phone lines in the rain

[Deck]

How come, if phone lines are "live", do they not send down showers of sparks or short out when it rains? (This is the kind of life-altering question I MUST have an answer to...please!!!)

[incitatus]

phones work at about 6v and very few amps. So there isnt enough power to operate a light bulb, let alone send out sparks. You could safely take a bath with one. (though this would probably invalidate your warranty so is not recommended).

[Deck]

Thanks for your answer Inctatus, but how come it is apparently possible to get electrocuted if you touch the wires?

[natshort]

You only get electrocuted if you break the circuit so that the current tries to run through you. That's why you see birds sitting on the wires and they don't frazzle!

[Deck]

Almost there, I think! .....but, using your example, why don't the birds get frazzled? They are still touching the wires?

[incitatus]

You are all getting confused between phone lines and power lines (where the electricity supply to your house comes from). These are two entirely separate circuits. Phone lines have so little voltage in them you can stick them in your ears. Try this with overhead power lines and youll be fried. Birds can sit on power lines because they do not form part of the circuit. If they bridged the gap between the power lines and earth, or between two lines of different potential they would be history.
Phone lines can be sat on by heavily earthed birds in wet copper armour with no ill effects.

[Deck]

Thanks, Incitatus. I was getting confused there about phone lines vs power lines, and you have also now answered my original question to my full understanding! This weight of concern I have been feeling for those poor little birds has now been lifted!