The OSHA 10-Foot Rule mandates that workers, tools, and equipment must stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines carrying up to 50 kV (kilovolts) of electricity. For power lines carrying higher voltages, the minimum safe distance must increase by 4 inches for every. The minimum safe distance from a power line depends on the voltage, the type of activity, and what's nearby, but the most widely recognized baseline is 10 feet for any person or piece of equipment near lines carrying up to 50,000 volts. That figure comes from federal workplace safety regulations. Building near power lines involves more than just safety — setback rules, OSHA requirements, and local codes all affect what you can build and where. Whether you're buying a home, evaluating a school location, or planning a construction project, this tool offers a simple and science-backed way to estimate safe distances.
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