24/08/2026
🏠⚡ Building something? Check the lines first.
Planning a new shed, garage, carport, deck or extension? Adding scaffolding, working at height or digging on your property?
Before you start, take a good look around your site.
Overhead power lines and underground cables can create serious electrical hazards during building and renovation work.
⚠️ A few important things to remember:
🔹 Check before you dig – underground power cables may be present where you're planning to install posts, foundations, piles, fences or other structures. Use cable location services and check network information before excavation.
🔹 Check overhead lines before you build – buildings need to be positioned at safe distances from power lines. The required distance depends on the voltage of the line.
🔹 Scaffolding, ladders and long materials can make working near power lines particularly hazardous. A fall or accidental contact with a line can have life-threatening consequences.
🔹 Keep yourself, all machinery and vehicles at least 4 metres away from overhead power lines. If your project needs to be closer to overhead lines, you may need a Close Approach approval before work begins.
🔹 Need a temporary disconnection? If you're carrying out work such as roofing, painting, water blasting or other DIY activities near power lines, arrange a disconnection where required rather than putting yourself at risk.
📋 Planning a project? Contact Buller Electricity early. Reference maps, permits and close approach requests can take several working days, so don't leave electrical safety until the day you start.
👉 Find the requirements for working around power lines and underground cables:
https://bullerelectricity.co.nz/working-around-power-lines-cables/
For further advice, contact us:
📞 +64 (0) 3 788 8171
✉️ [email protected]
🏠⚡ Your new project shouldn't come with an electrical hazard. Check first. Plan ahead. Stay safe.
