Summary: The Seattle City Light (SCL) Overhead Power Distribution System requires a minimum horizontal and vertical clearance from buildings and structures, and other installations including signs, billboards, chimneys, radio and television antennas, and tanks. Required clearances allow for safe and legal operation of the system. It is important to note that whenever possible, SCL crews maintain and operate the Overhead Power Distribution System while energized to achieve the highest level of system reliability and customer satisfaction. The purpose of required clearances is to keep the general public and workers without high voltage electrical expertise out of harm's way. Clearances also provide adequate space for qualified electrical workers to operate safely and efficiently during construction and long-term operations and maintenance activity. Additional clearances are required to allow for regular building maintenance such as window-washing activities.
Date Revised: 11/16/2005