I assume it has something to do with grounding, but I've never seen this before, so I'm curious of its function and need on a particular pole.
this post was submitted on 24 Sep 2025
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What is this thing?
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That's a fuse cutout. It goes inline before the transformer feeding your house. It protects the line and transformer from overloads. The lineman can also disconnect it if they need to service the transformer or electric meter.
Is it "in use" as we see it here, or is this a spare?
Not in use. I'm going to guess a lineman either hung it there or dropped it nearby and forgot about it.
Edit: Example of one in use
This is what it should look like when installed:
And this is what it does when it blows, or when a lineman disconnects it:
I learned about these when a snake climbed the utility pole and blew the fuse leading to our house. Charred snake bits everywhere.
“I’d like some Snake McNuggets. Extra crispy, please.”
Snakon Bits
Here's a video where electricians break down the fuse and how it's installed and operated in detail.
It is literally just a big fuse, there's a segment of wire inside that grey tube designed to melt if too much current is going through it. Here's video of one blowing.
I was standing near one while watching a building on fire when it popped. Two words: Holy Shit!