WAYLEAVE CODE OF PRACTICE

June 2011
Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Normative References................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 List of Acronyms ....................................................................................................................... 4
2. SCOPE ....................................................................................................................................... 5
3. OBJECTIVE .............................................................................................................................. 5
4. DEFINITION ............................................................................................................................. 5
5. PURPOSE OF A WAYLEAVE ................................................................................................ 5
6. FIRE, ELECTRICAL HAZARDS IN THE WAYLEAVE ....................................................... 6
7. FACTORS AFFECTING WAYLEAVE WIDTH ..................................................................... 6
7.1 Land Ownership ......................................................................................................................... 6
7.2 Availability of Land ................................................................................................................... 6
7.3 Economic Activities ................................................................................................................... 7
7.4 Height of Tower (Structure) and Voltage Levels....................................................................... 7
7.5 Statutory Regulations ................................................................................................................. 7
8. RESPONSIBILITIES & PROCEDURES IN WAYLEAVE MANAGEMENT ....................... 7
8.1. General Requirements of Wayleave Maintenance ..................................................................... 7
8.2. Procedures for Bush Clearing .................................................................................................... 8
8.3. Wayleave Clearing Requirements.............................................................................................. 8
8.4. General Guiding Principle ......................................................................................................... 8
8.5. Vegetation Removal Standard ................................................................................................... 8
8.6. Vegetation Control ..................................................................................................................... 8
8.7. Vegetation Removal in Forests and Protected Areas ................................................................. 8
8.8. Wayleave Access ....................................................................................................................... 8
8.9. Use of Herbicides....................................................................................................................... 9
8.10. Vegetation in River Approaches and Erosion Sensitive Areas .................................................. 9
8.11. General Considerations in Wayleave Maintenance ................................................................. 10
8.12. Control of Danger by Safe Clearances ..................................................................................... 10
9. MINIMUM CLEARANCES ................................................................................................... 10
9.1. The Basics of Power Transmission Tower Design .................................................................. 10
9.2. Minimum Permissible Ground Clearance ................................................................................ 11
9.3. Power Line Crossings - General .............................................................................................. 11
9.4. Crossing Over Rivers ............................................................................................................... 12
9.5. Crossing Over Telecommunication Lines................................................................................ 12
9.6. Crossing Over Railway Tracks: ............................................................................................... 13
9.7. Minimum Horizontal Separation between Power lines ........................................................... 13
9.8. Recommended Vertical and Horizontal Separation between Power Lines.............................. 13
9.9. Distribution Lines along Transmission Wayleaves ................................................................. 14
9.10. Height of Structures and Conductors of Distribution Lines .................................................... 14
9.11. Clearance from Underground Pipes and Cables ...................................................................... 14
9.12. Clearance from Storage and Handling of Flammable Substances ........................................... 14
9.13. Conductor Spacing ................................................................................................................... 14
10. STANDARD WAYLEAVE PRACTICES.............................................................................. 15
10.1. Standard Minimum Transmission Line clearances .................................................................. 15
10.2. Standard Wayleave Width ....................................................................................................... 17
10.3. Standard Spacing of Conductors .............................................................................................. 18
10.4. Distance between Outer Conductor and Edge of Wayleave .................................................... 18
11. SAMPLE CALCULATION METHOD OF WAYLEAVE WIDTH ...................................... 19
12. EXAMPLES OF WAYLEAVE PRACTICES ........................................................................ 23
13. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................ 23
APPENDIX 1 - Extracts from Wayleave Practices in Selected Countries ........................................... 24
A1.1. Australia ................................................................................................................................... 24
A1.2. ESKOM (South Africa) Minimum Clearance and Wayleave Width ....................................... 25
A1.3. ZESCO Wayleave Widths ....................................................................................................... 25
A1.4. CEC Wayleave Widths ............................................................................................................ 26
A1.5. USA State of California Wayleave Width ............................................................................... 26
A1.6. Iranian Standards ..................................................................................................................... 27
A1.7. SAPP Transmission Lines Clearances Guidelines ................................................................... 29
APPENDIX 2 - Procedure for Transmission Line Wayleave Acquisition ........................................... 30
A2.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 30
A2.1.1. Line Route Identification ....................................................................................................... 30

A2.1.2. Route Surveying ..................................................................................................................... 30

A2.1.3. Acquisition of Consents ......................................................................................................... 30

A2.1.4. Regulatory Approvals ............................................................................................................ 31

A2.2. Registration of the Wayleave ................................................................................................... 31

1. INTRODUCTION

This Wayleave Code of Practice was developed by the Zambian Electricity Supply
Industry (ESI) Safety Liaison Committee established by the Energy Regulation Board
(ERB) in 2005. The main objective of this document is to provide guidance to all ESI
players such as utilities and other industrial users of the safety requirements in the
construction and maintenance of Electrical power lines.

Failure to maintain adequate Wayleave can result in dangerous situations, including

ground faults that could disrupt the transmission and distribution of electrical energy
to customers and posing safety risks to people and property.

Many utilities are slow to act to address the issue of maintaining a safe Wayleave due
to the perception of increased costs and the pressure from landowners and
environmentalists to leave trees standing.

1.1 Normative References

The following legislation and regulations contain provisions that may be relevant to
these Wayleave standard guidelines. All subsequent publications of the said legal
documents shall apply:-

i). The Electricity Act Cap 433 of the Laws of Zambia

ii). The Land Acquisition Act of 1975
iii). Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Act of 1990
iv). Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Statutory Instrument No. 28 of
1997)
v). Pests and Toxic Substances Regulations
vi). Hazardous Waste Regulations of 2001
vii). The Forest Act of 1999
viii). Factories Act 1967
ix). Zambia Wildlife Act 1998
x). National Heritage and Conservation Commission Act 1989
xi). Local Government Act 1991
xii). Town and Country Planning Act 1962
xiii). The Energy Regulation Act Cap 436 of the Laws of Zambia

1.2 List of Acronyms

ERB Energy Regulation Board of Zambia

ZESCO ZESCO Limited
CEC Copperbelt Energy Company
ROW Right Of Way
kV kilo Volt
ESI Electricity Supply Industry
2. SCOPE

These guidelines specify minimum requirements for Wayleaves of overhead

transmission and Distribution lines for voltages levels between 11kV and 800kV. The
minimum requirements shall apply to all new installations and existing infrastructure,
where feasible.

3. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this Wayleave Code of Practice is to ensure safety in the construction
and maintenance of electrical power lines. For power line maintenance purposes,
guidance is provided to ensure that vegetation clearing and Wayleave maintenance is
done in the most effective, safe and environmentally compliant manner that would
ensure safe mechanical and electrical operation of the line or substation thereby
minimizing the risk to line operators, maintenance teams, and the general public.

In the construction of new transmission lines, the stated minimum clearances shall be
observed to safeguard both people and property

4. DEFINITION

The relevant definitions as given in the legislation and regulations mentioned in

section 1.1 above shall apply. Further, all new definitions that are relevant to this
Wayleave standard, as may be published in the subsequent publications of the
legislation and regulations, shall apply.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, ‘Wayleave’ shall mean:

“A swath of land or area of land appropriately cleared of vegetation under a power
line or any such electrical infrastructure.” The total width of the cleared area under
the power line determines the boundaries of a Wayleave. In electrical terms, a
Wayleave is a largely passive but critical component of a transmission line.

A Wayleave is also called a Right-of-Way (ROW).

5. PURPOSE OF A WAYLEAVE

Primary purposes of a transmission line Wayleave are firstly, to maintain public

safety and the safety of utility employees, and secondly, to keep power flowing
reliably across the transmission and distribution systems, delivering electricity to the
customers across the country.

A Wayleave provides a safety margin between the high voltage lines and surrounding
environment, structures and vegetation. When vegetation and objects are closer to the
transmission lines, flash-overs can occur resulting in harmful effects or power
interruptions. Dangerous occurrences such as conductor snapping and tower
collapsing may occur but Wayleaves provide some level of safety in such cases.
Wayleaves also provide access for ground base, transmission towers and other line
components inspections, and transmission repairs whenever necessary.
 Failure to maintain an adequate Wayleave can result in dangerous situations,
including ground faults that could disrupt the transmission and distribution of
electrical energy to customers.

In general, if a utility has a wider Wayleave, well documented Wayleave easement

rights, and exercises those rights fully, it will be more successful in avoiding
vegetation-line contact than a utility that maintains narrower Wayleave. A narrow
Wayleave increases the risk of contact with vegetation that is outside of the Wayleave
zone and other objects adjacent to the transmission line. Expert commentary asserts
that most tree- to-power line contacts occur when trees fall onto lines from outside the
Wayleave.

6. FIRE, ELECTRICAL HAZARDS IN THE WAYLEAVE

Trees growing near power lines can cause a fire, as well as pose an electrical hazard
to anyone in contact with the tree at ground level. Trees do not have to physically
touch an energized power line to be dangerous. Electricity can arc from the power line
to nearby trees given the right conditions, such as a voltage surge on the line from a
nearby lightning strike. Resulting electric current can potentially kill anyone caught
near the tree and can cause a fire.

The arcing associated with vegetation can also cause power outages. Tree-related
power outages are more than just an inconvenience. They may not only disrupt
service to your home or business but may also disrupt power to hospitals, emergency
response centers and patients on life-support equipment.

The Electrical Safety Code (ZS 418) specifies that power lines be kept at specific
distances from nearby objects—including trees. The code requires greater clearances
for high voltage transmission lines compared to their low voltage ones. For the same
safety reasons, transmission lines Wayleaves are wider than those for distribution
lines.

7. FACTORS AFFECTING WAYLEAVE WIDTH

The Wayleave width is generally determined by a combination of factors that is

briefly described below;

7.1 Land Ownership

When land is owned by private individuals, they normally impose restrictions on the
amount of land they can accept to release for power lines Wayleave.

7.2 Availability of Land

When land is owned by the state or local authority the Wayleave width may be
determined by whether the line is passing through an urban area or a rural area. Rural
areas have more land than urban areas. If the line is passing through both rural and
urban areas, the minimum available width may be adopted as long as it is proved to be
safe enough.
7.3 Economic Activities

Economic activities along the power line route may also influence the width of the
Wayleave in the same way the availability of land does. In areas where there is high
human economic activity, the Wayleave may be constrained and multi-circuit
structures may be preferable.

7.4 Height of Tower (Structure) and Voltage Levels

The outer clearances of the Wayleaves are usually determined by the falling height of
the outer towers. The height of a tower is usually dependent on the voltage level. The
higher the voltage being transmitted or distributed, the higher is the tower. The
distance between the outmost conductor and the edge of the Wayleave should be at
least half the height of the tower or pole.

7.5 Statutory Regulations

Various relevant Acts and Regulations have been cited in sub-section 1.1 herein and
should be referred to whenever necessary. It should be noted that, these documents
are updated from time to time and the government may enact other rules and
regulations that constrain the width of Wayleaves in particular areas and
circumstances.

8. RESPONSIBILITIES & PROCEDURES IN WAYLEAVE MANAGEMENT

8.1. General Requirements of Wayleave Maintenance

The electrical network owner or its appointed agent (s) shall:

a) Read and understand the provisions of the relevant environmental

management plans.

b) Keep to the existing Wayleave access roads and tracks and within the
Wayleave area and not deviate from the same unless where such access
dictates so.

c) Keep all gates locked and leave property owners’ gates closed or as agreed to
in writing and shall not interfere with the property owners’ normal or routine
activities unless such maintenance or access demands so.

d) Get all necessary permits in advance for services and general requirements to
carry out vegetation removal and other Wayleave and transmission line
maintenance.

e) Keep the environment appropriately neat and apply appropriate management

practices.

f) Ensure that there is no disturbance or picking up or removal of unauthorized

gems, artifacts, firewood or any such items.
8.2. Procedures for Bush Clearing

Bush clearing and Wayleave maintenance play an important role in the delivery of
reliable power. Therefore, the network owner must have basic procedures for bush
clearing in both new and existing electric power infrastructure in order to comply with
these standards. The network owner shall also ensure that all works carried out by its
appointed agents conform to these standards.

