At what distance must a qualified worker maintain from 500kV lines?

For work in proximity to high-voltage lines, maintaining a safe distance is crucial to prevent electrical hazards. In the case of 500 kV power lines, the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) stipulates that workers must typically maintain a clearance distance of 19 feet, 9 inches. This distance is established to ensure that even if there is any unforeseen circumstance, such as equipment failure or accidental movement, the risk of electric shock or arc flash is minimized.

Staying at this distance allows workers to perform their duties while significantly reducing the possibility of the electrical field from the high-voltage lines affecting them, as well as preventing accidental contact. This requirement is critical in ensuring worker safety around high voltage lines, which are among the most dangerous in terms of potential electrical hazards.

Other options may not align with the safety regulations and standards established for high voltage work sites. These regulations are in place to protect qualified workers while they perform maintenance and other operations near these powerful transmission lines.