How much power in overhead lines?

[Tik-Tok]

Anyone know how much power is typically in a older (60's) city neighborhood overhead powerline? Would it be 0.75 to 22kV, or over 22kV's?

I'm looking into building a loft on top of my detached triple garage, and it means the difference between having virtually no minimum distance to the powerline, and having 3 meters of minimum distance.

[HuMz]

As an electrician we typically only tap in the from a step down transformer at much lower voltages for services, but I believe majority of overhead lines are in the neighborhood of 13.4kv or 13000+ volts. Any powerline man or enmax employees can hopefully confirm this on here.

[Tik-Tok]

Yeah, I'll have to contact Enmax to be certain, but just thought I'd get an idea first.

[black_shadow_18]

typically 14.4kv but can be much higher in SOME areas ie. downtown areas

[Cos]

Unless you are certified it is 7m. Our companies do a joint campaign on this exact thing.

http://www.wherestheline.ca/

If you have any questions you can let me know. It can vary from 7.2, mainly 25kV (not much 14.4 in the city), some can be 69kV but those are usually on 65' poles.

[Sophal]

When i worked on the enmax system i found that there are 2 common voltages around the city, 8kv single phase and 13.8kv 3 phase also with 14.4kv single phase and 25kv 3 phase. i'm running on the assumption you have a regular distribution line running down your alley. Only way to know forsure is to call the power company.

[hrdkore]

it would usually be 13.2KV down to a transformer. only outside city would find 25KV line.

[e31]

1.21 GIGAWATTS!!!

Although factually incorrect, Sorry I couldn't resist.

[eblend]

Sorry no clue, but seems like most people already answered. Also, you will have to check with the building code, when I was building my garage it said specifically something about not being able to build on top of the garage.

[Tik-Tok]

Thanks for the info guys. It's just an idea for now, but I'd like to know if I can do it, should I choose to.

Originally posted by eblend

Sorry no clue, but seems like most people already answered. Also, you will have to check with the building code, when I was building my garage it said specifically something about not being able to build on top of the garage.

According to the Cities "Secondary Suite" brochure, you can if you're zoned for it.

Although suites located within a home are the most common, a secondary suite may also take the form of one of the following:

• Above a rear detached garage.
• Detached (stand-alone) garden suite.

Above a rear detached garage
• Will have a maximum allowable height of 7.5 metres
above grade.
• Is subject to the maximum allowable parcel coverage for
your district.
• Is subject to the minimum required building setbacks for a
secondary suite – detached garage, which include:
(i) A rear setback of 0.6 metres for that portion of the
building used as a private garage; and 1.5 metres for
that portion used as a secondary suite.
(ii) A side yard setback of 1.2 metres.
• Must be located at least 3.0 metres from the house.

[Unknown303]

I'd check with Enmax before thinking anymore about it for sure.

Last think you want is a line issue lighting your house on fire because you're within limits of approach.