What’s a clearance zone?
A clearance zone is an area of land that shows the safe distance between the electricity source and where you can build. Sticking to the clearance zone, ensures we’re able to safely access and maintain electrical infrastructure when needed, including any tradespeople who will carry out work on the premises in the future.

Clearance zone with acceptable and safe separation

Clearance zone with unacceptable and unsafe separation
Building restrictions
Because of the sheer size of our network, powerlines and structures are often located on or near private property. This is usually as a result of rapid urban development and increasing change in land use.
The following construction limitations have been developed with the safety of the landowner in mind. They include restrictions on:
- changing or disturbing the current ground level
- constructing or erecting any building or structure
- construction of fencing greater than 2m in height
- constructing, erecting, improving, enlarging or altering any storm water drain, basin or dam
- growing, cultivating or maintaining any vegetation exceeding 1.5m in height
- stacking or storing any material or garbage
- using machinery or vehicles exceeding 4.5m in height
- parking any vehicle or machinery exceeding 2.5m in height.
What’s the difference between a clearance zone and a danger zone?
While they might sound similar, a clearance zone and danger zone are two different things. Let’s explain.
The clearance zone sets the boundaries of where construction can safely occur in relation to powerlines or cables . Building inside the clearance zone may cause problems and put future workers at risk, by forcing them to work within the danger zone.
The danger zone is a specific area surrounding live electricity that no ordinary persons should enter with their equipment. The size of the danger zone is determined by the voltage of the electrical apparatus.
If you’re overseeing the work area, it's your responsibility to make sure work can be carried out safely outside of the danger zone, and that no one enters it. For example aerial visual covers (tiger tails) can be installed to improve the visual awareness of overhead powerlines - they do not provide insulation or reduce the danger zone.
As the developer or construction company, you have a duty of care to ensure your project is carried out with maximum safety and minimal risk for any current and future works (OSH Reg 3.140).
Calculating the clearance zone for your development
It’s important to check whether your proposed development will encroach on the clearance zone as early as possible. This will allow for a more thorough assessment of the proposed works, and give you time to make adjustments if necessary.
Clearance zone is calculated from the outermost conductor and is to be applied to both sides of the asset you are building near:

Please contact our Design Consultancy team or a suitably qualified professional (engineer, licensed surveyor or electrical consultant) when a building or structure is planned within the following clearance zones:
Voltage (kV)
|
Clearance Zone (m) *measured from either side of outermost conductor
|
Less than 66
|
3
|
66 - 132
|
6
|
220
|
10
|
330
|
20
|
Measurements listed above are indicative only. Due to different asset configurations we can provide you with detailed clearance zone measurements if you think you may be building too close.
The clearance assessment mapping tool can be used as a pre-planning tool to review the clearance zone for a proposed development. If you would like to know the specific voltage of the powerline in proximity to your work area, contact Dial Before You Dig.
How to use the tool
Enter the address of the proposed development in the search box to find out the clearance zone, which is based on the voltage of the asset in proximity to the site. To measure the setback of the proposed construction use the measurement tool located below the search box. If your development falls within the zone, further investigation needs to be carried out.