Look Up For Overhead Lines
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.
| Line Voltage |
Minimum Clearance |
| Up to 50,000 volts(typical overhead line) |
10 feet |
| 50,000 volts to 200,000 volts |
15 feet |
| 200,000 volts to 350,000 volts |
20 feet |
| 350,000 volts to 500,000 volts |
25 feet |
| 500,000 volts to 750,000 volts |
35 feet |
| 750,000 volts to 1,000,000 volts |
45 feet |
Contact AEP
- 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