Power Line Safety Information: Safe Clearance Report and Wire Wrap Requests
Always maintain a minimum six-metre (20 feet) clearance from all power lines unless you have a Safe Clearance Report. Working around power lines can be dangerous.
Minimum Safety Clearance Distances
- Unknown Voltage: Maintain a minimum distance of 6.0 metres (20 feet) from all overhead energized power lines.
- Low Voltage (Under 750 volts): A minimum safe distance of 1 metre (3.3 feet) must be maintained.
- High Voltage: For lines 750 volts or higher, a minimum distance of 3 to 6 metres (10 to 20 feet) is required depending on voltage. Determined at time of scope and stated on report.
- Downed Lines: If a line is down, stay at least 20 metres
- Building/Renovating:Typical, safe clearances from buildings for high-voltage lines are 12 metres (40 feet), while service lines to houses generally require 5 metres (16 feet).
How long is six metres?
Before you work near power lines:
- Fill out this form pdf TOL Safe Clearance Report & Wire Wrap Form(37 KB) and send back to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Contact the Town of Lunenburg Electric Utility at 902-634-4410, ext 3 for more information
- A minimum of four weeks in advance of doing any work near power lines to request a Safe Clearance Report. This may require an insulated wire cover to be installed before you can begin work. There may be a charge for this depending on the extent of the work required, particularly if primary wires are involved and/or a Power Line Technician is required to stand-by and additional costs may be needed.
- Identify potential hazards before you begin.
- Have a spotter to help you and remember: people on the ground are also in danger of being electrocuted if you come into contact with power lines.
- Be aware of power lines at all times, especially when loading or unloading.
- Ensure the maximum height of your load, including the knuckle boom, is under the legal height limit.
- Power lines expand and sag with changes in temperature. You need to check clearances each time you work near them.
- Be aware of overhead utility lines. You could cut off phone service and cause power poles and lines to topple around you and your co-workers.
- Ensure the dump box and boom body of the truck is down before you leave the site.
Tree Trimming and Tree Removal: Preventive Maintenance
Please follow the link here for pdf TOL vs. Home Owner Responsibility & Information. (122 KB)