Short answer

How close can a house be built to an overhead power line? CEA Regulations 2023, regs 62 and 63, say no building shall be constructed under an existing overhead line and set minimum gaps, which depend on voltage and are measured sideways and from above. The model bye-laws' Table 2.3 gives the same figures. Before you design or build, write to the electricity supplier for the line's voltage and the clearance that applies. Never measure or shift a line yourself.

A town street with electric poles and overhead wires beside a plot where a concrete house frame with timber props is being built, set back from the road
AI-generated illustration: overhead lines beside a plot with a house frame going up. The clearance is measured from the wire to the nearest part of the building, and the supplier and the Electrical Inspector decide it on site.
On this page (10)
  1. What do the regulations say?
  2. What does the model bye-law table say?
  3. What must happen before you build near a line?
  4. What do the documents not say?
  5. What should I ask the supplier? (practice)
  6. What mistakes should I avoid? (practice)
  7. What can I check myself? (practice)
  8. Frequently asked questions
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

An overhead electric line carries enough power that a person, a steel rod or a scaffold near it is in danger, so the regulations fix a minimum gap between a line and a building. This page sets out what the Central Electricity Authority regulations and the model bye-laws say, and what to ask before you design. It gives no advice on working near a line, and does not tell you to measure or move one: the supplier and a licensed electrician do that. It gives no cost or fine.

What do the regulations say?

CEA (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023, regulation 62 (lines not exceeding 650 V) and regulation 63 (above 650 V), both say that an overhead line “shall not cross over an existing building as far as possible and no building shall be constructed under an existing overhead line”. The expression “building” includes any structure, “whether permanent or temporary”. The regulations also fix minimum clearances.

Line voltage (alternating current)Vertical, above the highest partHorizontal, from the nearest part
Not exceeding 650 V (reg 62)2.5 m from any accessible point (flat roof, open balcony, verandah roof, lean-to roof; immediately under the line for a pitched roof)1.2 m
Above 650 V up to 11 kV (reg 63)3.7 m1.2 m
Above 11 kV up to 33 kV (reg 63)3.7 m2.0 m
Above 33 kV (reg 63)3.7 m plus 0.30 m for every additional 33 kV or part2.0 m plus 0.3 m for every additional 33 kV or part

These are the minimum clearances read on the page images of the 2023 regulations; direct current lines have a separate table (reg 63(4)). Vertical clearance is on the basis of maximum sag, and the horizontal clearance is measured when the line is at maximum deflection due to wind pressure (reg 62(4) and 63(3)). Regulations 62 and 63 give no separate smaller figure for insulated conductors; regulation 62(3) says a conductor with less than the specified clearance shall be replaced with aerial bunched cable, which is for the supplier to apply, not you. Treat every line as live. The regulations give a drawing of how the clearances are measured (Schedule VIII C), with no numbers on it.

What does the model bye-law table say?

The Model Building Bye-Laws 2016 say the distance “in accordance with the current electricity rules and its amendments from time to time” is to be provided between the building and the overhead supply line (clause 2.10.2(d)), and clause 2.10.1(ii)(j) asks the site plan to show existing features including overhead electric supply lines. Table 2.3, “Clearances from Electric Supply Lines”, gives the same figures as above: 2.50 m vertical and 1.20 m horizontal for low and medium voltage lines and service lines; 3.70 m and 1.20 m for high voltage up to 11,000 volts; 3.70 m and 2.00 m above 11,000 and up to 33,000 volts; and the extra-high-voltage rule with 0.3 m added for every additional 33,000 volts. The table is a convenience copy that points to the current electricity rules. If any figure ever differs, the CEA regulations are the binding text, and NBCS says the same: in case of any conflict, the regulations prevail. The bye-laws are a model that applies only where adopted.

A two-storey house with a flat roof set back behind a compound wall, with a concrete pole and overhead wires running along the street away from the house
AI-generated illustration: a house set back from overhead wires along a street. It does not show a measured or required clearance; ask the supplier.

What must happen before you build near a line?

CEA regulation 65 applies when a person proposes, after an overhead line has been erected, to erect a new building or structure. That person and the contractor give written intimation to the supplier or owner and to the Electrical Inspector, with a scale drawing of the proposed building and the scaffolding. The supplier examines whether the line can be altered and who bears the cost, and if the new work is liable, issues an estimate to be deposited. Regulation 65(6) says no work on the building shall commence or continue until the Electrical Inspector certifies that regulations 60, 62, 63, 66 and 79 have not been contravened during or after construction, with a proviso for work allowed before the line is altered if the line is guarded. Regulation 66 says no rods or pipes shall be taken below or in the vicinity of bare overhead lines (with a proviso for supervised transport), no material or earth work dumped below or near them in contravention of regulations 62 and 63, and no flammable material under the line. NBCS Part D Section 2 clause 4.9 says all erections and alterations having a relation to overhead lines shall comply with these regulations, with special reference to regulations 62 and 63. This page does not give the timeline or cost rules of regulation 65.

What do the documents not say?

What should I ask the supplier? (practice)

This is practice, apart from the regulations named. Do all of it in writing, before you design.

  • What is the voltage of this line?
  • What clearance applies sideways and from above?
  • Does any part of my plan come inside it: balcony, sunshade, parapet, water tank, terrace extension, staircase headroom, scaffolding during construction?
  • Can the line be raised or moved, who applies, and what is the process?

Show the lines on your site plan, tell your architect or engineer, and do not start work until it is settled. See building plan approval for a house: steps and documents and plot checks before buying: slope, drainage, soil, road and flood risk.

What mistakes should I avoid? (practice)

  • Assuming a low-voltage or insulated line is safe: treat every line as live.
  • Building or extending a balcony, terrace or parapet toward a line.
  • Starting before asking in writing.
  • Scaffolding, steel bars, iron boards or lifting rods near a line.
  • Antennas, flagpoles, solar panels or hanging wet clothes near a line.
  • Shifting, cutting or tying anything to a pole, stay or wire yourself.
  • Relying on a neighbour’s or mason’s guess.

What can I check myself? (practice)

From the ground only, and staying well clear of any low or fallen wire: look for wires over or near the plot and poles or stays inside it, and photograph them. Never measure by climbing or by using a pole. Call the supplier.

Frequently asked questions

How far must a house be from an electric line?

It depends on the voltage and the direction. The minimum clearances in CEA regulations 62 and 63 are in the table above; the supplier and the Electrical Inspector decide on site.

Can I build under an overhead line?

Regulations 62 and 63 say no building shall be constructed under an existing overhead line.

Is insulated wire safe to be near?

Regulations 62 and 63 give no separate smaller figure for insulated conductors. Treat every line as live.

Who moves a line?

The supplier alters a line after the process in regulation 65. Do not do it yourself.

Do the model bye-laws give different numbers?

Table 2.3 gives the same figures and points to the current electricity rules. The CEA regulations are the binding text.

This guide is general information. Read the disclaimer. The supplier and the Electrical Inspector decide the clearance for your plot; a licensed electrician advises.

Sources

General information only. It is not a structural design or professional advice. Ask a licensed structural engineer or architect to check your plans and site.