Abstract: A grounding device for positively grounding a broken electrical conductor has a primary body having a mounting post extending therefrom. A bracket is fixed to the pole carrying the conductor, and a clamp connects the mounting post to the bracket. To raise the grounding device, an extension bracket is fixed to the bracket, and the grounding device is clamped to the extension bracket. A secondary body is rotatable with respect to the primary body. A spring-urged tongue carried by the primary body is held in place by hooks on the secondary body; so, when the secondary body is rotated, the hooks are moved, and the tongue is projected from the housing.

Abstract: A grounding device is automatically operable to create a short circuit in the event of a mechanical fault on a pole line. The grounding device is placed below, and close to, each phase line on a pole line. When the phase line moves down, because of a broken wire or the like, the wire engages a sensing member which moves down and causes projection of a grounding tongue. The sensing member has surfaces that direct the wire to a contact area; and, the wire moves the sensing member down, causing projection of a grounding tongue, which will contact the phase line. Before actuation, the tongue, and all portions at ground potential, are enclosed within an insulating housing. A transmitter may also be actuated to broadcast the location of the grounding device.