8.3. Wayleave Clearing Requirements

The following general requirements shall therefore be observed in all Wayleave

clearing or maintenance activities:-

8.3.1 General Guiding Principle

No tree or structure shall be allowed to grow or be erected to a height such that it

endangers the line should it fall under natural conditions or be cut/brought down.
Therefore, vegetation, trees, bushes and structures should be cleared to ensure the safe
mechanical and electrical operation of the line in accordance with these guidelines.
The Transmission line maintenance crews must look for potentially dangerous
situations in the Wayleave. Swimming pools, buildings, irrigation equipment, wire
fences and tall trees can all be dangerous when too close to power lines.

8.3.2 Vegetation Removal Standard

All vegetation cutting or maintenance shall be restricted to the minimum Wayleave

size and allowed growth height provided. For all Wayleaves, the maximum vegetation
growth height allowed outside the boundaries shall be such that if any tree were to
fall, it would not impact the transmission line. Under the power lines the maximum
allowable vegetation growth shall be 0.5m.

8.3.3 Vegetation Control

Vegetation growing under transmission lines shall be controlled in order to prevent it

from encroaching on the minimum safety clearances of the power lines so as to
prevent any hazard to nearest inhabited dwelling or place of activity.

8.3.4 Vegetation Removal in Forests and Protected Areas

All bush clearings that are to take place within national forests or protected areas shall
conform to the laid down cutting procedures in the Forest Act or Zambia Wildlife
Authority (ZAWA) Act and as stipulated in the general code of practice under these
guidelines.

8.3.5 Wayleave Access

In all Wayleave contracts or agreements, the network owner and/or its appointed
contractor (s) has the right to enter or be found on the property where any line or such
infrastructure is located, at any time whether to perform work on the section of the
line traversing the property, or to gain access to any adjacent areas within the
property. The network owner shall however, exercise due diligence in its attempts to
 notify the property owner or any such relevant authority of any intention to enter the
property to cut trees and other vegetation and shall endeavor to obtain consent to the
proposed work. All staff assigned to carry out such work shall have valid means of
identification.

In farm areas where ranching or access is by way of gates, in order to assist with
access, the network owner or its contractor (s) shall access such areas through
appropriate gates or may erect such gates as may be necessary, in consultation with
the property owners. Under no circumstances shall access be gained by cutting or
“dropping” fences. All such access shall be to the satisfaction of the land owners.

All various native tree species that are protected by law shall only be cut under the
guidance of a qualified national or approved private forester. The said officer shall
determine whether a tree species is protected or not, under the Forest Act or any such
relevant local knowledge and such trees and bushes that do not grow high enough to
cause interference with the line or cause a fire hazard, shall not be cut down or
trimmed.

8.3.6 Use of Herbicides

The use of herbicides shall be discouraged and where permitted, restricted to areas
where mechanical vegetation removal is not feasible. Any such herbicides shall be
targeted at specific grass species and not tree nor shrubs or bush species. The
herbicides shall conform to the Pests and Toxic Substances Regulations and
administered in accordance to the provisions and requirements of the regulations. All
such relevant records of herbicide type, application rates, and dates of application,
staff involved and general weather conditions shall be kept by the network owner.

8.3.7 Vegetation in River Approaches and Erosion Sensitive Areas

In areas where power lines traverse sensitive areas such as deep valleys with steep
slopes or approaches to river banks, or in areas where access by vehicle is not
possible, or in legally protected areas, vegetation shall not be cleared provided that the
vegetation poses no threat to the operation and reliability of the line and meet the
minimum safety clearances for all line voltage levels.

In order to avoid, prevent, or reduce soil erosion, minimal amount of vegetation shall
be maintained at all times in steep slopes. If soil erosion is induced in the Wayleave as
a direct result of an act or omission by the land owner, contractor, user or the network
owner, corrective measures such as planting of vertiva grass, shall be implemented.
Re-vegetation of disturbed areas shall be restricted to visibly disturbed or scalped
areas only.

All approaches to rivers, watercourses and other water bodies shall be kept clear of
felled trees, bush cuttings and debris. Where possible, the integrity of riverbanks shall
be maintained by placing pylons or such infrastructure at least 10m away from the
banks on both sides. In areas where lines traverse waterlogged areas, appropriate
construction methods shall be implemented and any subsequent vegetation
management should not induce soil erosion.
8.4. General Considerations in Wayleave Maintenance

Lines, especially high voltage lines tend to disfigure the landscape hence the need to
take into consideration aesthetic beauty of the surroundings at points such as where
the line crosses a railway line, major road, river, dense bush or woodland. In areas
where the line run parallel or along a road, a screen of vegetation should be left
between the road and the line wherever practicable.

In areas where some shrubs, trees, grass, natural features and topsoil, are not removed,
these shall be protected from damage during operations and only be disturbed where it
is inevitable and for access purposes only.

All vegetation removed from the Wayleave shall be surrendered to the local
communities, land owners and where such offer is not accepted, vegetation shall be
disposed of appropriately.

8.5. Control of Danger by Safe Clearances

Electricity travels on high-voltage power lines high above the ground. However,
electricity, like water, seeks the most direct path to the ground through nearby objects.
Just like lightning, electric current in a high-voltage power line may seek to reach the
ground by arcing, to a tall-growing tree and other conducting objects in the vicinity.
To avoid arcing, an electric utility shall maintain prescribed safe distances between its
power lines and tree limbs as well as other conducting objects.

