Overhead Power Line Safety
Mar 23, 2012 9:45 PM ET
Stay away from overhead power lines. Keep long tools, ladders, scaffolding and other equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead lines. Minimum safe distances increase as line voltage increases. Weather conditions and other factors also can affect safe distances.
The following table shows minimum safe distances based on line voltage.
| Line Voltage | Minimum Clearance |
| Up to 50,000 volts (typical overhead line) | 10 feet |
| 50,000 volts to 200,000 volts | 15 feet |
| 200,000 volts to 350,000 volts | 20 feet |
| 350,000 volts to 500,000 volts | 25 feet |
| 500,000 volts to 750,000 volts | 35 feet |
| 750,000 volts to 1,000,000 volts | 45 feet |
Watch the attached power line safety video for more important electrical safety information.
