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Safe Distances for Electrical Equipment Tree Planting and Trimming Clearances

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Safe Distances for Electrical Equipment

Maintaining proper clearances around electrical infrastructure is critical for safety and uninterrupted service.

This page outlines requirements for pools, overhead electrical lines, and underground systems, ensuring compliance for property owners, contractors, and municipalities. Following these guidelines can help you protect people, property, and critical utilities.

If you have any questions or would like assistance, our Engineering team is here to help. You can reach us at [email protected].

Pool Clearances

Water and electricity present serious hazards when combined. If you’re installing a pool, hot tub, or water feature, electrical safety is essential.

  • Permits are required for most in-ground and above-ground installations.
  • Follow local regulations to keep your project safe and compliant.
  • Clearance matters: Clearance requirements follow the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) Section 68 and align with CSA Standards for overhead and underground systems.

Planning ahead and meeting these standards helps protect your family, your property, and your community.

Figures 1 and 2 below provide more details about clearance requirements, which vary by voltage and include allowances for pool accessories such as ladders, slides, and surrounding structures.

To ensure safety around pools, hot tubs, and water features, follow these minimum clearance requirements for overhead electrical infrastructure:

Pool Overheard Electrical Infrastructure Clearances

Zone Electrical Infrastructure Voltage Level Zone Description Minimum Clearance from Inside Walls of Pool and Outer Edge of Pool Accessories
A  Over Pool Area  Directly above pool and accessories  Not Permitted 
B  0 – 750 volts  Sloped area starting 1.0 m from pool edge to the secondary power lines 7.5 metres (25 feet)
C  750 volts – 46 kilovolts  Outer sloped area beyond Zone B, starting 1.0m from pool edge to the primary power lines 5.0 meters (16 feet) for new build and 3.0 meters (10 feet) for existing rearlot

Table 1

To ensure safety around pools, hot tubs, and water features, follow these minimum clearance requirements for underground electrical infrastructure:

Pool Underground Electrical Infrastructure Clearances

Electrical Infrastructure Voltage Level  Zone Description  Minimum Separation – Direct Buried Duct  Minimum Separation – Concrete Encased Duct 
Under Pool Area  Directly beneath pool and accessories  Not Permitted  Not Permitted 
0 – 750 volts  Beneath ground near pool  1.5 metres (5 feet)  1.0 metre (~3 feet) 
750 volts – 15 kilovolts  Extended underground zone  3.0 metres (10 feet)  1.5 metres (5 feet) 
15 kilovolts – 28 kilovolts  Further underground zone  4.0 metres (13 feet)  2.0 metres (6.5 feet) 
27.6 kilovolts – 44 kilovolts  Outermost underground zone  5.0 metres (16 feet)  2.5 metres (~8 feet) 

Table 2

Diagram showing required clearances for overhead power lines above and around a residential swimming pool area.
Side view showing required pool clearances from overhead wires and underground electrical equipment.
Aerial view diagram of a swimming pool with arrows showing required clearances from overhead electrical infrastructure.
Aerial view shows pool placement and safe clearances from overhead electrical infrastructure lines.

Electrical Clearances

Overheard Electrical Infrastructure Clearances

Maintaining proper electrical clearances is essential for protecting people, property, and equipment when working or building near overhead power lines. These clearances help prevent accidental contact, reduce electrical hazards, and ensure utility crews can safely access and maintain the system.

If you’re planning, designing, building, renovating, or maintaining a property. It’s critical to understand and follow clearance requirements, whether you are a planner, architect, contractor, or property owner. By meeting all applicable codes and regulations together, we can keep workers, residents, and our community safe.

Minimum Building Clearances

Diagram showing required 5-metre clearance around powerlines near a building, labelled as Primary & Secondary Powerlines Present.
Maintain a minimum 5 meter clearance on all sides where primary and secondary lines run near buildings.
Diagram showing a powerline with 5-metre clearance required on all sides, next to a multi-story building for primary powerlines present.
Maintain a minimum 5 meter clearance on all sides where primary high-voltage lines are present.
Diagram showing building overhead clearances with only secondary powerlines, detailing 3m clearances around the power pole.
Maintain a minimum 3 meter clearance on all sides where only lower-voltage secondary lines exist.

