Overhead power lines are not insulated like household power cords. What may look like insulation is actually weatherproofing material. Never touch an overhead line.
Coming in contact with power lines can easily lead to electrocution. If your ladder or piece of equipment touches an overhead line, both you and the equipment can become path for the electricity.
Safe Distances
Keep long tools, ladders, scaffolding, and other equipment away from overhead lines. Minimum safe distances increase as line voltage increases. Weather conditions and other factors also can affect safe distances.
The following table shows minimum safe distances based on line voltage.
- Contact AEP Ohio if a project requires you to work near power lines. For example, if you're trimming a tree near your service drop, we can de-energize the line for you.
- Call (800) 672-2231
Use the “Look Up For Lines” Fact Sheet as a tool for training classes, community events, and more.
Use the “Anatomy of a Transmission System” Fact Sheet to understand more about how electricity travels across power lines.
Use the “Anatomy of a Distribution System” Fact Sheet to understand more about how electricity moves across power lines to your wall outlet.