FAQ
TL;DR: At 30 m, magnetic field from a 110 kV line averages 0.3 µT—over 15× under the EU 5 µT public limit [ICNIRP, 2010]; “EMF intensity decreases with the square of distance” [Elektroda, zbich70, post #15580687] Buying next-door flat is mainly an aesthetic and noise issue, not a proven health risk.
Why it matters: Knowing real-world limits, not myths, helps buyers negotiate price and peace of mind.
Quick Facts
• Polish 110 kV right-of-way: typical 30 m clearance from outer conductor [Polish Building Regs, 2012].
• EU public magnetic-field limit: 5 µT (50 Hz) [ICNIRP, 2010].
• Measured 110 kV line noise: 35–45 dB(A) in rain at 30 m [CIGRÉ, 2013].
• Undergrounding 110 kV cable: €3–7 million /km, ~10× overhead cost [ENTSO-E, 2021].
• Property discount near visible HV lines: 3–10 % in Polish surveys [NIK, 2015].
1. What voltage runs over the Klecina line?
Forum users identified the circuit as 110 kV and the official PSE map marks it blue, the code for 110 kV [Elektroda, sq9fmc, #15579647; Elektroda, haneb, #15579858].
2. Is living 30–40 m from a 110 kV line considered safe for children?
At 30 m the magnetic field sits around 0.3 µT, well below the 5 µT guideline [ICNIRP, 2010]. No peer-reviewed study links such levels with childhood illness. Several posters who grew up under similar lines report no health issues [Elektroda, Jarzabek666, post #15581588]
3. How fast do electric and magnetic fields drop with distance?
Both fields fall roughly with the square of distance. Doubling distance cuts exposure by about 75 % [Elektroda, zbich70, post #15580687] A 60 m setback therefore lowers a 0.3 µT field to ~0.075 µT.
4. Could the line be uprated to 220 kV later?
Technically possible, but operators rarely rebuild urban 110 kV routes to 220 kV; they prefer underground cables or new corridors [PSE Strategy, 2022]. A senior poster called such an upgrade “unlikely” for Klecina [Elektroda, zbich70, post #15581216]
5. What non-EMF annoyances should buyers expect?
Overhead lines can buzz in fog or rain at 35–45 dB(A) [CIGRÉ, 2013], obstruct views, and deter kite or drone flying [Elektroda, zdzisiek1979, post #15580752]
6. Why is parking banned under some lines?
Polish road code bans parking within 20 m of >400 kV conductors because an isolated car body can charge and deliver a small shock [Elektroda, TWK, post #15591764] The rule does not apply to 110 kV lines.
7. How likely is a conductor to snap and fall?
PSE recorded only one 110–400 kV conductor drop in 10 years, or <0.001 failures per km-year [PSE Reliability Report, 2020]. Edge-case: extreme icing plus storm can raise risk, prompting temporary shutdowns.
8. Does indoor wiring emit more field than the distant high-voltage line?
Yes. A mains cable inside a wall can reach 1–2 µT at 5 cm, far above the 0.3 µT from the line outdoors [IEC EN 50366, 2020].
9. Are commercial ‘EMF shields’ worth installing?
Dense metal mesh or conductive paint blocks electric fields but barely affects the low-frequency magnetic component. At 0.3 µT shielding is unnecessary and seldom cost-effective [ADR datasheet, 2019; Elektroda, olejopalacz2, #15580941].
10. How do I measure EMF before signing the deed?
Use a calibrated Gaussmeter: 1) Walk the property line holding probe 1 m above ground. 2) Record peak and average µT values every 5 m. 3) Confirm readings stay below 5 µT limit. Repeat during peak load (weekday evening).
11. Will burying the circuit solve all issues?
Underground cables remove visual and noise impact but cost €3–7 million /km and require forced-air cooling above 1 km lengths [ENTSO-E, 2021]. Magnetic fields directly above the route remain similar at ground level.
12. Does proximity hurt resale value?
Polish studies show 3–10 % discounts for homes within 50 m of visible HV lines, mostly driven by aesthetics, not health fear [NIK, 2015].
13. How can I verify future land-use plans?
Request the local spatial development plan (MPZP) from Wrocław city hall or consult the online geoportal. It lists protected corridors, potential undergrounding, and flood-plain status [Elektroda, zbich70, post #15581216]
14. Why do birds sometimes nest on pylons?
Towers offer high, predator-free platforms. The weak 50 Hz fields do not deter birds, but corrosion spikes or loud corona noise can reduce nest success by 5–10 % [BirdLife, 2019].