Outdoor and power line safety

Electricity is delivered through an extensive network of overhead and underground systems. If they’re not treated with caution, these systems can pose serious health and safety risks. Find out how to stay safe around power lines, trees and utility equipment, and when planning your outdoor projects.

Report downed power lines

Report damaged equipment

View clearance rules

Submit a locate request

How to stay safe around power lines, trees and utility equipment when planning your outdoor projects

Power lines can be knocked down by storms, ice buildup, accidents or equipment failure. Always assume any downed power line is live and dangerous.

If you see a downed line:

Call 9-1-1 immediately, then call Hydro Ottawa at (613) 738-6400.
Stay at least 10 metres (33 feet - or the length of a school bus) away from the wire and anything it touches. That includes water, vehicles, fences and trees. Electricity can travel through the ground, especially in wet conditions.
Do not touch anyone or anything in contact with the wire.

If you’re in a vehicle that has made contact with a power line:

Stay in your vehicle unless there’s an immediate danger (e.g., fire).
If you must exit, do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
Open the vehicle door all the way. Ensure that you use the handle and do not touch any other part of the door.
Get ready to jump by removing loose clothing and standing inside your vehicle near the door. Bring your elbows and hands close to your body.
Jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together (like the man in the image) and without stumbling shuffle away (like the woman), keeping both feet in contact with each other until you're at least 10 metres away.
Once you are in a safe area, wait for emergency crews to arrive.

Illustration of vehicle and how to stay safe around downed power lines

All overhead power lines are dangerous. Power lines at the top of hydro poles are not insulated and can deliver a fatal shock even without direct contact. This is because electricity can arc through the air, meaning you don’t need to touch a line to be seriously hurt or killed.

Always remain at a safe distance from power lines.

How far is safe?

Power lines that are on poles (within the city): Stay at least 3 metres (10 feet) away.
Power lines on metal transmission towers: Stay at least 6 metres (20 feet) away.

These safe distances apply to you, your tools, ladders, equipment, tree branches, or anything you’re handling.

If you’re unsure how far to stay back or need to work near power lines, contact a licensed electrical contractor or contact us for guidance.

Safety tips:

Never touch or approach an object in contact with a power line.
Avoid flying kites, drones or aerial toys near wires.
Contact us for assistance with any objects near power lines.
If you see a downed power line, stay back at least 10 metres (33 feet) and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Planning a new building or renovation near power lines? Check out our brochure for information about clearance standards and requirements.

Watch the video below to learn more about safety around power lines.

Electrical infrastructure keeps the power flowing. But it can also pose serious hazards if not treated with care. Always stay clear of utility equipment and report anything that looks damaged or unsafe.

Pad-mounted transformers (green boxes):

These locked metal cabinets contain high-voltage equipment.
Never climb, sit on or tamper with them.
Maintain a clear path around the transformer and avoid blocking the front of it with fences, landscaping or snow piles. Our crews may need access during outages.

Pole-mounted transformers:

These are mounted on hydro poles throughout your neighbourhood.
Always stay at least three metres away. Electricity can arc through the air even without direct contact.

Substations:

Substations reduce high-voltage electricity for safe local distribution.
They are marked with warning signs and should never be entered or approached. This is because the equipment is always energized.
Do not attempt to retrieve items (like balls or frisbees) that land inside. Call us for help instead.
Report any open gates, damaged fences or signs of vandalism immediately. These could pose serious public safety risks.

Tip: Always supervise children and pets around outdoor electrical equipment and teach them to stay away.

To report damaged equipment, call us at (613) 738-6400 or visit our Contact us page.

Before installing a fence, building a deck, planting a tree or doing any work that involves digging, you need to know where underground utilities are located. If you strike a buried power line, it can result in serious injury or death.

Steps to digging safely:

Identify your dig area.
Contact Ontario One Call at least five business days in advance.
Wait for utility locations to be marked.
Do not dig within one metre of the marked lines.

Booking a public utility “locate” is free and required by law under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Learn more at OntarioOneCall .ca.

Planning to install a swimming pool or hot tub? Stay safe by following electrical clearance regulations.

Before starting construction:

Review both overhead and underground wiring rules.
Get the necessary permits and “locates” of underground electrical infrastructure.
Ensure all pool-related features (decks, fences, sheds, hot tubs) meet clearance requirements.
Always contact OntarioOneCall .ca before digging and consult us if you have clearance concerns.

Download our brochure for more guidance on how to safely install a hot tub or swimming pool near electrical wires.

Hydro Ottawa crews work year-round — day and night, in all weather conditions — to maintain and upgrade the electricity distribution system. This includes making improvements to our stations, expanding substations, or doing other upgrades to support customer growth and emergency capacity.

When you see crews in your neighbourhood, follow these safety tips:

Walking near a work site:

Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions like phones or headphones.
Follow all signage and instructions from crew members. Even if no one is present, the equipment may still be dangerous.
Walk only in designated areas. If you’re not sure, ask a crew member for assistance.

Driving near a work site:

Slow down and proceed cautiously.
Keep a safe distance from crews and all equipment.

Additional safety tips:

Do not approach or touch machinery, especially while in use.
Call Hydro Ottawa at (613) 738-6400 or visit the Contact us page.
Take extra precautions near crews working at night or during storms.