IDGC of Centre - Smolenskenergo cares about the protection of electrical networks

Power engineers of IDGC of Centre — Smolenskenergo division remind of the ban on carrying out any activities within the protected zones of overhead power lines (OPL) that might disrupt safe operation of electric grid facilities.

Unauthorized activities in the protected zone could result in damage to or destruction of the lines, causing damage to human health and occurrence of fires. In order to ensure public safety and good state of electric networks along the overhead lines (OL) protection zones in the form of a land lot and air space (voltage up to 1 kV — 2 meters, 1-20 kV overhead lines — 10 m, 35 kV overhead lines — 15 m, 110 kV — 20 meters) are created.

Protected zones are also made along the crossing of overhead lines across water bodies (rivers, canals and lakes) in the form of air space above the water surface limited by vertical planes spaced on both sides of the line from the outer wires in their switched-on position for navigable waters within 100 m, for non-navigable — at a distance, provided for the creation of protected zones along overhead lines crossing the land.

To avoid damage to power lines it is prohibited to light the fire within the protected zones of power lines, substations and other power facilities. It is forbidden to throw foreign objects onto wires and poles, as well as climbing poles and making dumps. It is also forbidden to move any mechanisms and perform any work with percussive mechanisms, throw off any weight over 5 tons, discharge and drain any caustic, corrosive materials, fuels and lubricants, use (launch) any aircrafts (including kites).

In addition, in OPL protected zones it is not allowed to construct, reconstruct or demolish any buildings and structures, blasting, planting and cutting of trees and bushes, wild farming with the use of agricultural machinery and equipment more than 4 meters in height.

For a written permission to perform actions interested persons need to file a request to the grid company responsible for operation of the relevant power facilities, not later than 15 working days prior to any work.

In case of finding damage to overhead power lines, please, call the 24/7 direct power hot line at 8-800-50-50-115 (toll free).