John,

I don't think anyone is intentionally being difficult on this topic, just advocating the surest strategy and tactics for dealing with a very high risk scenario. High energy systems of any type should be approached with utmost paranoia. High pressure steam, high energy turbines, even lightning are things to be very very careful around.

Tools and techniques do exist for working with live high voltage power systems. As pointed out in another post the training is expensive, extensive and I'll add not a guarantee that you will survive the job. The tools are also expensive and require regular inspection/certification to be "trusted". Several sensors are available for EMS and trained Line workers. Try looking up "lineman tools" or "Hot Sticks" or "non contact voltage detector" in your favorite search engine. I think that name brands and certification to applicable standards would be critical things to consider. Keep in mind, these are tools for trained experts, not a DIY project.

My understanding (limited) is that there are relatively reliable non-contact voltage detectors that can be used by electrical workers. The challenges with these are that they are subject to interference from various sources (including automotive ignition systems) and while they are non-contact they need to be in relatively close (within a few inches or feet) to the voltage source. This is usually closer than you would want to approach a downed line. For professionals this is less of a problem because they have the other tools/equipment/procedures for getting the sensor in close without undue risk. These sensors are also usually considered backup systems, not primary.

With most high power systems (electrical, RF, mechanical) the best safety assurances for those involved is iron clad processes and procedures, including two person checks on everything. In the scenario being discussed that is not an option so nearly all of the safety "margin" has been eliminated. At this point most trained lineworkers will stay away unless they are part of a team working together to manage the problem.

The step voltage differential that both Martin and I mention is one of many things to be aware of and I brought it up to make a point. I'll emphasize the point here - If you have on "typical" footwear near a distribution line that is shorting to ground your foot/shoe could be the best path to ground (or at least a lower potential level). In the example I provided the surface voltage difference from your toes to your heel would be over 300VAC and essentially unlimited Amps. At that potential level, arcs through your foot are not just possible but likely. The example also assumed a solid grounding into soil (not an arcing, jumping line) so other parts of you may become part of the circuit (via air/plasma arcs) if the line is not actually grounded into the soil. Shuffling only really helps at lower potential gradients (i.e. farther away from the ground contact point or a lower voltage source).

I will keep trying to answer / research questions that are brought up in this discussion but I sincerely hope the information I provide brings anyone reading this thread to the recognition that Stay Away is the only survivable alternative for those of us who do not have the proper training.

For reference I have a degree in Electrical Engineering and I do not work in the electrical power industry.