Clearances between power lines and other objects, including trees, must allow for line
sag. During warm weather or when the line is carrying heavy electrical loads, it heats
up and stretches. This makes the line longer and it sags closer to the ground or objects
underneath it. Because the amount of sag varies with electrical load, weather and line
composition, a safe clearance distance in winter may not provide the same safety on
the warmest summer days. Thus, to maintain a safe distance between the line and
anything that can conduct electricity, an electric utility maintains a clear zone on all
sides, above and below its power lines.

Tall growing trees or other tall objects that could fall into a power line must be
removed. Heavy winds can blow branches into power lines and additional weight
from snow and ice (where applicable) can bend or break branches, bringing them
close enough to cause a flashover.

9. MINIMUM CLEARANCES

9.1. The Basics of Power Transmission Tower Design

The first design consideration for transmission towers is to separate the conductors
from each other, from the tower, and from other structures in the environment in order
to prevent faults. This requirement and the electrical potential (voltage) define the
basic physical dimensions of a tower, including its height, conductor spacing, and
length of insulator required to mount the conductor.

The main clearance distances to be observed are as follows;

  Phase –to-phase
 Phase –to-ground
 Phase – to the tower
 Phase –to structures, buildings in the vicinity of High tension towers
 Crossing of rivers, roads, telecommunications wire
 Crossing of Distribution lines
 Crossing of other transmission lines

Each of these clearance requirements will be dealt with in the following summaries
obtained from a survey carried out on practices of other utilities in USA, Australia,
South Africa and Scandinavia.

9.2. Minimum Permissible Ground Clearance

For safety considerations, power conductors along the route of the transmission line
should maintain requite clearance to ground in open country, national highways,
rivers, railways tracks, telecommunication lines, other power lines, etc.., as laid down
in the Electricity Regulations, or Standards or codes of practice.

The following clearances above ground of the lowest point of the conductor should
apply:

Voltage Level (kV) Minimum Ground Clearance (m)

400 8.84
220 7.01
132 6.10
66 5.49

The above clearances are applicable to transmission lines running in open country
only.
As a general rule, for extra- high voltage lines, the clearance above ground shall not
be less than 5.20 meters plus 0.33 meters for every 33,000 volts or part thereof by
which the voltage of the line exceeds 33,000 volts. However, where explicitly
specified, the stated clearance shall be followed as far as is practicable.

9.3. Power Line Crossings - General

Clearances specified herein must not be infringed upon at the maximum specified
conductor temperature with the conductor (including its suspension insulator if fitted)
hanging vertically in still air or deflected at an angle of 45o from the vertical.

In crossings over rivers, telecommunication lines, railway tracks, etc. the following
clearances shall be maintained:

 Lower voltage conductors shall be located underneath the higher voltage

conductors
  Overhead crossings shall be made at approximately right angle (45o angle
shall be the minimum accepted). The point of crossing should be not less than
7.6 meters, no more than 30 meters, from a transmission structure.
 Tie wires shall not be relied on to hold the distribution conductor in uplift.
Dead end construction shall be used where uplift results under any loading
conditions.
 Poles, cross-arms, conductors, and guys of distribution lines shall not be
installed closer than 7.6meters to transmission poles, cross-arms, or towers.
 Conductors of distribution lines shall not be installed closer than 3 meters to
guys of transmission lines.
 Conductors of the distribution lines shall, in no case, be under guys of
transmission lines.
 Underground crossings shall be made at approximately a right angle (45°
angle shall be the minimum acceptable). All underground facilities and
associated ground mounted accessories shall be located at least 7.6 meters
from transmission structures.
 No joint shall be inserted in any conductor, earth wire, cradle guard in any
overhead line span crossing another line, telecommunication line, railway
track, highway and river etc
 Underground pipes, cables, conduits, etc. shall be located with a minimum of
914mm of cover measured from the top of the pipe, cable, conduit, etc. to
existing ground elevation.

9.4. Crossing Over Rivers

a) Over rivers which are not navigable. The minimum clearance of conductor
shall be in accordance with safety clearances specified herein.

Over navigable rivers: Clearances are fixed in relation to the tallest boat
mast, in consultation with the concerned navigation authorities. In future, it
will be advisable to establish all navigable rivers in Zambia and in
consultation with relevant authorities set well in advance all clearance
requirements
b) For simplicity, the level of the lower river bank shall be taken as the reference
point when measuring the clearance across river crossings.

9.5. Crossing Over Telecommunication Lines

The minimum clearances between the conductors of a power line and

telecommunication wires are;

Table 9.1: Minimum Clearances to Telecom Lines

Voltage level (kV) Minimum Clearance to telecomm lines(m)
66 2.44
132 2.74
220 3.05
400 4.88
9.6. Crossing Over Railway Tracks:

The minimum height over the rail level of the lowest portion of any conductor under
conditions of maximum sag, are as indicated in the table below. The clearance is for
unelectrified tracks or tracks electrified on 1,500 volts D.C. system.

Table 9.2: Minimum Heights - Crossing Over Railway Tracks

Broad Gauge Metre and Narrow Gauge

Voltage Inside station Outside station Inside station Outside station
level Limits (m) Limits (m) limits (m) Limits (m)
(kV)

66 10.3 7.9 9.1 6.7

132 10.9 8.5 9.8 7.3
220 11.2 8.8 10.0 7.6
400 13.6 11.2 12.4 10.0

9.7. Minimum Horizontal Separation between Power lines

The following horizontal separation between power lines shall provide the minimum
clearance required;

a) Between power lines L.T up to 66 kV - and 66 kV line 2.44m

b) Between power lines L.T up to 132 kV - and 132kV line 2.75m
c) Between power lines L.T up to 220kV - and 220kV line 4.55m
d) Between power lines L.T up to 400kV - and 400kV line 6.0m (Tentative)

9.8. Recommended Vertical and Horizontal Separation between Power Lines

a) Transmission Voltage Levels

The following vertical separation between circuits shall be maintained for all circuits
crossing under transmission lines or constructed on transmission Wayleave.

