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…, #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.
. 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.
