A practical rule of thumb is to live as far away as reasonably possible from high-voltage transmission lines, because risk generally drops as distance increases. There is no single universally accepted “safe distance” for homes , and health evidence has not conclusively shown harm from living near power lines, though some studies have found an association that remains unproven as causal.

What people usually use as a guide

  • For home placement: many informal sources suggest a buffer of roughly 30 to 60 meters from large transmission lines, and some recommend 100 to 200 feet for extra caution.
  • For building setbacks: utility guidance often requires a much smaller legal setback for construction purposes, such as 4.8 meters in some utility documents, but that is about clearance and safety compliance, not a health-based living distance.
  • For voltage-specific caution: overhead line safety guidance says to stay back based on the line’s voltage and to keep clear above, below, and beside the line.

Important distinction

A construction setback and a health comfort distance are not the same thing. The setback is usually about preventing contact, allowing for wire sway, and meeting utility rules, while the “living distance” people ask about is more about long-term exposure concerns and personal comfort.

Bottom line

If you want a simple answer: farther is better, and a buffer of about 30–60 meters from major transmission lines is a common cautious guideline , but it is not an official universal health standard. If you are house-hunting, the best next step is to check the voltage, line type, right-of-way, and local utility setback rules before making a decision.

If you want, I can also turn this into a short SEO-style FAQ , or help you estimate a safer distance for a specific voltage level like 110 kV, 220 kV, or 400 kV.