Building near power lines
Roofing, scaffolding and building
Whether 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 from power lines set out in the NZ Code of Practice (NZECP34 – Electrical Safe Distances).
Minimum distance between power lines
Close approach and works agreements
The 4 metre rule for overhead power lines
Stay at least 4m away from overhead power lines. If you need to get closer, you must obtain a close approach consent.
The 2 metre rule for underground cables and pipelines
You must hand dig within 2m of cables or pipes – do not use mechanical excavation methods unless you have a standover.
Close approach consents and works agreements
Close approach consents are required for all works on the ground within 5m of a power pole, depending on the depth of the excavation. This ensures your work does not cause a pole to collapse. Consents are valid only for the location, type of work, and dates applied for.
There may be specific requirements for backfill for high voltage cables.
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 Code of Practice NZECP34 – Electrical Safe Distances. You can access a copy of the code here. See above for a table of minimum distances.
Before you start work
Check the surrounding under or near power lines, poles, 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. See a map of New Zealand lines companies.
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
All work must be a safe distance away from overhead lines.
The minimum distance between a structure and an overhead line varies depending on the voltage the line is carrying.
The structure needs to be clear of lines both underneath and to the side.
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.
Find out more