Working near overhead lines

When working near power lines, it’s important to treat them as live at all times. Getting too close to a power line can cause serious injury and death. To stay safe, keep yourself and any equipment at least 4m away from overhead lines – electricity can jump to your equipment and you.

 

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Supporting links

In an emergency
Building near power lines
Tree safety near power lines
Over-height load permits
Arrange a safe disconnect
Contractor safety

Building near power lines

From design through to construction, for electricity safety you must follow the minimum safe distances set out in the NZ Code of Practice (NZECP34 – Electrical Safe Distances). 

Follow the code

Over-height load permits

Transporting a high load? Apply for a permit to ensure safe travel routes and plans, and notify Chorus and UltraFast Fibre. Charges may apply for escorting loads over 5.5m high or planned outages for overhead lines.

Check NZTA website for overdimension load requirements.

 

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Find an approved contractor to help

You must use a certified Powerco-approved contractor to carry out work on our electricity network, including connections, disconnections and upgrades.

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