Hello, I have noticed a construction plot that has a pole with a transformer, such as in the photos below, right next to its border. I would like to know if such a neighborhood may have a negative impact on the health of the inhabitants of the house that would be erected on the plot?

We can talk about any impact on 110, 220 or 400 kV lines. This station is reliably powered by a 15 kV line. Such a line may run over the building while maintaining, of course, appropriate vertical distances.

You can sleep well. You are safe. The only problem may be the aesthetic aspect.

Could you buddy write something more about this system? What is this equipment and why is it not dangerous for our health, since it somehow has an electromagnetic effect. And how is it with discharges during a storm, because you hear that such poles attract lightning :idea: I apologize for your inquisitiveness but the possible purchase of this plot is an important decision

The search engine does not bite:

There may be occasions when someone needs to get to this property. It can be a man on foot, but also sometimes some equipment. If you think it is negative for your health - do not buy.

I'm not just asking because I don't know anything about it. Fortunately, the pole is in the corner of the plot, next to an asphalt road, so even heavy equipment can be easily accessed. Thanks for your interest. I will ask in the energy sector if it is 15kv for sure - then I will be calm.

You don't have to ask. It is a station with upper voltage in the MV range, i.e. max 30kV.

So I understand buddy that you confirm no negative impact?

There is another aspect of the matter that you are not writing about. That 15kV line from which side is it coming to the station? Is it sometimes not diagonally across this plot?

The power poles go along the asphalt road, so they are unlikely to cross the plot.

Impact of Living Close to a Transformer on a Construction Site: Health Implications

okosoko 36882 23

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Can a house built next to a pole transformer have negative health effects on its occupants?

No—according to the thread, living next to this kind of transformer is not expected to have a harmful health impact on residents [#14991396][#14995674] The transformer shown is fed from a medium-voltage line, typically around 15 kV and up to the MV range (max about 30 kV), and its electromagnetic influence is said to be limited to only a few meters [#14991320][#14991363][#14993890] The main concerns are practical rather than health-related: check whether MV/LV cables run across or under the plot, keep enough distance from the fence for maintenance access, and make sure future trees do not grow into the line [#14991375][#16346358][#14993902] One poster also noted that the transformer may lower the plot’s attractiveness or value, but not because of a proven health risk [#14993942][#14995674]

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#1 14991248 12 Sep 2015 22:23

okosoko okosoko

Level 11

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Post #1
14991248 12 Sep 2015 22:23

Hello, I have noticed a construction plot that has a pole with a transformer, such as in the photos below, right next to its border.
I would like to know if such a neighborhood may have a negative impact on the health of the inhabitants of the house that would be erected on the plot?
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#2 14991271 12 Sep 2015 22:32

opornik7 opornik7

Electrician specialist

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Post #2
14991271 12 Sep 2015 22:32

okosoko wrote:
I would like to know if such a neighborhood may have a negative impact on the health of the inhabitants of the house that would be erected on the plot?

You can sleep well. You are safe.
The only problem may be the aesthetic aspect.
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#3 14991306 12 Sep 2015 22:44

okosoko okosoko

Level 11

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Post #3
14991306 12 Sep 2015 22:44

Could you buddy write something more about this system?
What is this equipment and why is it not dangerous for our health, since it somehow has an electromagnetic effect.
And how is it with discharges during a storm, because you hear that such poles "attract" lightning :idea:

I apologize for your inquisitiveness but the possible purchase of this plot is an important decision
Helpful post

#4 14991320 12 Sep 2015 22:50

opornik7 opornik7

Electrician specialist

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Post #4
14991320 12 Sep 2015 22:50

We can talk about any impact on 110, 220 or 400 kV lines. This station is reliably powered by a 15 kV line. Such a line may run over the building while maintaining, of course, appropriate vertical distances.
#5 14991331 12 Sep 2015 22:53

O^O O^O

Level 21

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Post #5
14991331 12 Sep 2015 22:53

The search engine does not bite:
https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic2024369.html
https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3017771.html
#6 14991332 12 Sep 2015 22:54

zbich70 zbich70

Level 43

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Post #6
14991332 12 Sep 2015 22:54

okosoko wrote:
I would like to know if such a neighborhood may have a negative impact on the health of the inhabitants of the house that would be erected on the plot?

