New York State
Public Service Commission
Information Bulletin
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www.AskPSC.com
1-888-AskPSC1
Clearances and Heights for
Overhead Utility Conductors
In a recent meeting with New York’s Strategic Interagency Task Force on Lessening Obstacles to
Agriculture (SILO), representatives of the agriculture industry, growers and farmers reported that lowhanging utility lines can impede the use of agricultural equipment and limit access to otherwise prime
lands. Such utility lines can include electric transmission, distribution and service lines, as well as lines
used for telecommunications, cable TV, and broad band internet access. The purpose of this bulletin is
to provide information regarding the typical configuration of overhead utility lines, the standard vertical
distances from the lines to the ground and the steps to take if lines appear to be hanging low.
Utility Pole Configuration
The typical utility pole configuration that is seen running down the side of a roadway can be best
described by referring to the diagram shown below.
The lowest level utility lines are typically the communications lines (telephone, cable, etc.). Electrical
utility lines (phase, neutral, secondary) are at the highest level, or at the top of the utility poles. It is
important to note that while this diagram represents the usual utility pole configuration, it does not
represent all utility pole configurations. For example, there can be instances where only
communications lines are present or instances where only electrical lines are present. The vertical
clearances for lines A-D are described below. These minimum distances can vary depending on
location, pole/line configurations, and utility line characteristics.
Vertical Clearances
The governing standard for clearances between overhead utility facilities and land traversed by vehicles
is the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), which prescribes minimum requirements and is
considered the industry standard for such clearances across the country.
NESC Rule 232 covers the "vertical clearances of wires, conductors, cables, and equipment above
ground, roadway, rail, or water surfaces." The required clearances above roads, streets, driveways,
parking lots, and other land traversed by vehicles, such as cultivated, grazing, forest, or orchard land are
shown below.
Conductor
Clearance Comments
A Phase
18.5 ft
B Neutral
15.5 ft
C Secondary
16.0 ft
D Communication
15.5 ft
Applies to phase wires 22kV and below. For voltages above
22kV phase-to-ground, see NESC Rules 232C and 232D.
Applies to neutrals meeting NESC Rule 230E1.
Applies to secondaries 750V or less meeting NESC Rule
230C2 or 230C3 (triplex, quadruplex, etc.).
Applies to cable TV, phone, fiber optic cables, etc.
Compliance with Standards
Utilities are required to design, construct, and maintain all new facilities in accordance with this
standard. With respect to existing facilities, the code is revised on a continuing basis, and although
these facilities are not technically required to comply with the latest editions, most installations provide
adequate clearances for the appropriate nature of the surface.
Over time, these utility lines can sag below the original construction level, and the topography of the
area can be altered due to changes in land usage. The public should never attempt to touch or move a
utility line at any time and should always consider such lines “live” and dangerous. When confronted
with what appear to be low hanging utility lines, farmers and growers should first contact the utility
responsible for the line, be it the local electric company or phone, cable, or internet provider. If the
responsible utility is not known, the local electric company should be contacted.
If the facilities are shown to be out of compliance with current NESC standards, the applicable utility
shall be responsible for rectifying the situation. If the facilities are shown to be in compliance with the
standards, but the farmer desires the lines to be elevated to allow for access or equipment operation, the
farmer shall be responsible for the cost of any necessary work on the part of the utility.
Consumer Assistance
If a party wishes to dispute any aspect of the findings of the utility, does not receive adequate response
from the utility, or if they feel the situation is an immediate safety hazard, they should contact the New
York State Department of Public Service’s Helpline at 1-800-342-3377. The line is open from 8:30 am
to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.