Table 9.3: Minimum Vertical Clearances

Minimum clearance (m)
Description of clearance System Voltage
LV 11kV 33kV 66kV 132kV 330kV 400kV
1 Lowest line conductor or earth wire of 1.8 2.8 3.5 3.8 4.3 5.4 7.1
upper line to highest line conductor of
lower line
2 Lowest line conductor or earth wire of 1.8 2.8 3.5 3.8 4.3 5.4 7.1
upper line to earth wire of lower line
where erected (Note 1)
3 Lowest line conductor or earth wire of 2.9 3.9 4.6 4.9 5.4 6.5 8.3
upper line to any point on a support of
the lower line in which a person may
stand
 NOTE: The span crossing another line shall be as short as is reasonably practicable and no earth wires
shall be installed on the lower line.

Greater clearance may be provided when practical, and in every case, clearance requirements of the
national Electrical Safety Code (ZS 418) shall be met.

9.9. Distribution Lines along Transmission Wayleaves

Construction of all distribution networks shall be on the basis of optimal use of the
transmission wayleave. All such distribution construction shall be approved in
accordance with the governing rules and regulations. In general, transmission
Wayleaves greater than 30meters in width shall accommodate distribution circuits
4.6meters in from the edge of the Wayleave. Greater distances can be tolerated if the
transmission structures are adequate in height.

9.10. Height of Structures and Conductors of Distribution Lines

The height of structures and conductors of distribution lines must meet the following:

 The conductors of transmission circuits must have adequate clearances from

the distribution circuit.
 Where a distribution line parallels a transmission line, it must be so designed
that any distribution structure in falling clears the nearest transmission
structure and guys by at least 3 meters.

9.11. Clearance from Underground Pipes and Cables

Metal pipes (including reinforced concrete), power cables and other electrical
conductive materials must be more than 30m of any tower steel work for voltages
above 220kV. For 220kV this minimum clearance reduces to 20m.

9.12. Clearance from Storage and Handling of Flammable Substances

Storage and handling of flammable liquid or gases is not permitted within 60m from
the centre of the transmission line for voltage levels of 400kV and above. For voltage
levels between 220kV and 400kV the required clearance is 50meters. For voltage
levels between 66 and 220kV the required clearance is 45 meters. For Distribution
voltage levels between 11kV and 66kV, the required clearance is 30meters.

9.13. Conductor Spacing

Considerable differences are found in the conductor spacing adopted in different

countries and on different transmission systems in the same country. The spacing of
conductors is determined by considerations which are partly mechanical. The material
and diameter of the conductors should also be considered when deciding the spacing,
because a smaller conductor, especially if made of aluminium, having a small weight
in relation to the area presented to a crosswind, will swing out of the vertical plane
father than a conductor of large cross-section.

Usually conductors will swing synchronously (in phase) with the wind, but with long
spans and small wires, there is always a possibility of the conductors swinging non-
 synchronously, and the size of the conductor and the maximum sag at the centre of the
span are factors which should be taken in to account in determining the distance apart
at which they should be strung.

There are a number of empirical formulae in use, deduced from spacing which has
successfully operated in practice while research continues on the minimum spacing
which could be employed.

10. STANDARD WAYLEAVE PRACTICES

The Wayleave sizes in this guideline shall be adhered to under all normal practices for
the protection of the transmission and distribution electrical systems and personnel.
However, variations may arise where these lines traverse certain protected and some
public or privately owned properties like farms, national parks, forestry and heritage
and cultural sites, where certain exceptions may be permitted on a case by case basis.

10.1. Standard Minimum Transmission Line clearances

The minimum safe clearances between live conductors of different voltage levels and
ground or tower structure shall be as given in Table 10.1 below. Greater clearance
may be provided when practical and in every case, clearance requirements of the
national Electrical Safety Code shall be adhered to.

The electricity supplier or utility in Zambia shall therefore ensure that electrical
conductors and other wires of power lines have a clearance of not less than that
indicated in the table below.

The maintenance clearance required shall be at least twice the minimum conductor
clearance as provided in Table 10.2 below and must be able to accommodate mobile
maintenance equipment such as hoists and cranes.
Table 10.1 Standard Minimum Transmission Line clearances
Voltage Level Conductor Clearance Minimum maintenance Clearance
(kV) (m) (m)

11 Phase2.0
to tower 4.0

3.5 – 5 Range
33 2.5 5.0

4 – 6 Range
66 2.5 5.0

5 – 7.5 Range
88 2.5 5.0

5 – 7.5 Range
132 2.75 5.5

5 – 7.5 Range
220 4.55 9.0

7 – 10 Range
330 5.2 10.4

7.5 – 10.5 Range

400 6.0 12

8.5 - 11.5 Range

500 7.32 14

9.5 – 12.5 Range

10.2. Standard Wayleave Width

Table 10.2 below contains the standard Wayleave widths for the Zambian electricity
industry.

Table 10.2 Standard Wayleave Widths – Zambian ESI

Power Lines Distances between Parallel Wayleave width (m)
voltage(kV) power lines measured from (for one power line)
their centres (m)
10 urban
11 5
15 rural
22 12 22
18 Urban
33 14
22 Rural
33 (H-Pole) 14 30
66 15 30
88 15 30
132 25 32
220 32 44 (44-48)
275 32 44 ( 44-48)
330 35 50 (48-55)
400 35 55 (50 -60)
420 35 55 (50-60)
500 40 60 (55-65)
533 40 60 (55-65)
765 60 80 (75-82)
10.3. Standard Spacing of Conductors

Table 10.3 below gives guidelines on the recommended minimum spacing of

conductors on the same line or between adjacent parallel lines.

