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Safety for Contractors
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Before You Break Ground: Boring & Excavation Guidelines
While You Dig: Arizona Blue Stake Laws
Throughout Your Project: Overhead Power Line Safety
The rules governing safe power line distances, also known as minimum approach distances, depend on the type of work your project involves. There are two specific categories with differing regulations:
1. Work that uses non-crane equipment and non-qualified electrical workers and materials
2. Work that uses cranes and derricks
Minimum approach distances can be somewhat complex for both types of work. It’s important to review the guidelines thoroughly and contact your regulating authority with any questions or concerns. For more information email publicsafety@aps.com.
Specialized Safety Tips
Every construction project comes with different rules and risks. Download our specialized recommendations to stay safe when dealing with farm equipment, lift rentals, equipment transportation and sign installation.
Farm Equipment
Lift Rental Companies
Mobile lifts, including man lifts and scissor lifts, often hit power lines during the building process. Prior to raising the device, it’s important to ensure no hazards are overhead and maintain the proper distance, as outlined in the table below.
Energized Line Voltage Approach Minimum Distance
| Up to 50,000 volts | 10 feet |
| 50,000 – 69,000 volts | 11 feet |
| 69,001 – 115,000 volts | 13 feet |
| 115,001 – 161,000 volts | 14 feet |
| 161,001 – 230,000 volts | 16 feet |
| 230,001 – 345,000 volts | 20 feet |
| 345,001 – 500,000 volts | 25 feet |
If for some reason you can’t complete your project within these guidelines, contact the APS Public Safety Department at publicsafety@aps.com to explore alternatives. In no situation should you operate equipment at a closer distance than what the table permits.
Oversize Loads
Be ready to provide your name, phone number, proposed route (with attached map, if possible), expected date of travel and the overall height of your load. We will respond within two business days.
Sign Installation & Maintenance
| Up to 50,000 volts | 10 feet |
| 50,000 – 69,000 volts | 11 feet |
| 69,001 – 115,000 volts | 13 feet |
| 115,001 – 161,000 volts | 14 feet |
| 161,001 – 230,000 volts | 16 feet |
| 230,001 – 345,000 volts | 20 feet |
| 345,001 – 500,000 volts | 25 feet |
