Power cables

[Zola78]

I am about to sign the contract on a new house in a village just outside of midhurst. I have seen the property several times. We took the children down to see it and became aware of a power line running through the garden over the garage. I have checked out the wattage and it's 33kv (apparently lowest high voltage). Now would you do it or should we reconsider? There is suppose to be no ill effect at this voltage but still! I spoke to the surveyor and he said that it wasn't even an issue in terms of resell etc. Just worried!!!

Where we live in rural Devon all our power lines are overhead, none are buried. No one turns a hair.. The line to our house has got two tall trees growing too close to it, and the electricity company don't allow anyone else to deal with the trees - it's their responsibility due to the proximity to the cables, but they will arrange their own tree surgeon to sort it when it needs doing. Other than that, it's all perfectly usual.

I think 33kv cables are commonplace - especially in suburban and urban areas. It's the more powerful cables (if that's the right word) attached to large pylons which are thought to pose health risks, and that's to do with magnetic fields, rather than the electricity itself flowing through.

Absolutely fine. I wouldn't put my tongue on it, but it wouldn't put me off buying a house.

If there is a risk, you can have your DNO look at it. We had our TNT supply moved (alot less than 33kv) because it "could" have been a hazard western power just obviously had guys standing around waiting for work

no risk ever shown - see 'sense about science' for details.

however check things such as access and 'wayleaves' - we have a power cable running over our garden and the nice people from the leccy company turn up every 3 years to trim the trees near it. Suits us fine, but we have to give access - not a problem for us.

remember you live in an e-field if you have an electrical supply to the house, wi-fi, mobile phones etc etc etc.

Thank you for all your responses. I feel a lot more at ease. I phoned the electricity company to ensure that they are at the right height and they said that they would check. Thanks again!!!