How to work safely near underground cables
Knowing where underground cables are located is essential for staying safe and preventing damage to the network.
beforeUdig
BeforeUdig is a free online service that is designed to be a “one stop shop” for anyone carrying out digging or excavation work. Currently, information about 162 different utilities is available through the service.
If you are planning digging, drilling or excavation work, visit beforeUdig.co.nz to submit a request for plans. Plans detailing any underground cables or other services can be received within 20 minutes, at any time of the day or night.
We’re here to help. Get in touch if you need help. Or, check out our FAQs.
Cable locations on private property
For underground service plans on private property, and lateral locations for work on private property that will not extend into any part of the road reserve, contact your local district council.
Safe digging checklist
- Make sure you have up-to-date plans from beforeUdig.
- Use a cable locator, if possible, to mark out the underground services before starting work.
- Practise safe digging procedures by following the five rules of safe excavation: Plan, Prepare, Pothole, Protect, Proceed.
- Visit worksafe.govt.nz for helpful information on working near utilities and services (including electricity wires and cables) and advice on how reduce the associated risks.
- When the project is finished, check that no utility assets are damaged, and make sure any underground assets exposed during excavation are properly covered. If damage has occurred to any asset, notify the affected asset owner immediately. If a MainPower asset is damaged, please contact us immediately on 0800 30 90 80.
Close approach consent
Regulation 17 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 requires that a person who carries out any construction, building, excavation, or other work on or near an electric line must maintain safe distances in accordance with the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34:2001).
Minimum safe distances have been set by NZECP 34 primarily to protect persons, property, vehicles, and mobile plant from harm or damage from electrical hazards. Find out more about the requirements of NZECP 34 here.
Activities that require a close approach consent
A close approach consent is required for any of the following activities near MainPower network assets:
- Working within 4 metres of overhead power lines.
- Working above overhead power lines.
- Trimming near overhead power lines.
- Digging within 5 metres of any pole or stay wire supporting an overhead power line.
- Digging within 12 metres of any tower supporting an overhead power line.
- Digging near underground power cables or communication cables.
Apply online for a close approach consent from MainPower.
MainPower offers a cable location and mark out service. We can trace underground electrical cables with an electronic locator and mark them out for you. Note – we are unable to locate other services.
On-site supervision: For difficult work or locations, MainPower can provide an on-site safety standover/supervision service.
Call us on 0800 30 90 80 to discuss how we can help.
We’re here to help
If you need some assistance or advice, please get in touch with our team.
