Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 3.1 — General
PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.1.20.1.Clearance to Buildings

(1) A building shall not be located beneath existing above ground electrical conductors. (2) The horizontal clearance measured from the maximum conductor swing to the building, including balconies, fire escapes, flat roofs or other accessible projections beyond the face of the building, shall, (a) be not less than 1 m, for electrical conductors carrying voltages 750 V or less, except where necessary to connect to the electrical wiring of the building, (b) be not less than 3 m, for electrical conductors carrying voltages greater than 750 V but not exceeding 46 kV, (c) be not less than 3.7 m, for electrical conductors carrying voltages greater than 46 kV but not exceeding 69 kV, or (d) conform to the requirements of CAN/CSA-C22.3 No.1, “Overhead Systems,” for electrical conductors carrying voltages greater than 69 kV. (3) Where the swing of an above ground electrical conductor not owned or operated by an electrical supply authority is not known, a swing of not less than 1.8 m shall be used. (4) Sentences (1) to (3) do not apply to a building containing electrical equipment and electrical installations used exclusively in the generation, transformation or transmission of electrical power or energy intended for sale or distribution to the public.
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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.