Table 10.3 Vertical and horizontal spacing between conductors

Type of Tower and voltage level Vertical spacing Horizontal
between spacing between
conductors (mm) conductors (mm)
66kV single circuit A (0-2 degrees) 1,030 4,040
B(2-30degrees) 1,030 4,270
C(30-60degrees) 1,220 4,880
66kV Double Circuit A(0-2 degrees) 2,170 4,270
B( 2-30 degrees) 2,060 4,880
C(30-60 degrees) 2,440 6,000
132kV single circuit A (0-2 degrees) 4,200 7,100
B(2-15 degrees) 4,200 6,290
C(15-30 degrees) 4,200 7,150
D(30-60 degrees) 4,200 8,820
132kV double circuit A (0-2 degrees) 3,965 7,020
B(2-15 degrees) 3,965 7,320
C(15-30 degrees) 3,965 7,320
D(30-60 degrees) 4,270 8,540
220kV single circuit A (0-2 degrees) 5,200 8,500
B(2-15 degrees) 5,250 10,500
C(15-30 degrees) 6,700 12,600
D(30-60 degrees) 7,800 14,000
220kV double circuit A (0-2 degrees) 5,200 9,900
B(2-15 degrees) 5,200 10,100
C(15-30 degrees) 5,200 10,500
D(30-60 degrees) 6,750 12,600
400kV single circuit A (0-2 degrees) 7,800 12,760
Horizontal B(2-15 degrees) 7,800 12,640
Configuration C(15-30 degrees) 7,800 14,000
D(30-60 degrees) 8,100 16,200

10.4. Distance between Outer Conductor and Edge of Wayleave

Another important measurement used in the determination of the total width of the
Wayleave is the distance between the outer conductor and the edge of the Wayleave.
Consideration is given to the strength of the electric field at the edges of the
Wayleave. The calculations are beyond the scope of the survey used to come up with
this guide. Therefore, only typical values are given in table 10.4 below.
 Table 10.4 Distances to edge of Wayleave from outer conductor
Minimum distance between Maximum distance
outer conductor and end of between outer conductor
Voltage level
Wayleave (m) ( about half and end of Wayleave (m)
tower height)
11 3.5 4
33 4 -5 5
66 8 10
88 10 10
132 11 12
220 12 15
330 15 20
400 15 20
500 20 25
765 20 30

11. SAMPLE CALCULATION METHOD OF WAYLEAVE WIDTH

For Wayleaves with only one transmission or Distribution line, the recommended
Wayleave widths are given in table 10.4 above.

For Wayleaves containing more than one power line, the sample calculations are
given in sections 11.1 up to 11.5 below;

Using the data contained in tables 10.1 to 10.4 and the type of conductor arrangement,
the width of any Wayleave can be determined using simplified formulae. In cases
where the Wayleave contains more than one transmission line, a simplified formula
has been developed using the minimum conductor clearances recommended in this
survey for various voltage levels. Examples here are given for 11kV, 33kV, 66kV,
88kV, 132kV, 220kV and 330kV lines.
 Diagram 1: 66kV to 132kV line model

a b c d e f g

11.1. Wayleave for three 66kV lines

From the above diagram and the recommended minimum clearance between
conductors of parallel lines as given in tables 8.2.1.1 to 8.2.4.1 above, we can
determine the width of the way leave for three 66kV lines as follows;

W = a +b + c + d + e + f + g

If the parallel lines are of the same voltage level, a = g, b = d = f and c = e. The
formula simplifies to;
W = 2a + 3b +2c

The distance from the end of the Way leave to the outermost conductor is given in
table 10.4 above. For 66kV the minimum distance is 8m and the maximum is 10m.
Hence for 66kV lines, a = 10m
From table 10.1, b = 5 and c = 7.5m

Hence: Wmin = 2x10m + 3x5m +2x7.5m= 20m+15m+15m = 50m

Wmax = 2 x 10m + 3x (2x5m) +2x7.5m = 20m+30m+15m = 65m

11.2. Wayleave for three 132kV Lines;

 W = 2 x11m +3x5m + 2x7.5m = 52m

W= 2x5m +3x10m + 2x7.5m = 10m+30m+15m = 55m for wooden pole with

horizontal conductor arrangement.

11.3. Wayleave for three 88kV lines:

W = 2x10m+3x5m +2x7.5m = 52m

11.4. Wayleave for three 33kV lines:

W = 2x5m +3x( 2x4m) +2x6m = 10m+24m +12m = 46m Note that this is for a three-
phase horizontal conductor arrangement.

11.5. Wayleave for three 11kV lines:

W = 2x4m + 3x (2x2m) +2x3.5m = 8m+12m+7m =27m

Diagram 2: 220kV to 500kV line model

a b c d e f g h i j

W
11.6. Wayleave for 220kV lines

From the above diagram and the recommended minimum clearance between
conductors of parallel lines as given in tables 8.2.1 to 8.2.4 above ,we can determine
the width of the way leave for three 220kV lines as follows;

W = a+ b+ c+ d+ e+ f + g + h + i + j

If the parallel lines are of the same voltage level, then a =j, b = c = e = f = h = i and d
= g. The formula then simplifies to;
W = 2a + 6b +2d

The distance from the end of the Way leave to the outermost conductor is given in
table 8.2.4 above. For 220kV the minimum distance is 15m and the maximum is 20m.
Hence for 220kV lines, a = 15m
From table 8.2.1, b = 7m and d = 12m
Between two lines the centre distance is 32m.

Hence: Wmin = 2x12m + 6x7m +2x12m = 30m +42m+24m = 93m

Wmax = 2x15m+6x10m+24m = 30m+60m+24m=114m

11.7. Wayleave for three 330kV lines;

From table 8.2.4, the distance between centres of two parallel lines = 35m
a = 15m to 20m, b =11m, d=13
Wmin = 2 x15m +6x11m + 2x13m = 30m+66m+26m = 122m

Wmax = 2x20m+6x11m+2x13m = 40m+66m+26m =132m.

