So I live in the Verde Valley. Cottonwood/Sedona area. APS is the power monopoly here.

There are places all over that have what looks like a dome camera attached to the powerline. At first I thought that was what it was. Now we have three in the same spot, on three lines that cross Mingus ave at Main. No one would put three cameras within a foot of each other in an intersection that has no real accidents. And the placement would be crap for viewing much.

I have failed at getting a picture, but I’m hoping someone knows what these are. Some kind of current monitor? I think the cables are 440/3 phase, if that helps. But that’s just a wild ass guess.

Does anyone know what I’m talking about?

Those are most likely fault indicators. In the event if a power outage due to a fault/short circuit, these help the line crews locate where the issue is on the line.

Many years ago in Phoenix,
Someone asked a similar question.

An installer replied that his company
put devices above high traffic areas to monitor what radio stations were
being listened to by commuters .

The data was sold to radio stations to help
them with programming , commercial and promotions.
But
He did not coment in how the system actually worked.

Your Gizmo's might be something else,but have you tried calling the electrical company?

So I don’t think they’re radio station monitors. They have three within a few feet of each other. There are in a lot of places. I’ll try to get a picture this morning.
I haven’t called APS as the hour on hold isn’t worth it.
Barleys explanation makes sense, especially since there is one on each line.

Overhead Fault Indicator

https://www.google.com/search?...head+Fault+Indicator

Woodman, that’s exactly what they are. Thank you. This also saves me from having to try to snap a pic this morning.
Thanks!

Yes as above, those are most likely fault current indicators. They let the line crews or troubleshooters know where the fault is or the direction, and aids in restoration, keeping the outages shorter.