All utilities are indispensable in making the world a better and enjoyable place to live.
Indeed, without them, your manufactured home would be nothing more than four walls and a ceiling.
Because you need electric power to make your manufactured home livable, it is easy to be tempted to install your home in the closest proximity to power lines.
(In this regard) Can You Put A Manufactured Home Under Power Lines?
Although strongly discouraged, you can install a manufactured home under power lines as long as you allow sufficient clearance between the highest part of your home and the lowest part of the power line. At the bare minimum, you should maintain the code clearances by NSEC. You will also need to speak to the owner of the power line – they may have additional restrictions.
In this post, you will learn more about the installation of manufactured homes and regulations regarding the space under power lines. Keep reading!
Before Doing Anything, Consider The Following
First off, electric utilities have easements, also known as the right of way (ROW), under power lines.
To ensure safety among residents of areas where power lines run through, the power company property or local regulations prevent any permanent securing of structures to the ground in a given area.
Indeed, utilities cut down tree limbs, posts, and periodically mow the right of way to ensure nothing interferes with the power lines.
For high voltage power lines, no permanent structures are allowed on the easements, including those close to the ground, like small sheds and swimming pools.
After all, it is common knowledge that the owner of power lines cannot allow you to block where they need access when working or maintaining the utility.
Whilst knowing that utility companies are very concerned about safety around power lines, landowners can continue using their property in the easements as long as the use is compatible with the purpose of the right of way and doesn’t pose serious risks.
This means that you can put your manufactured home under the power lines.
Notably, all the restrictions are designed to protect landowners from probable accidents.
If you willingly put your manufactured home under power lines, you risk having a high voltage line fall on your home.
The bad news is that you are less likely to be compensated because you violated the utility right of way.
What Is The Reasonably Safe Distance From Power Lines?
The risk of having power lines near homes is one of the most controversial topics on the internet nowadays. So, what is the safe distance of living near power lines?
Honestly, there is a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of safe distance from power.
That said, most utilities recommend a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet and at least 4 feet horizontal clearance from buildings and other structures.
If you are installing your home under power lines, note that this is the minimum clearance between structures and low to medium voltage power lines.
Minimum clearance from high voltage power of up to 11kV is 3.7 meters, and the safe distance measure increases gradually depending on the power line in question.
Is It Dangerous To Put A Manufactured Home Under Power Lines?
We all know that power lines cause a lot stronger electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which has had the internet divided.
While EMFs are rumored to increase the risk or cause various health problems, there has not been any proof that EMFs are harmful to people.
Yes, there are no known health risks that have been demonstrated to be caused by living under or near high voltage power lines.
Whilst the debate raging for years, science is unable to show that low-level EMFs are entirely risk-free.
Even though research is unable to associate increased health risks with residential proximity to power lines, it should not be dismissed that EMFs can cause cancer, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, muscle pain, liver defects, birth defects or miscarriages, heart abnormalities during birth, and low birth weight.
Five Pros Of Living Under Power Lines
There is no denying that many people are skeptical about living near (leave alone under) power lines.
If you’re okay with the risk of a high voltage power line falling on your home, here are some of the potential benefits you are likely to experience.
1. Privacy
The #1 benefit of installing your manufactured home under power lines derives from the fact that many people doubt the safety of living in close proximity to EMF emissions.
Living under power lines means you will have a few neighbors around you, which brings an element of privacy.
The most exciting part is that the neighbors are all spaced out.
2. Power Lines Do Not Pose Any Immediate Danger
Utility companies almost always install power lines at a safe height for you to bring your manufactured home under them.
This means you will likely be safe except for the case of fires and electrocuting should anything happen.
3. There Are No Reported Health Hazards From Power Lines
Rumors have it that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) pose serious health risks.
Fortunately, this is less likely to be true because all related research is inconclusive.
That said, if you are planning to install your manufactured home under these EMF-emitting lines, you can proceed with confidence that nothing is likely to happen.
4. Free Yard Maintenance
Lawn mowing and general yard maintenance can be a big issue for many homeowners.
It is time-consuming and can be costly, particularly if you have several trees to trim.
The good thing about living under power lines is that you don’t have to worry about maintaining the yard.
Because the utility company is liable for fires, it will periodically send professionals to mow the easements, which is part of their vegetation management requirement.
5. Faster Service In Case Of Power Outages
Power companies have the tendency of responding faster to emergency calls and service calls from landowners who live near power lines.
This means power technicians will rectify issues in due time, ensuring a constant supply of electricity and a degree of safety.
Before installing your home under power lines, you can always contact the relevant power authority to find out the EMF strength in that particular area.
A substation survey will help you understand the risk of living in your preferred location, but, of course, if the lines are installed at a pretty safe height, you are likely to enjoy every benefit listed above.
Seven Cons Of Power Line Residences
Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and EMFs do not pose any serious health risks.
So, what else might discourage you from putting a manufactured home under power lines?
1. Risk Of Fire
Although high voltage power lines are built and installed to withstand inclement weather and environmental elements, there is a risk of catching fire, particularly during heavy storms and torrential rains.
This risk can give you sleepless nights, worrying about the possible harm should anything go wrong.
2. Reduced Property Value
Properties with power lines running over them usually have a lower market value.
Indeed, power lines can reduce the value of your home by approximately 10%, which could hurt your plans when you plan to move.
3. It Will Be Tough To Sell Your Home
Even though living under power lines doesn’t pose any viable danger, potential homebuyers will still have their fears when it comes to buying property set under power lines.
This means you won’t be able to sell your property fast and at a good deal.
4. The Buzzing Sound Can Be Disturbing
The overhead power lines produce a buzzing sound due to corona discharge when air particles become ionized by the conductor.
This noise can be annoying, especially for light sleepers, and cause insomnia over a long period.
5. There are concerns the EMFs cause childhood leukemia.
6. The negative perception of power lines when they are close to property may stop your friends from paying a visit.
7. Power lines are an eyesore, which makes your home ugly, possibly affecting its resale value.
Conclusion
Since science couldn’t find any negative impact of power lines on the human body and health, you can confidently put your manufactured home under them.
Most scientists agree that living under power lines is entirely safe.
Comparing the pros and cons of living in such an environment, it comes down to personal preferences.
Generally, living under power lines offer unrivaled privacy while promising a constant electricity supply.
References
Pros and cons of living near power lines
Pros and Cons of Living Near Power Lines
Pros and Cons of Living near the Power Lines
