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2 Investigators: Stray Electricity Poses Hidden Danger

(CBS) -- Touching a light pole, scaffolding even a metal fence can actually lead to an electrocution. Several deaths, including one last month, have been blamed on what is called stray voltage. In this Original Report, CBS 2 Investigator Dave Savini explains the danger you will not know about, until it is too late.

We found high voltage, stray electricity in popular places where people walk throughout Chicago. Old, broken or frayed wiring, and decaying insulation allows nearby metal objects to become electrified.

Dave Kalokitis is with Power Survey Company, a New Jersey business which tests for stray voltage in 60 cities nationwide, but not Chicago. Kalokitis brought testing equipment to town to help the 2 Investigators.

"This is a serious electrocution hazard," said Kalokitis as he tested one spot.

Forty volts is dangerous say experts, yet we found hot spots triple that number. Scaffolding, at Jackson and Michigan, had 116 volts. Touch a light bulb to the scaffolding and it actually lights up.

"There are serious dangers out here and they need to take action," said Kalokitis.

Last month a boy was killed by stray voltage after touching a school fence in Michigan. There have been plenty of other stray voltage victims from Illinois and other states.

We found danger near homes and near popular places including a pole with 110 volts outside Lincoln Park Zoo. We also found plenty of danger on Michigan Avenue with 120 volts coming from three poles on the Magnificent Mile.

The highest amount of stray voltage, 125 volts, was found on a control box at Chestnut and State.

The 2 Investigators, along with the Power Survey crew, found 70 locations with stray voltage.

Power Survey came here nearly four years ago to conduct this testing with the 2 Investigators; stray voltage dangers were found in 40 locations. At one of those locations, outside Wrigley Field, a pole registered at 117 volts.

Last week, again near Wrigley Field, more live poles were found. Outside the Cubby Bear, there was a pole with 120 volts.
CBS 2 reported all locations to Chicago's 311 center.

A spokesman for the Chicago Department Of Transportation says, "Electricians proactively check for stray voltage each time they make a repair or install new equipment. They are checking this list of locations and will make any needed repairs or adjustments."

A check of poles in six suburbs turned up one stray voltage location in Aurora at LaSalle Street and Downer Place. A spokesman from Aurora says they investigated and found a shorted out street light control panel which actually eliminated the electricity danger. That is being fixed.

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