Building structures and power equipment clearances

When developing structures it’s important to factor nearby electrical equipment into your planning. Failure to consider the distance between a structure and power equipment poses significant safety risks or costly relocations.

When developing structures, like new homes or buildings, it’s important to factor nearby electrical equipment into your planning.

Failure to consider the distance between a structure and power equipment poses significant safety risks or costly relocations.

The bottom line: Ensure your building design and lot development doesn’t put anyone at risk by meeting minimum clearance requirements.

Minimum clearance requirements for structures and overhead power equipment

The Alberta Electrical Utility Code has mandatory requirements for minimum vertical and horizontal clearances between power lines and structures. These requirements are in place for your and the public’s protection and safety.

Before you finalize your lot development and building plans, ensure they meet the Alberta Electrical Utility Code’s clearance requirements.

Working around utility infrastructure

Everyone on a worksite plays a role in maintaining safe work practices and a safe work environment. Discover what employers and employees need to know to work safely around utilities.

Ensuring minimum clearance between power lines and structures will help reduce the risks associated with working in close proximity to electrical infrastructure.
Overhead power lines can be dangerous as there is usually no protection on the wire. Electricity looks for the shortest path to the ground, so if a person gets too close to an overhead line they can be its path to the ground. This may cause serious injury or death.

Preventing structure conflicts with electrical equipment

The Alberta Electrical Utility Code outlines how structures, like buildings, cannot be placed within the minimum clearances from electrical equipment.

Power poles, transformers and other electrical equipment near your site must be included on your site plans and drawings.

If a structure is placed within the minimum clearance, it can take several months to a year to have electrical equipment removed and relocated, which could delay your construction or energization of your service. The costs associated with this required work may be the responsibility of the site property owner.

The illustrated clearance requirements reflect the Alberta Electricity Utility Code (2022). It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with the latest version of the Alberta Electrical Utility Code.

Legislative Requirements

Before you finalize your work plans, ensure they meet the Alberta Electrical Utility Code’s clearance requirements to prevent costly electrical equipment relocates and lost time. Refer to section 2 of the Alberta Electrical and Utility Code (AEUC).

Examples of structure conflicts

Example of when an overhead power line may interfere with activities on site. Power service lines should not cross an adjacent property without having an easement in place.

EPCOR requires 1 meter clearance from the base of a transformer to maintain the ground grid.

Ground clearance guidelines are available in EPCOR’s Customer Connection Guide (Section 3.10.3e).

If you find that a power pole, guy wire, anchor, transformer or any other electrical equipment will be in the way of what you plan to build, contact EPCOR at ces@epcor.com to discuss your options and potential costs associated with your request.

Disclaimer

This webpage provides information regarding safe work practices in relation to EPCOR power facilities. Employers and contractors have responsibilities under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (Alberta OHS) Act, Code, and Regulation. When there is a conflict between this document and any bylaws, legislation, or regulation, the relevant law prevails. Any reliance placed on this information is strictly at your own risk. EPCOR does not assume any responsibility or liability for any action, loss or damage that arises out of, or is in connection with the information contained in this webpage.