FAQ
TL;DR: For 50 Hz lines, public limit is 200 μT; "Compliance with these guidelines will provide protection against established adverse health effects." Buying near 110 kV lines is mostly a clearance, noise, reception, and easement issue, not proven health harm, when standards are met. [ICNIRP, 2010]
Why it matters: Buyers eyeing plots near 110 kV lines need clear, practical answers on EMF, reception, lightning, and legal risks.
Quick Facts
- 50 Hz public reference levels: electric field 5 kV/m, magnetic flux density 200 μT (general public). [ICNIRP, 2010]
- Example from this thread: local permit allowed a single-family house 7 m from a 110 kV line. [Elektroda, Michalinoo, post #17065988]
- Corona buzz rises in wet weather; inspect the site on a damp day for audible noise. [Elektroda, revolt, post #17067375]
- Transmission towers have grounded shield wires/lightning rods that divert strikes to earth. [Elektroda, stanislaw1954, post #17066930]
- Longwave 225 kHz radio reception can degrade near high-voltage lines. [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, #17068107]
Is living near a 110 kV line harmful to health?
Modern exposure limits for 50 Hz fields are 5 kV/m (E-field) and 200 μT (B-field). Building within permitted clearances typically stays below these values. ICNIRP states, "Compliance with these guidelines will provide protection against established adverse health effects." Focus on planning, easements, and comfort factors. [ICNIRP, 2010]
How far from a 110 kV line can I build a house?
Distance is set by the local development plan or your issued conditions. Verify what your municipality allows for single-family homes. Check the land and mortgage register for a utility easement that defines rights and clearances. Ask about any scheduled rebuilds or rerouting. This avoids later conflicts. [Elektroda, revolt, post #17067375]
Will a 110 kV line affect TV, radio, or mobile coverage?
Expect potential interference on longwave AM, notably around 225 kHz. Bring a portable radio and test on-site before buying. Digital TV, FM, and mobile services are usually unaffected when antennas and cabling are proper. If you depend on longwave, plan reception tests carefully. [Elektroda, Łukasz-O, #17068107]
Do power-line towers increase lightning risk to my house?
Towers have grounded hardware and lightning protection that shunts strikes to earth. They protect the network by providing a defined strike path. Treat the structure as a lightning conductor for the line, not a threat to your home. Install standard house lightning protection if required locally. [Elektroda, stanislaw1954, post #17066930]
Will I hear buzzing or crackling from the line, and when is it worst?
Audible corona noise can occur. It becomes more noticeable in rain, fog, or high humidity. Visit the plot during damp weather and listen near your planned build area. If noise bothers you then, it may bother you later. [Elektroda, revolt, post #17067375]
What legal checks should I do before buying a plot under or near a line?
Confirm if the line appears in the local plan or in your development conditions. Check the land and mortgage register for a recorded easement. Review any demolition or relocation commitment and its timing. Ask about modernization or new-line replacement risks. Document these items before you commit. [Elektroda, revolt, post #17067375]
The seller mentions a demolition agreement. Should I rely on it?
If the agreement is "for an indefinite period," treat the timeline as uncertain. Plan as if the line remains for decades. In this thread, the owner reckoned it could be around 20 years. Tie any pricing or plans to written, dated commitments. [Elektroda, Michalinoo, post #17067754]
Could the utility replace or upgrade the line later?
Yes. The line could be removed, modernized, or replaced with a new one. The impact differs if the new line uses the same corridor or different equipment. Verify intentions in writing before purchase. Build flexibility into your layout and expectations. [Elektroda, revolt, post #17067375]
How do I evaluate EMF exposure at the plot?
Use the public reference levels: 5 kV/m electric field, 200 μT magnetic flux density. Measure with a calibrated 50 Hz EMF meter or commission a survey. Record readings where you plan living spaces and bedrooms. Repeat during typical and peak load periods. Compare results to these reference levels. [ICNIRP, 2010]
- Map your house location to maximize distance from conductors.
- Measure or order a professional EMF survey at 50 Hz.
- Compare results to 5 kV/m and 200 μT public levels.
Are there safety issues for kids, ladders, or kites near the line?
Yes. Never climb the pole or attached hardware. Keep tall ladders, irrigation pipes, or machinery well clear of the conductors. Do not fly kites or drones near overhead lines. Tall plant can arc without direct contact in fault conditions. Follow official overhead-line safety guidance. [“Avoiding danger from overhead power lines (GS6)”]
How should I decide if anxiety about EMF remains?
Personal comfort matters. One forum expert summed it up: "If you have any doubts that it may be harmful, do not buy. If you don't have it, buy." Choose a plot you can enjoy without ongoing worry. [Elektroda, vodiczka, post #17066228]
What about day-to-day living next to a high-voltage line?
Some people treat nearby HV lines like other environmental burdens, such as traffic noise. One resident wrote, "I don't think that this line had a particularly significant impact on my health." Visit at different times and weather to judge your comfort. Balance aesthetics, noise, and layout. [Elektroda, Darom, post #17068501]
Where should I place the house on the plot to minimize impact?
Maximize distance from the line and tower within your building envelope. In this thread’s case, the planned house sits on the side by the road, farthest from the pole in the corner. Prioritize bedrooms and outdoor areas on the far side. [Elektroda, Michalinoo, post #17065988]
Can I harvest energy from the line’s field or feel shocks at ground level?
No practical energy can be harvested safely from a nearby transmission line. As one reply joked, "you would have electricity for free" if fields were that strong. Under permitted clearances, induced effects in small coils are negligible. Do not attempt any connection or harvesting. [Elektroda, kortyleski, post #17068002]
- if you intend to listen, of course 