11.8. Wayleave for mixed voltage lines

One 220kV lines and one 66kV line

For a 66kV lines, a = 10m

From table 8.2.1, b = 5 and c = 7.5m

Hence for 220kV lines, a = 15m

From table 8.2.1, b = 7m and d = 12m
Between two lines the centre distance is 32m.

Therefore, Wmin = (a+b) 66kV +d220kV+b220kV +i220kV

Wmin= 10m+5m+12m+7m+15m = 15m+19m+15m = 49m.

12. EXAMPLES OF WAYLEAVE PRACTICES

Appendix 1 contains information on the Wayleave practices in other regions and

utilities. The Wayleave sizes in the researched practices provide the survey data on
which the Wayleave practices in Zambia were arrived at as a guide.

13. REFERENCES

1. FINGRID OYI – Way Leave standards.

2. ENERGEX power transmission consulting firm in Australia.
3. SABAH Electricity SDN. BHD IN ASIA.

4. Property Group SP Ausnet, Australia.

5. SDG&E
6. ESKOM - Transmission Line Way leave standards.
7. ZESCO – Environmental Standards.
8. The Electricity Act Cap 433 of the Laws of Zambia
9. The Land Acquisition Act of 1975
10. Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Act of 1990
11. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (Statutory Instrument No. 28 of
1997)
12. Pests and Toxic Substances Regulations

13. Hazardous Waste Regulations of 2001

14. The Forest Act of 1999
15. Factories Act 1967
16. Zambia Wildlife Act 1998

17. National Heritage and Conservation Commission Act 1989

18. Local Government Act 1991
19. Town and Country Planning Act 1962

20. The Energy Regulation Act Cap 436 of the Laws of Zambia
21. ZESCO Limited Way Leave standard
APPENDIX 1 - Extracts from Wayleave Practices in Selected Countries

For the sake of reference, some important codes of practices were extracted from selected
utilities in Zambia, South Africa, Australia, the United States of America and the People’s
Republic of Iran. These extracts are contained in the following sections;

A1.1. Australia

 The clearance zone or ROW for 33kV lines and below is 20m wide. This
means 10m on both sides.
 A tree clear area of 20m radius is required at tower site for line maintenance
purposes.
 Metal pipes (including reinforced concrete), power cables and other electrical
conductive materials must be more than 30m of any tower steel work for
voltages above 220kV. For 220kV this minimum clearance reduces to 20m.
 Storage and handling of flammable liquid or gasses is not permitted within 60m
from the centre of the transmission line for voltage levels of 400kV and above.

The clearances for bare conductors up to 33kV are given in the table below:-

Table A1.1: Bare Conductor Clearances up to 33kV

Type of Clearance Zone Low Growth Zone

Power Line
Vertical Horizontal Vertical Maximum vertical
above outside Below above ground (m)
conductor conductor (m) conductor
(m) (m)

Bare Low 2.0 1.0 Urban 1.0 4.0

voltage
2.0 Rural

Bare 11kV 3.0 2.0 Urban 2.0

Bare 33kV 3.0 Rural
A1.2. ESKOM (South Africa) Minimum Clearance and Wayleave Width

Table A1.2: Minimum clearances and general servitude widths (adapted from
ESKOM, ESKASABG30, Power line Servitudes page 15 of 14, Annex C)
Voltage Minimum Safety Servitude Building Total
Level Clearance Restriction widths Wayleave
(measured from the centre Width (m)
(kV) (OHSA, No. 85 of line of the power line) (m)
1993) (m)

11 0.2 9 to 11 18 to 22

22 0.32 11 22

88 1.00 11 22

132 1.45 15.5 31

275 2.35 22 – 23.5 44 to 47

400 3.20 23.5 – 27.5 47 to 55

765 5.50 40 80

533 (dc) 3.70 15 30

Cross rope 27.5 55

suspension

A1.3. ZESCO Wayleave Widths

Table A1.3: ZESCO Wayleave Widths

Voltage Level (kV) Minimum Wayleave Width (m)

11 22
33 – single pole 22
33 – H pole 30
66 30
88 30
132 32
220 48
330 50
A1.4. CEC Wayleave Widths

Table A1.4: CEC Wayleave Widths

Number of Voltage Level
Transmission Lines
66 kV Line 220 kV Line

One (1) 30 m 60 m

Two (2) 45 m 90 m

Three (3) 60 m 120 m

Four (4) 75 m 150 m

A1.5. USA State of California Wayleave Width

Table A1.5: USA Wayleave Widths – State of California

VOLTAGE RANGE OF WIDTH OF ROW NUMBER OF
(KV) (M) COMPANIES
REPORTING

< 230 < 15.25 51

15.55 TO 38.12 41

> 38.12 7

230 < 22.88 40

15.56 TO 38.12 36

> 38.12 30

345 < 22.88 6

15.56 TO 38.12 36

> 38.12 30

500 < 38.12 4

38.43 TO 53.38 21

> 53.38 13
A1.6. Iranian Standards

A1.6.1 R.O.W from Pipelines

Accordance to common investigations carried out by the Ministry of Power and the
National Iranian Gas Company in April 1973 the following right of ways have been
considered:

a) Inside Towns
Minimum distance between towers of power transmission lines (external wall of
foundation) from body of pipeline in parallel routes and intersections.

Table A1.6 (a): R.O.W from Pipeline – Inside Towns

Voltage Level Minimum Distance
(m)
* 380/220 volt 0.5
20 kilo volt 2
63 kilo volt 7
132 kilo volt 10
230 and higher 20
kilo volt

* Now 400/230 Volt.

Minimum distance between underground power cable and wall of gas pipelines in
parallel routes.

