OSHA minimum horizontal separation between power lines and crane rigging; what distance?

• A. 10 feet
• B. 15 feet
• C. 20 feet
• D. 25 feet

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a safe horizontal distance from energized overhead lines is essential to prevent electric shock and arcing when a crane or its rigging is moved. OSHA sets minimum clearances that depend on the line’s voltage. For lines in the 200 kV to 345 kV range, the required minimum horizontal separation between the crane rigging and the line is 20 feet. This gap accounts for line sag, crane sway, and any incidental contact, providing a buffer to stop an arc from forming or the rigging from touching the live conductor.

If the lines were lower voltage, smaller clearances apply (10 feet for up to 50 kV, 15 feet for 50–200 kV). If the lines were higher voltage (above 345 kV), a larger clearance (25 feet) would be required. So 20 feet matches the standard for the 200–345 kV category, making it the correct safe distance in this context.