Staying safe around overhead lines
Overhead power lines can be dangerous
Overhead power lines carry high-voltage electricity, including the service line that connects your home or building to the street. Whether you’re working or enjoying time outdoors, it’s important to be aware of the risks.
If you hit or get too close to an overhead line, there’s a serious risk of electrocution, explosion, flashover or fire.
What you need to know working near overhead lines
If you’re planning to work within four metres of power lines, poles, or power boxes, you’ll need a Close Approach Consent.
This is a legal requirement under the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice (NZECP 34:2001 – Electrical Safe Distances).
NZECP 34:2001 states:
- A minimum approach distance of four metres is required for scaffolding or mechanical plant near power lines.
- A written consent from Northpower is required before carrying out excavation within five metres of any pole, tower, or stay wire.
- In some cases, temporary pole support may be needed during excavation.
- Northpower may approve a shorter working distance only if safety can be assured.
You can request a Close Approach Consent:
- Online via our Service Centre
- Or by calling us on 0800 10 40 40
Please allow at least two working days for us to process your request. If you’re working urgently, or over a weekend or public holiday, call us and we’ll do our best to help.
Building near overhead lines
Planning a new build, garage, extension, or fence? You must ensure that all structures are a safe distance from overhead power lines. If a structure is too close to the lines, you may need to put power underground.
Minimum safe distances are set by New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice NZECP 34:2001 and depend on the voltage of the lines. Any work above an overhead line requires a working near lines consent.
To find out the voltage of the lines you plan to build near, please contact us.
NZECP 34 distance guidelines
Voltage
Not exceeding 1kV
Exceeding 1kV but not exceeding 11kV
Exceeding 11kV but not exceeding 33kV
Exceeding 33kV but not exceeding 110kV
Exceeding 110kV
Minimum distance beneath power lines (orange D icon)
4.0m
5.5m
7.0m
7.5m
Refer to Table 2 of NZECP34 (page 9)
Minimum distance to side of power lines (yellow D icon)
3.5m
5.0m
8.5m
9.5m
Refer to Table 2 of NZECP34 (page 9)
If your works don't comply
If your planned structure or activity doesn’t meet the minimum distance requirements:
- You’ll need specialist engineering advice to demonstrate compliance with Table 3 of NZECP 34:2001 (see page 11 of The New Zealand Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances).
- This ensures that even non-standard works meet the required safety standards.
Don’t forget what’s underground
When working near overhead lines, don’t forget about what’s underground. Power and fibre cables can be easily damaged during excavation, creating electrical hazards and service outages.
Always check underground services before digging.
Stay safe around power lines
Safe guy wires
Safe service lines
