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Behaviour near lines

The Swissgrid grid consists of around 12,000 pylons and 6,700 kilometres of lines. Part of this crosses cultivated land or passes close to populated areas. Swissgrid’s grid infrastructure meets the highest safety standards. However, a few safety rules need to be observed during planning activities and work, as well as sports and leisure activities near lines.

Topics on this page

Working near lines

  • Do not store any materials under pylons and lines

    Electricity pylons must be accessible around the clock – for example, to quickly rectify faults. Depositing heavy materials, such as silo bales, gravel or rubble at the base of a pylon can weaken its stability. If flammable materials such as wood catch fire, pylons may be damaged, or lines could fall, causing risk of electric shock.

  • Take care when installing electric livestock fences near pylons

    Never fasten a livestock fence to an electricity pylon. A lightning strike or short circuit in the line could cause a fatal electricity flow for people and animals. If you install a livestock fence near a line, this must be earthed until it is commissioned: the fence may become electrically charged due to the line’s magnetic field and cause an electric shock.

  • Constructions on or under the pylons are prohibited or subject to approval

    Do not attach constructions, such as bird houses or huts, to pylons. They impair the accessibility and stability of pylons. The installation of small ecological structures, such as biotopes, under pylons is possible but is subject to approval.

  • Secure covering materials against strong wind gusts

    If you cover construction materials, wood or vegetable fields with non-woven material or tarpaulins in the vicinity of lines or electricity pylons, they must be well-protected against wind gusts. If they are blown away by the wind and hit a line there is a risk of faults or electric shocks.

  • Take care when planting trees near lines

    A tree planted in an incorrect location can become a hazard over the years – branches that are close to the line can cause a fault or a fire. The easement contract between Swissgrid and the landowners states the distances that need to be observed when planting trees.

  • Particular caution is required when using large machinery near lines

    Do not use large agriculture and construction machinery, such as mobile cranes and snow blowers, near power lines where possible. Make sure that extensible elements, such as lifting platforms or telescopic arms, never move near lines – there is a considerable risk of electric shock. Please contact Swissgrid if you have any questions on using this type of machinery.

  • Statutory provisions and standards exist for planning and construction near lines

    Do you live near a line, and are you intending to develop your property? Are you planning a building or an infrastructure near a line, or are you responsible for the relevant construction activities? Please be aware that extensive regulations need to be followed in this regard. Important legal bases are the Ordinance on Electric Lines and Cables (LeV), the Ordinance on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation (NISV) and the Ordinance on Occupational Health and Safety during Construction Work (BauAV).

Sports and leisure near lines

  • Do not climb on pylons

    Unauthorised persons are strictly prohibited from climbing electricity pylons. This poses a fatal risk of electric shock or falling from a great height. Only trained and authorised Swissgrid personnel may climb the pylons.

     

     

  • Keep your distance from lines and electricity pylons in thunderstorms

    If you are surprised by a thunderstorm when walking, jogging or hiking, make sure that you maintain a distance from pylons and lines. If lightning strikes a pylon, there is an increased risk of electric shock in the immediate vicinity that can be caused by a high step voltage.

  • Always maintain a safe distance when flying

    Paragliders, kites, drones, model aircraft: aircraft may get caught in the lines and cause an electric shock. Their retrieval is time-consuming and expensive. When using aircraft, always make sure to maintain a safe distance of at least 40 metres from the lines.

  • Take care during leisure activities near lines

    Whether you are camping, fishing or lighting a fire: caution is required when you participate in leisure activities near lines. In case of doubt, always keep a safe distance from the line. There is a risk of electric chock if fishing rods get caught in the line or if the line is damaged by fire.

  • No fireworks near lines

    Lighting fireworks near lines is strictly prohibited.

Enquiries on lines

Do you have questions on an extra-high-voltage line near you? Are you planning to erect a building or temporary infrastructure (e.g. livestock fence or biotope) near a line? Our experts would be pleased to answer your questions.

Submit enquiry

Links

Ordinance on Electric Lines and Cables (in German)

Ordinance on Protection from Non-Ionising Radiation (in German)

Suva pamphlet «Warning, electric shock! Using work equipment near overhead lines» (in German)

Ordinance on Occupational Health and Safety during Construction Work (in German)

Ordinance on the Safe Use of Cranes (in German)

  • | Blog

    Extra-high-voltage lines as a danger to aviation

    Read our blog article «When the ground gets closer» to find out how pilots prepare for meeting dangerous obstacles such as extra-high-voltage lines and how they should react when flying.

    Learn more

  • Additional pamphlets and safety information

    Regulations and standards on the protection of people and the environment during work on and near lines.

    Learn more

Downloads

  • 13 September 2024 | V 1.0
    Leaflet: Helicopter support for on-call emergencies
    PDF
  • 28 July 2023 | V 2.0
    Small structures on and under overhead line pylons (in German)
    PDF
  • 20 June 2022
    Information for emergency services (in German)
    PDF
  • 24 March 2022
    Factsheet: Helicopter flights in the vicinity of extra-high voltage lines (in German)
    PDF
  • 16 March 2021
    Working near lines
    PDF
  • 17 December 2024
    Working safely in Swissgrid's electrical installations (in German)
    PDF
  • 16 March 2021
    Sports and leisure near lines
    PDF
  • Factsheet: Emergency shut-down
    PDF

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