Other Considerations

Before planning any design, construction, or maintenance activity near overhead power lines, contact Burlington Hydro to confirm requirements and ensure safety. CSA C22.3 No. 1 prohibits placing both permanent and temporary structures above or below overhead power lines.

Clearance requirements protect everyone, including:

  • Workers — such as those using scaffolding, cranes, or performing sign installation and building maintenance
  • Occupants — including activities like hanging clotheslines, installing signage, or reaching from balconies

For your safety and compliance, always contact Burlington Hydro before undertaking any work within three meters of overhead power lines, including tree trimming. Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Electrical Safety Code, only Burlington Hydro employees or approved contractors are permitted to work near these lines.

Early coordination is key when planning new buildings or additions near overhead electrical lines. Inform Burlington Hydro as soon as possible during the design phase so proposed plans can be reviewed and so potential issues can be addressed before permits are issued. Sharing site plans and drawings upfront helps resolve safety concerns before they arise, avoiding costly delays, redesigns, or hazards later in the project. 

All new construction and additions must meet provincial safety codes and regulations, including the Ontario Building Code (OBC), the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), and Ontario Regulation 22/04 – Electrical Distribution Safety. These standards set mandatory minimum clearances from overhead power lines and apply to all building projections such as balconies, fire escapes, roofs, and exterior features. Following the requirements outlined in the figures below protects workers, occupants, and ensures the integrity of the electrical system. 

Always maintain safe distances from poles and anchor structures when working near electrical infrastructure. Contractors must follow the clearance formula and refer to the Figure below for guidance. Any excavation within the designated No Dig Zone requires prior approval from a Burlington Hydro Engineer to ensure safety and prevent damage.

Underground Electrical Infrastructure Clearances

Proper clearances around underground electrical infrastructure are critical for safety, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

These clearances must meet Burlington Hydro’s specifications and standards and apply to planners, architects, developers, contractors, municipalities, and property owners or managers. In addition to electrical systems, other underground utilities — such as water, gas, and telecommunications — should also be considered during planning to avoid conflicts and ensure safe access.

Maintaining these clearances allows electrical workers to operate, maintain, or replace equipment without obstruction (see Figure below). Failure to comply can result in delays to power restoration and additional costs for property owners to remove obstructions. By planning ahead, you help protect essential services and ensure safe, efficient operations.

Diagram of underground utility pole clearances with zones marked for excavation, collapse risk, and a central no-dig area.

First Step Before You Dig: Request a Utility Locate

Before you dig, drill, or install anything in the ground, Ontario law requires you to get a free underground locate from Ontario One Call. This simple step helps prevent damage to buried utilities and keeps you and your property safe. Request your locate at least five business days before starting work. It’s quick, easy, and free.

Learn More about Call Before You Dig

Excavating and Digging

Extreme caution is needed when digging near marked underground infrastructure or electrical poles, including guy wires and ground grids. Striking these components with a shovel or excavation equipment can cause serious damage and may lead to severe injuries or fatalities from electrical contact.

Before starting any excavation near electrical infrastructure, consult the Electrical Safety Authority’s Guideline for Excavating in the Proximity of Underground Distribution Lines and contact Burlington Hydro for guidance.

Municipalities and Property Owners

Electrical equipment must remain visible and accessible at all times, covering or concealing it is not permitted. Keeping proper clearances is essential for safety and for protecting assets near underground electrical infrastructure. Both municipalities and property owners share responsibility for ensuring these clearances are maintained.

Examples include:

  • Municipalities: bus shelters, traffic signs
  • Property Owners: decks or patio blocks, retaining walls, pool equipment, hot tubs, storage sheds, metallic objects such as mailboxes or flag posts, and outdoor patio seating (temporary or permanent)

Tree Planting and Trimming Clearances

Planting or trimming trees near electrical infrastructure requires proper clearances to prevent safety hazards and service interruptions. Always follow Burlington Hydro’s guidelines to keep equipment accessible and maintain reliable power.

Learn More about Tree Planting and Trimming Clearances