Table A1.6 (b): R.O.W from Pipeline – Inside Towns

Voltage level (kV) Minimum Distance
(m)
0.380/0.220 1
20 2
63 3

b) Outside of Towns
Minimum distance of nearest foundation of distribution and transmission power lines
from wall of gas pipelines in parallel routes.

Table A1.6 (c): R.O.W from Pipeline – Outside Towns

Voltage level (kV) Minimum Distance (m)
In Parallel In Parallel
Route + Route ×
20 20 30
63 30 40
132 40 50
230 50 60
400 60 60
Notes:
+ For distances up to 5 km.
× For distances more than 5 km.

c) At Intersections
Minimum permissible distance between overhead lines and gas pipelines at
intersections

Table A1.6 (d): R.O.W from Pipelines at Intersections – Outside Towns

Voltage Level (kV) Minimum Distance (m)
20 8
63 9
132 10
230 11
400 12

A1.6.2 Right of Way (R.O.W) from Roads

The Board of Ministers on April-May 1967 (Ordibehesht 1346) approved the right of
way for the state roads as follows:

a) Highways
The right of ways for highways is defined as the band between high way track and the
lines 38 meters apart from the highway center line, so that the total width of highway
track and right of way become 76 m.
By highway track we mean the land which is affected by earth work.

b) First Class State Road

The first class right of way is defined as the band between the road track and the line
22.5 meters apart from the road center line, so that the total width of road track and
right of way become 45 meters.

c) Second Class State Road

The second class right of way is defined as the band between the road track and the
line 17.5 meters apart from the road center line, so that the total width of road track
and right of way become 35 meters.

d) Third Class State Road

The Third class right of way is defined as the band between the road track and the line
12.5 meters apart from the road center line, so that the total width of road track and
right of way become 25 meters.

e) Forth Class State Road

The forth class right of way is defined as the band between the road track and the line
7.5 meters apart from the road center line, so that the total width of road track and
right of way become 15 meters.
A1.7. SAPP Transmission Lines Clearances Guidelines

In 1997 the African Development Bank carried out an Environmental Assessment

Guideline for the energy sector for all SAPP utilities and came up with the following
clearances for transmission lines.

Table A1.7: SAPP EIA Guideline for Transmission Lines 18 August 1999
Transmission Lines Distances Between Parallel Proposed
voltage(kV) Power Lines Measured from Wayleave width (m)
the Centres (m)
11 5 10
22 12 15
33 14 22
33 (H-Pole) 14 31
66 15 31
88 15 31
132 25 31
220 32 47
275 32 47
330 35 50
400 35 55
420 35 55
500 40 60
533 40 60
765 60 80
APPENDIX 2 - Procedure for Transmission Line Wayleave Acquisition

A2.1. Introduction

In Zambia, the procedure for acquiring a new wayleave or transmission rights of

way for a new transmission line involves the following major steps:

 Identification of line route

 Route Surveying
 Acquisition of Consents
 Regulatory Approvals

A2.1.1. Line Route Identification

An electricity undertaking or utility intending to acquire Wayleave rights will

initially identify the line route earmarked for construction of a new transmission
line. This is important in order to determine the consents and legal requirements that
must be taken to obtain the wayleave right. Determination of the line route is also
important from the point of view of undertaking the ESIA, which is another
important process, particularly for transmission lines of 33kV and above, and has to
be done in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control
(Environmental Assessment) Regulations of 2011

A2.1.2. Route Surveying

Once the proposed line route has been established, the utility shall then employ a
registered Surveyor who shall conduct a survey of the wayleave. This also applies to
the extension of existing Wayleaves in order to accommodate new lines.

The registered surveyor shall be required amongst other things to carry out the
following tasks:

a) Centre line cutting

b) Levelling of centre lines and profiles
c) Establishing of cross sections at 50m intervals
d) Preparation of drawings for profiles, cross sections and wayleave plans
e) Establishing how title to land where the line will pass is held and the owners.
f) Establishing whether any roads, railway lines, water ways or electric lines will
be crossed by the new line

It should be noted that the surveyor’s tasks may vary according to findings on the
ground and depending on the line length, conditions on the ground as well as the
time of the year. The duration of undertaking these survey works may take up to 3
months or more.

A2.1.3. Acquisition of Consents

Following completion of the survey, the following will need to be put in place:-
 a) The utility will need to make formal written requests for grants of wayleave
rights to the established legal occupants or leaseholders, who are required to
issue written consents to the utility to utilise the proposed land or wayleave
section as identified by the surveyor.

b) The Utility will need to prepare and submit relevant maps, drawings, or profile
plans of the proposed route or wayleave. Statutory Institutions and
government departments will usually request for such.

c) Once the consents are obtained, the surveyor’s cadastral survey diagrams,
generated under section 3 above, will have to be submitted to the Surveyor
General for signature and numbering. The Surveyor General is the only
authority in the country who can sign and number cadastral diagrams.

d) Valuation of affected structures/affected families is outsourced from qualified

land property surveyors.

e) Establish the exact number of people to be compensated, according to size of

the Wayleave. Compensation is only for existing structures and loss of food
crops and fruit trees

f) Compensation of Valuated properties. People compensated sign a payment

voucher and a disclaimer indemnifying the Utility against further claims for
compensation.

A2.1.4. Regulatory Approvals

a). Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Approval

This is granted by Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) in

accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection and
Pollution Control (Environmental Assessment) Regulations of 2011.

b). Energy Regulation Board Approval

This is granted by the Energy Regulation Board in accordance with the

requirements of the Energy Regulation Act, Cap 436 of the Laws of Zambia.

Transmission line construction shall not commence before the ERB and ZEMA approvals
have been obtained.

A2.2. Registration of the Wayleave

Registration of the wayleave involves lodging of all approvals and consents with the
Lands and Deeds Registry for the formal grant of a Wayleave Deed.