Test 2
hether you’re a property developer, surveyor, builder, scaffolder, roofer – or even just putting up a fence, sign, a marquee or laying a driveway – it’s important to know the rules around building near power lines.
From design through to construction, you must follow the minimum safe distances set out in the NZ Code of Practice (NZECP34 – Electrical Safe Distances).
Minimum distance between power lines
| Voltage | Minimum distance beneath power lines | Minimum distance to side of power poles and lines |
| Not exceeding 1kV | 4m | 3.5m |
| Exceeding 1kV but not exceeding 11kV | 5.5m | 5m |
| Exceeding 11kV but not exceeding 33kV | 7m | 8.5m |
| Exceeding 33kV but not exceeding 110kV | 7.5m | 9.5m |
| Exceeding 110kV | Refer to table 2 NZECP 34 |
Follow the code
Not knowing what’s a safe distance can come at a price. Help avoid electrocution or serious injury – and costs of putting it right - by following NZ Electrical Codes of Practice NZECP34 – Electrical Safe Distances. You can access a copy of the code here. Scroll down for a table of minimum distances.
Before you start any work
Under or near power lines, poles, stay wires or other electricity network equipment
Contact
0800 Powerco (0800 769 372) if your work is in our network area and we’ll help you with your plans. If your work is outside our area, it’s best to contact your local electricity lines company. You can find a map of New Zealand lines companies here.
What NZECP34 – Electrical Safe Distances covers
The code covers all types of building and excavation – permanent or temporary – near power poles and lines, including but not exclusive to:
•Houses/buildings
•Portable buildings and marquees
•Using scaffolding
•Building fences
•Digging/laying a driveway
•Raising ground levels
•Erecting signs
•Artificial shelter belts and canopies