircraft.

It makes sense that we see many of these in North Dakota, where there is a lot of fog and heavy snowfall.

According to Reader's Digest, he balls are actually mandated by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and with an airport here in Bismarck and another in Minot, you're likely to see these around those North Dakota cities.

They're most commonly painted orange, but you may also see red and yellow ones. The bright hues ensure maximum visibility in all weather conditions. It's a small detail that makes a huge impact.

Yes, these red balls quietly keep our North Dakota skies safe for air travelers. Now we know!