When operating near high-voltage powerlines rated at 100 kV, what clearance is required?

When operating near high-voltage powerlines rated at 100 kV, what clearance is required?

• A. 10 feet
• B. 15 feet
• C. 20 feet
• D. 25 feet

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the required clearance from energized overhead lines increases with voltage to prevent arcing or contact. For lines in the 50–200 kV range, the standard minimum distance is 15 feet. Since a 100 kV line sits in this range, 15 feet provides enough margin for line sag, wind, and movement of the equipment or load. If equipment or operations could reduce that distance (such as slewing or swinging loads), you must maintain or exceed that clearance or implement additional safety measures. Lower voltages require smaller clearances, higher voltages require larger ones, so 15 feet is the appropriate minimum for 100 kV.

The main idea is that the required clearance from energized overhead lines increases with voltage to prevent arcing or contact. For lines in the 50–200 kV range, the standard minimum distance is 15 feet. Since a 100 kV line sits in this range, 15 feet provides enough margin for line sag, wind, and movement of the equipment or load. If equipment or operations could reduce that distance (such as slewing or swinging loads), you must maintain or exceed that clearance or implement additional safety measures. Lower voltages require smaller clearances, higher voltages require larger ones, so 15 feet is the appropriate minimum for 100 kV.