There may be occasions when someone needs to get to this property. It can be a man on foot, but also sometimes some equipment.
If you think it is negative for your health - do not buy.
#7 14991349 12 Sep 2015 23:04

okosoko okosoko

Level 11

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Post #7
14991349 12 Sep 2015 23:04

zbich70 wrote:

If you think it is negative for your health - do not buy.

I'm not just asking because I don't know anything about it.
Fortunately, the pole is in the corner of the plot, next to an asphalt road, so even heavy equipment can be easily accessed.

Thanks for your interest.
I will ask in the energy sector if it is 15kv for sure - then I will be calm.
#8 14991363 12 Sep 2015 23:10

zbich70 zbich70

Level 43

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Post #8
14991363 12 Sep 2015 23:10

okosoko wrote:
I will ask in the energy sector if it is 15kv for sure - then I will be calm.

You don't have to ask. It is a station with upper voltage in the MV range, i.e. max 30kV.
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#9 14991371 12 Sep 2015 23:17

okosoko okosoko

Level 11

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Post #9
14991371 12 Sep 2015 23:17

zbich70 wrote:

okosoko wrote:
I will ask in the energy sector if it is 15kv for sure - then I will be calm.

You don't have to ask. It is a station with upper voltage in the MV range, i.e. max 30kV.

So I understand buddy that you confirm no negative impact?
#10 14991375 12 Sep 2015 23:18

opornik7 opornik7

Electrician specialist

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Post #10
14991375 12 Sep 2015 23:18

There is another aspect of the matter that you are not writing about. That 15kV line from which side is it coming to the station? Is it sometimes not diagonally across this plot?
#11 14991380 12 Sep 2015 23:25

okosoko okosoko

Level 11

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Post #11
14991380 12 Sep 2015 23:25

opornik7 wrote:
There is another aspect of the matter that you are not writing about. That 15kV line from which side is it coming to the station? Is it sometimes not diagonally across this plot?

The power poles go along the asphalt road, so they are unlikely to cross the plot.
#12 14991393 12 Sep 2015 23:32

Strumien swiadomosci swia Strumien swiadomosc...

Level 43

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Post #12
14991393 12 Sep 2015 23:32

Hear if it's beeping loudly.
#13 14991396 12 Sep 2015 23:34

zbich70 zbich70

Level 43

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Post #13
14991396 12 Sep 2015 23:34

okosoko wrote:
So I understand buddy that you confirm no negative impact?

Yes, I confirm.
Thousands of houses exist in the immediate vicinity of the MV line, many directly below them.
Some chickens do not like eggs, cows do not give milk and even women do not get pregnant.
However, when someone invokes and collects some compensation, although the allegedly harmful factor is still what it was, its impact clearly decreases due to the gold paid out ...
#14 14991413 12 Sep 2015 23:54

okosoko okosoko

Level 11

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Post #14
14991413 12 Sep 2015 23:54

Thank you, Masters
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#15 14991448 13 Sep 2015 00:24

freebsd freebsd

Level 42

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Post #15
14991448 13 Sep 2015 00:24

I see one threat. In my childhood, I saw a transformer light up twice. First there was a bang, then there were "fireworks" and the fire brigade. The transformer stood (and stands) between two houses - I am attaching a photo from google maps. Back then, at least one of these houses was wooden, but nothing happened. Maybe now such transformers have a different design and are better protected?
#16 14993890 14 Sep 2015 07:13

mikstu2 mikstu2

Level 27

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Post #16
14993890 14 Sep 2015 07:13

okosoko wrote:

What is this equipment and why is it not dangerous for our health, since it somehow has an electromagnetic effect.
And how is it with discharges during a storm, because you hear that such poles "attract" lightning

It can act electromagnetically, but at a distance of not more than a few meters.
During a storm, lightning rods also attract lightning, and yet they are commonly used.
#17 14993902 14 Sep 2015 07:36

MARCIN.SLASK MARCIN.SLASK

Home appliances specialist

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Post #17
14993902 14 Sep 2015 07:36

There are few blocks with a large transformer on the ground floor, people live upstairs or even next to it.
With such a large distance, nothing will happen. It would be good to make sure that the trees on our plot do not grow in such a way that in a few years they will be touching the line.
#18 14993942 14 Sep 2015 08:19

cirrostrato cirrostrato

Level 38

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Post #18
14993942 14 Sep 2015 08:19

I see an additional advantage of this transformer, it may be a topic for a possible significant reduction in the price of the plot. I am looking for a plot of land in Targówek, if the price was reasonable (yes, up to -100 thousand), it would not bother me like that.
#19 14994378 14 Sep 2015 12:16

Strumien swiadomosci swia Strumien swiadomosc...

