What Is a Safe Distance From High Tension Electrical Wires?
(Najamuddin Ghanghro, Karachi (Original from Larkana))
Every year people are injured
or killed after getting too close to high-tension power wires. There is no such
thing as a definitive "safe distance" from a power line, but there are some
basic guidelines to follow.
Why Is High Tension Voltage Dangerous?
High-tension electricity can electrocute you, stopping your heart and lungs and
destroying your nervous system and brain. It can burn, causing severe internal
injuries as it passes through your body. You don't have to touch a wire to be in
danger; being too close can kill you.
Why Stay Away?
High-tension electricity can arc across air gaps. Power can flow through the
ground from fallen wires. Fog, smoke, precipitation and wet soil can increase
the distance electricity flows. This makes power lines even more dangerous.
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www.mhi.caSafe Distance
The New York State Department of Transportation defines "dangerous proximity" to
high-voltage wires as being within 3 m of a wire carrying up to 50,000 volts.
They advise adding 0.1 m for every 10,000 volts above 50,000 volts. Transmission
wires can carry 500,000 volts. Stay at least 9.5 m away from them.
Don't Calculate, Play Safe
Power companies advise you not to calculate the safe distance. They recommend
staying well away at all times. Bonneville Power Administration recommends that
you never raise yourself or an object more than of 14 feet from the ground when
you are under power lines. Western Area Power Administration states a minimum of
15 feet.