Latent energisation of timber poles carrying high voltage overhead lines is a troublesome and potentially hazardous fault scenario for network service providers. Such conditions can occur through electrical or mechanical failure of insulators or incorrect line construction. The resulting high impedance fault invariably fails to be detected by protection systems, but can result in electric shock risk to the public and utility operatives, as well as secondary damage to other services strung on the pole. This paper/presentation presents the findings of a testing investigation into the effects of timber pole energisation including circuit impedances, measurements of leakage current and voltage, and an assessment of electrical safety risks under dry and wet conditions.