Clearances

There are many types of powerlines of differing voltage and design. ElectraNet operates and manages high voltage powerlines in South Australia. ETSA Utilities operates and manages lower voltage distribution powerlines.

Types of Powerlines

Clearances

A clearance is the distance that must be maintained between a powerline and an object, to avoid the risk of a fatal electric shock.

  • Never guess safe clearances, as appearances can be deceptive. DO NOT measure by touching, or by using devices such as tape measures.
  • Never work on top of a vehicle or its load when it is underneath or near a powerline.
  • Never carry any metal object above waist height near powerlines.
  • Remember. Look up. To live.

    • Powerlines have the potential to sag lower in hot weather, which will reduce clearance under and beside the powerlines, and increase the risk of a clearance being breached.

    Building Clearances

    The State Government has established Building Regulations which define building clearance restrictions in relation to transmission lines.

    ElectraNet’s aim is to ensure land owners and occupiers fully understand building clearance restrictions to ensure there is no breach of the Regulations. These Regulations are enforced by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA.

    Building Clearance Distances

    If you intend to undertake any work/construction, including alterations to existing buildings, within the prescribed building clearance restrictions, it is essential that you contact an ElectraNet representative prior to commencing work. Do not assume that a council approval means you can go ahead with your work.

    The building clearance restrictions near powerlines apply in addition to the council approval.

    The building clearance restrictions relating to transmission lines, include limitations on the following activities:

    • constructing houses, buildings, pergolas, or other structures;
    • altering the ground level;
    • stock piling any material or substance;
    • erecting a fence greater than two metres; and
    • attaching anything to a transmission structure.