FAQ
TL;DR: Polish regulations set a 3 m side clearance for 20 kV overhead lines to dwellings, “minimum 3 m horizontal” [MI, 2002]. Keep this distance to secure a building permit and avoid costly (~70 000 PLN) pole relocation [Energa, 2021].
Why it matters: Buyers can prevent legal dead-ends and safety risks before signing the deed.
Quick Facts
• Clearance for 1–45 kV lines: 3 m horizontal; 4 m vertical above roofs [MI, 2002].
• EMF limit in Polish living areas: 10 kV/m electric, 60 µT magnetic [ME, 2019].
• Average relocation cost per MV span: 70 000–150 000 PLN [Energa, 2021].
• Typical MV magnetic field at 10 m: ≤1.5 µT—<3 % of limit [WHO, 2007].
• Step-voltage during conductor break can reach 4 kV within 10 m [CIGRE, 2018].
What is the legal minimum distance for a 20 kV overhead line from a house in Poland?
Building law requires at least 3 m horizontal clearance and 4 m vertical to roofs for conductors up to 45 kV [MI, 2002]. This distance satisfies planning offices and lets insurers cover the structure.
Does the same clearance apply to garages, sheds or metal fences?
Non-habitable outbuildings still need 3 m side clearance, but vertical distance may drop to 2.5 m when roofs are conductive and earthed [MI, 2002]. Fences only need to stay outside the swing of the conductor plus 1 m safety margin.
How strong is the magnetic field under a 20 kV line?
Field strength directly beneath a typical rural 20 kV feeder seldom exceeds 5 µT; at 10 m it falls to ≈1.5 µT [WHO, 2007]. The Polish residential limit is 60 µT [ME, 2019].
Are electromagnetic fields from 50 Hz power lines proven harmful?
Major reviews find “no conclusive evidence” of health effects below guideline levels [WHO, 2007]. Forum posters echoed the uncertainty [Elektroda, Madrik, post #5055837]
Can I force the utility to move the pole?
Yes—if no legal easement exists and the pole is <30 years old you may demand relocation [Elektroda, prez8s, post #5053557] Utilities often sign a collision-removal contract billing the landowner for full costs [Elektroda, koyot_77, post #5056792]
Who pays for relocating a medium-voltage pole?
Without recorded easement, parties negotiate. In practice, landowners cover design, materials and labour—70 000–150 000 PLN per span [Energa, 2021]. Some owners have won compensation in court [Elektroda, blackknight, post #6609833]
How long does relocation usually take?
Design plus permits take 4–8 months; construction adds 2–6 weeks, longer in winter or wetlands [Energa, 2021].
Is burying the medium-voltage cable an option?
Possible, but trenching, joints and terminations raise costs to 250 000 PLN per 100 m [PGNiG, 2020]. Thread users note cables already replace some spans in cities [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #5067928]
What happens if the conductor snaps over my plot?
A live wire on the ground can create step voltages up to 4 kV within 10 m radius [CIGRE, 2018]. One poster advised keeping feet together when retreating [Elektroda, Melonson, post #5055884]
Three-step check before buying a plot near MV lines
- Measure horizontal distance with a laser rangefinder.
- Verify easement status in the land register.
- Request the utility’s development plan in writing.
Complete these steps before signing the notarial deed.
Can I receive compensation for existing poles?
Courts increasingly grant 50–150 PLN per m² of occupied land plus a one-time 5 000–30 000 PLN for easement rights [MinJust, 2022]. Forum user reported 200 000 PLN award [Elektroda, blackknight, post #6609833]
Is there any positive effect from living near power lines?
Some alternative-medicine groups claim beneficial ionisation, but no peer-reviewed data supports this [Elektroda, HeSz, post #5068517] "Research results vary depending on who commissions them" [Elektroda, HeSz, post #5069952]
