Working near overhead lines
It's important you're always aware of overhead lines and keep safe when working near them.
If you hit an overhead line there's a real risk of electrocution, explosion, flash over or fire.
Close approach consent
If you're going to be working closer than four (4) metres to lines, poles or power boxes, you'll need a close approach consent. This is a legal requirement set down by New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice – NZECP 34:2001 Electrical Safe Distances.
This code of practice:
- Requires any person who carries out any work near power lines or poles to maintain safe distances.
- States a minimum safe approach distance of four (4) metres for any mechanical plant or scaffolding. We may permit a lesser distance where we are satisfied that safety will not be compromised.
- States that where any work is to be done within five (5) metres of a tower, pole or stay wire, we must provide consent in writing before any excavation is carried out. Temporary support of the pole may be required during excavation. To learn about how to safely dig near power poles, click here.
Pease note, while you're working or building near overhead lines you also need to consider what's below the ground. To avoid damage and risk of electrocution, it's important to know where power or fibre pipes and cables are before you dig. We have a step by step guide on how to safely locate unground pipes and cables before you begin digging. Find out more here.
Organise a close approach consent
Please allow a minimum of 2 working days to process your request. If you need to work near power lines urgently or on a weekend or public holiday please call us on 0800 10 40 40.
For further advice, please contact us
Working near lines applicationBuilding near overhead lines
Please ensure that structures, such as garages and extensions to houses, remain well clear of overhead lines. If a structure is too close to the lines you may need to put the power underground.
Minimum distances allowed between any new buildings and overhead lines have been set by the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice NZECP 34:2001. Please note that the minimum safe distances will differ depending on the voltage of the overhead lines.
To find out the voltage of the lines that you are planning to build near to, please call 0800 10 40 40.
Please note that any work above an overhead line requires a working near lines consent.
Safe distances from buildings to overhead lines
If your works do not comply with Table 2 of NZECP 34:2001 (see below), specialist engineering advice will be required to confirm that the works comply with Table 3 of NZECP 34:2001 (see page 11 of The New Zealand Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances).
For specialist engineering advice please call us on 0800 10 40 40.
Safe distances from buildings to overhead lines
Minimum safe distances from buildings to overhead lines | ||
Voltage | Minimum distance beneath powerlines | Minimum distance to side of powerlines |
Not exceeding 1kV | 4.0m | 3.5m |
Exceeding 1kV but not exceeding 11kV | 5.5m | 5.0m |
Exceeding 11kV but not exceeding 33kV | 7.0m | 8.5m |
Exceeding 33kV but not exceeding 110kV | 7.5m | 9.5m |
Exceeding 110kV | Refer to Table 2 of NZECP34 (page 9) | |
Need more information?
For more information on working safety around our network, please download our safety booklet.
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