Which voltage requires a 20-foot minimum safe distance?

Which voltage requires a 20-foot minimum safe distance?

• A. 600kV
• B. 17.2kV
• C. 300,000V
• D. 1,000V

Answer: (C)

Keeping a safe distance from energized overhead lines is about preventing electrical arcing and contact. The required clearance increases with the line’s voltage, so higher voltages demand larger gaps. A line at 300,000 volts falls into the range where the standard minimum clearance is 20 feet. Lower voltages like 1,000 volts or 17.2 kV need much less than that, while a line as high as 600 kV typically requires more than 20 feet. So the 300,000-volt line is the one that calls for a 20-foot minimum safe distance.

Keeping a safe distance from energized overhead lines is about preventing electrical arcing and contact. The required clearance increases with the line’s voltage, so higher voltages demand larger gaps. A line at 300,000 volts falls into the range where the standard minimum clearance is 20 feet. Lower voltages like 1,000 volts or 17.2 kV need much less than that, while a line as high as 600 kV typically requires more than 20 feet. So the 300,000-volt line is the one that calls for a 20-foot minimum safe distance.