What to do when you encounter downed or damaged power lines on roads, in fields, or near your home — including vehicle entrapment, safe distances, and who to call.
Downed power lines are one of the most immediately lethal hazards following storms, vehicle accidents, infrastructure events, and construction incidents. A line on the ground may still be energised at distribution voltage (typically 11,000 volts in the UK, up to 33,000V at higher distribution levels) or at lower 240V supply voltage. Both are potentially fatal on contact.
The danger is significantly greater than most people appreciate. Current from a downed line can pass through the ground for several metres around the contact point — a phenomenon called "step potential" — meaning you can be electrocuted without touching the line itself.
| Hazard | Explanation |
|---|---|
| High voltage | Distribution lines carry thousands of volts — contact at this voltage is uniformly fatal |
| Energised appearance | A downed line may look dead and still be carrying full voltage |
| Ground voltage gradient (step potential) | Current flows outward from the contact point through the ground; entering this zone completes the circuit through your body |
| Arcing and flash | If you approach, the current can arc across air to reach you — you do not need to touch the line |
| Secondary hazards | Lines on vehicles, on fences, on water — the hazard transfers to any conductive object connected to the line |
| Intermittent energisation | Lines connected to automatic reclosers (common on UK distribution networks) can be de-energised then automatically re-energised without warning |
⚠️ Never assume a downed power line is safe because it is not sparking or because you can see no visible activity. Lines can be energised while appearing completely dormant. The only safe assumption is that every downed line is live until confirmed otherwise by the network operator.
| Scenario | Minimum Safe Distance |
|---|---|
| Low-voltage line (240V, service drop) | At least 8 metres (25 feet) |
| Medium-voltage distribution line (11kV) | At least 10 metres (33 feet) |
| High-voltage transmission line | At least 30 metres (100 feet); call emergency services immediately |
| Line on water (puddle, stream, flooded area) | Do not approach; water conducts electricity over wide areas |
| Line on metal fence or structure | Do not approach the fence or structure |
When in doubt, stay further. The step potential zone around a downed distribution line can extend several metres in dry conditions and significantly further in wet conditions.
If you are already in the step potential zone (you feel a tingling in your legs):
If your vehicle hits a power line or a line falls on your vehicle:
Stay inside the vehicle. This is the critical rule.
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Vehicle in contact with line | Stay inside; the vehicle body protects you; touching anything outside completes the circuit |
| Engine still running | The car may still be driveable; if the line is clear of tyres and path, drive forward until clear of the line |
| Vehicle not driveable | Remain inside; call 999; wait for network operator to de-energise the line |
| Fire in the vehicle | This is the only scenario where exiting may be necessary |
If you must exit a vehicle in contact with a power line due to fire:
Why stay inside: Your vehicle's rubber tyres provide insulation. The moment you step from the vehicle, you become a path for current from the vehicle's body to ground. A person who climbs out of a car in contact with a power line and stands on one leg with a hand on the car has created a circuit.
Flooding around downed or damaged power lines is particularly dangerous:
After severe weather, check for infrastructure damage before approaching:
| Area | Check |
|---|---|
| Service cable to house | Has the overhead cable from the street snapped or is it hanging low? |
| Garden fencing | Does it contact any overhead cables? |
| Trees near the boundary | Has a fallen tree brought down cables? |
| External electrical fittings | Are outdoor sockets, security lights, or satellite dishes damaged? |
If your service cable is damaged, call your network operator before entering the building — a damaged service cable can energise the building's metalwork.
| Situation | Number |
|---|---|
| Downed line on road or public area | 999 (emergency) + 105 (power network) |
| Power outage without visible damage | 105 |
| Line touching your property | 105; evacuate if it contacts the building |
| Damaged electrical meter or service cable | Your energy supplier + 105 |
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Downed line on ground | Stay 10m away minimum; call 999 and 105 |
| Tingling in feet near line | Shuffle away with feet together; do not run |
| Line on your vehicle | Stay inside; call 999 |
| Must exit vehicle with line contact | Jump clear; both feet simultaneously; shuffle away |
| Line on flood water | Do not enter water; stay back 50m; call 999 |
| Assume any downed line | Live until confirmed de-energised by network operator |
Take Downed Power Lines — How to Stay Safe with you — no internet needed when it matters most.
downloadGet on Google Play