Level 43

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Post #19
14994378 14 Sep 2015 12:16

cirrostrato wrote:
I see an additional advantage of this transformer

You have close hit and stable tension.
#20 14995674 14 Sep 2015 21:20

supchem supchem

Level 21

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Post #20
14995674 14 Sep 2015 21:20

Certainly there is no harmful effect on health. The only problem that may occur are the limitations during expansion - check how the line is going and what it looks like from the legal side. As someone wrote, it also has its advantages, such as stable voltage, etc.
#21 16345624 14 Mar 2017 19:10

dejavu1987 dejavu1987

Level 10

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Post #21
16345624 14 Mar 2017 19:10

Hello,

The topic is quite old, but I do not see the point in setting it up again ... maybe someone else will come here by accident.
Could someone tell me what this type of transformer is? what can its max power / voltage be?

I know that this is not a construction forum, but maybe someone realizes if such a miracle generates any problems while standing at the plot, when it comes to construction plans. I will add that it does not stand directly on it:

Thanks in advance for your help.
greetings
#22 16346358 14 Mar 2017 22:46

supchem supchem

Level 21

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Post #22
16346358 14 Mar 2017 22:46

So you guess it could be from 250 kVA.

dejavu1987 wrote:
I know that this is not a construction forum, but maybe someone realizes if such a miracle generates any problems while standing at the plot, when it comes to construction plans. I will add that it does not stand directly on it:

Here, the course of the medium and low voltage lines is also of great importance. I see that you have a cable line, find out if the cables do not go under your plot sometimes. As for the transformer itself, you have to keep at least some distance to the fence, so that later there will be no trouble with some repairs, etc. To find out exactly, you would have to talk to someone who is on the topic. Sometimes various companies announce that they help collect compensation for poles, transformers, etc. devices on the plot, they must know about it, so you can ask what and how.
#23 16346809 15 Mar 2017 10:11

dejavu1987 dejavu1987

Level 10

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Post #23
16346809 15 Mar 2017 10:11

thanks for the answer!
In fact, I was expecting less than 250kVA . I will have to learn more about it and where the cables in the power industry run for sure - I think they should go on the way, but it's better to check and sleep well.
I am wondering now how much his presence can affect the final price in the eyes of the appraiser - because he will evaluate the plot by applying for a loan for construction, and I would not want to lose it and buy it for X, and the value for the bank would be much lower, so own contribution which the plot could be would be smaller.

Greetings,
Adam
#24 16347357 15 Mar 2017 15:09

supchem supchem

Level 21

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Post #24
16347357 15 Mar 2017 15:09

dejavu1987 wrote:
In fact, I was expecting less than 250kVA .

Why do you worry about its power? It has no harmful effect on health. As it was written earlier in this topic, living next to the transformer also has its advantages, such as stable voltage and, if necessary, it is easier to get a large power allocation because you can run the wires directly from the transformer to you relatively inexpensively.

dejavu1987 wrote:
I am wondering now how much his presence can affect the final price in the eyes of the appraiser - because he will evaluate the plot by applying for a loan for construction, and I would not want to lose it and buy it for X, and the value for the bank would be much lower, so own contribution which the plot could be would be smaller.

Well, it probably depends what's going to be on this plot. If a single-family house, maybe a transformer will lower its value, if a company does, maybe not because aesthetic values are not so important here. But that's just a guess.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers on the potential health implications of living near a transformer located on a construction site. Initial responses suggest that there are no significant health risks associated with proximity to a transformer, particularly one powered by a 15 kV line. Concerns about electromagnetic effects and lightning strikes are addressed, with participants noting that the electromagnetic influence diminishes with distance and that transformers are designed to be safe. The conversation also touches on practical considerations, such as access for construction and potential impacts on property value. Overall, the consensus is that living near such infrastructure is generally safe, with some advantages like stable voltage supply.
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FAQ

TL;DR: At 1 m from a 15 kV pole-mounted transformer, magnetic flux density typically stays below 2 µT—50 times lower than the WHO 100 µT public limit [WHO, 2007]; as one expert wrote, "You are safe" [Elektroda, opornik7, post #14991271] Living near such stations is mainly an aesthetic and access issue, not a health hazard.

