What distance should you keep lead wires away from bare power lines?

• A. 5 feet
• B. 10 feet
• C. 20 feet
• D. 50 feet

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a safe clearance from overhead bare power lines is about preventing electric shock and arcing. Lead wires can conduct electricity, and if they come near or touch a line, an arc or a live contact can occur, especially if the line sags, sways, or the wire is damaged. A 20-foot separation gives a practical safety buffer for typical mine work, allowing room for tool or wire movement, weather effects, and line sag without bringing you into the danger zone. Shorter distances like 5 or 10 feet leave little margin for error and increased risk of contact or arcing, while 50 feet is unnecessarily large for most operations and can hinder work. So, 20 feet strikes a sensible balance between safety and practicality.