Con Ed checking for stray zaps

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - As the snow melted across the city, Con Edison workers continued to check manhole covers and light poles across the city for possible stray electrical currents.

"Stray voltage testing is ongoing," said Con Ed spokesman Joe Petta.

Melting snow and salt seeping into the city's manholes can sometimes lead to electrical problems, which the city learned tragically in January 2004 when a woman walking her dogs in the East Village fell on a service box lid and was electrocuted.

A wire inside that service box had been inadequately repaired, a Con Ed probe later found.

Midtown residents had a scare when two dogs were jolted - but were unharmed - on a sidewalk near W. 30th St. and Fifth Ave.

Con Ed officials said that testing at the scene found that the source of the voltage leak was a defective switch inside a nearby building.

The electrical defect caused current to flow into the adjacent sidewalk, electrifying a nearby tree grating.

Con Ed officials said none of their equipment, including their manholes and service box lids, was affected by the incident.

The death of Jodie Lane, 30, in January 2004 prompted Con Ed to test every service box and manhole cover lid in the city for stray voltage.

Lane was fatally shocked when she fell onto an electrified service box lid while walking her dogs in the East Village.

The company settled a lawsuit with Lane's parents for $6.2 million and gave an additional $1 million for a scholarship in her honor at Teachers College of Columbia University.

The utility urged anyone who suspects a case of stray voltage to call Con Edison's hotline at (800) 74-CONED.