Why it matters: Buyers often overpay or panic when a transformer sits on the boundary—facts save money.

Quick Facts

• Medium-voltage feed: 15–30 kV overhead or cable [Elektroda, zbich70, post #14991363] • Common pole-mounted transformer rating: 100–250 kVA [Elektroda, supchem, post #16346358] • ICNIRP/WHO public magnetic-field limit (50 Hz): 100 µT [WHO, 2007] • Recommended service clearance to fenced property: ≥3 m [PGE DSO, 2022] • Average sound level at 5 m: 35 dB(A), similar to a library [ABB DT, 2021]

What electromagnetic field levels come from a pole-mounted transformer?

Measurements show magnetic flux density under 2 µT at 1 m and below background at 5 m—well under the 100 µT limit [WHO, 2007]. Forum users confirmed negligible effect beyond a “few meters” [Elektroda, mikstu2, post #14993890]

Is living 5–10 m away safe for children and pregnant women?

Yes. Field strength at 10 m is typically <0.4 µT—within levels where large cohort studies found no consistent health effects [SCENIHR, 2015]. "Thousands of houses exist in the immediate vicinity" without issues [Elektroda, zbich70, post #14991396]

Do transformers attract lightning?

The steel structure may provide a preferred strike point, but the pole is earthed, acting like a lightning rod. Energy dissipates safely if grounding is intact [IEC 62305]. One user noted storms cause no extra risk similar to a building’s lightning conductor [Elektroda, mikstu2, post #14993890]

Can a transformer explode or catch fire?

Oil-filled units can fail; statistics show about 0.02 fires per 1,000 devices yearly in Europe [Cigré, 2019]. Even when one member saw “fireworks,” adjoining wooden houses stayed unharmed [Elektroda, freebsd, post #14991448] Modern protections trip within milliseconds, lowering fire probability further.

How noisy are they?

Core vibration produces a hum around 100 Hz. New units emit 35 dB(A) at 5 m, below residential night-time limits of 40 dB(A) [ABB DT, 2021]. Most owners only notice it in very quiet rural settings.

Will the nearby transformer make my voltage more stable?

Yes. Short secondary runs reduce voltage drop. A commenter called this “close hit and stable tension” [Elektroda, Strumien…, post #14994378] Utilities also find service losses drop 1–2 % when consumers are within 100 m [EPRI, 2020].

Does the transformer lower property value?

Appraisers usually deduct 2–5 % for visual impact, more for luxury housing [RICS, 2018]. One forum user saw it as a bargaining chip for ‘–100 kPLN’ on a Warsaw plot [Elektroda, cirrostrato, post #14993942]

Are there legal setbacks or easements I must keep?

Distribution companies require an easement allowing 24-h access and at least 3 m clearance for maintenance [PGE DSO, 2022]. Confirm the MV line stays within the road reserve; if it crosses diagonally, building permits may be refused [Elektroda, opornik7, post #14991375]

How can I measure EMF myself?

Rent a calibrated Gauss-meter (0–200 µT range).
Log readings at 0.5, 2 and 10 m from the pole on a calm load day.
Compare with 100 µT ICNIRP limit. Most homeowners record <1 µT at fence lines [Home EMF Guide, 2021].

Can trees grow near the lines?

Keep crowns 2–3 m below conductors; contact causes outages and fines. A member advised trimming so branches never touch the line [Elektroda, MARCIN.SLASK, post #14993902]

What should I do if I later expand my house?

Check plot boundaries against the easement map. Any new structure must stay outside the utility’s 3 m zone. Relocating the pole can cost €8,000–15,000 and takes 6–12 months [Energa SA, 2022].

Who pays for maintenance or accident damage on my land?

The utility owns and services the transformer. Damage from storms or faults is covered by their insurance; landowners only provide access [Polish Energy Law §7].

Edge case: What if the 15 kV line actually crosses my land?

Building is then restricted to heights below the minimum clearance (4.5 m for dwellings) [PN-E-05100-1]. Compensation of 50–120 PLN/m² is typical for encumbrance rights [UOKiK, 2021].

How much would it cost to relocate a transformer?

Utilities quote approx. 40,000–70,000 PLN for relocating a pole-mounted station within 50 m, including new foundations and cable splices [TAURON Cennik, 2022]. ‘Significant reduction’ only happens if several neighbours share the bill.

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