Power Line Clearance Heights in NSW: The Actual Numbers

The Minimum Clearances

For the insulated overhead service line to a home, the rules require (measured vertically, maintained under sag and wind): 3.0m over residential driveways and any area around a dwelling used by vehicles; 2.7m over land not used by vehicles — typical backyards and side passages; 2.7m above parts of any structure people can normally access, like decks and balconies; 1.25m above any area of roof; and 4.5m over vehicle-accessible land on acreages and hobby farms.

Public road crossings need 4.9–5.5m depending on the road. And the service line must stay at least 0.5m clear of trees and shrubs in every direction — a clearance the property owner must maintain.

These clearances have to hold in the worst case: cables sag on hot days and under load, and swing in wind. A line that clears a ute in winter can fail the rule in a February heatwave.

The Point of Attachment Has Rules Too

The fixing where the service line lands on your house — the point of attachment — must be at least 3m above ground, and no higher than 6.7m on a building. It must face the street mains and never take the line across a neighbour's property.

This is why renovations so often trigger Level 2 work: build a carport under the line, raise the driveway, or extend towards the street, and a compliant connection can become non-compliant overnight.

What to Do if Your Line Is Too Low

A low service line is a genuine safety hazard — for tipper trucks, boat trailers, ladders and anyone working on the roof — and it's a standard trigger for a defect notice. The fix is usually raising or relocating the point of attachment, installing a taller bracket or private pole, or converting to underground supply.

All of that is Level 2 ASP work, because it involves the live network connection. Never attempt to lift, tie back or re-route a service cable yourself.

Check Before You Build

Planning a carport, driveway change, extension or second storey? Get the service line assessed first — moving the connection is straightforward when it's planned and painful when it stops a build mid-way. Call Sydney Power Group on 0466 125 125 or book a free quote.