OSHA 1926.960 · Subpart V power line work
OSHA Minimum Approach Distance Chart
Full 29 CFR 1926.960 minimum approach distance tables for AC and DC live-line work — phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase, altitude correction, and assumed transient overvoltage — with the matching 1910.269 table numbers.
Table V-5 (1926.960) / Table R-6 (1910.269) — Alternative minimum approach distances, 72.5 kV and less
| Nominal voltage (kV), phase-to-phase | Phase-to-ground (m) | Phase-to-ground (ft) | Phase-to-phase (m) | Phase-to-phase (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.050 to 0.300 ² | Avoid contact | Avoid contact | Avoid contact | Avoid contact |
| 0.301 to 0.750 ² | 0.33 | 1.09 | 0.33 | 1.09 |
| 0.751 to 5.0 | 0.63 | 2.07 | 0.63 | 2.07 |
| 5.1 to 15.0 | 0.65 | 2.14 | 0.68 | 2.24 |
| 15.1 to 36.0 | 0.77 | 2.53 | 0.89 | 2.92 |
| 36.1 to 46.0 | 0.84 | 2.76 | 0.98 | 3.22 |
| 46.1 to 72.5 | 1.00 | 3.29 | 1.20 | 3.94 |
¹ Valid for worksites at 900 m (3,000 ft) or less above sea level. Above that, multiply the distances in this table by the Table V-4 altitude correction factor for the work elevation. ² For single-phase systems, use voltage-to-ground. Source: 29 CFR 1926.960 Table V-5; identical to 29 CFR 1910.269 Table R-6.
Table V-6 (1926.960) / Table R-7 (1910.269) — Alternative minimum approach distances, more than 72.5 kV
| Voltage range, phase-to-phase (kV) | Phase-to-ground (m) | Phase-to-ground (ft) | Phase-to-phase (m) | Phase-to-phase (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72.6 to 121.0 | 1.13 | 3.71 | 1.42 | 4.66 |
| 121.1 to 145.0 | 1.30 | 4.27 | 1.64 | 5.38 |
| 145.1 to 169.0 | 1.46 | 4.79 | 1.94 | 6.36 |
| 169.1 to 242.0 | 2.01 | 6.59 | 3.08 | 10.10 |
| 242.1 to 362.0 | 3.41 | 11.19 | 5.52 | 18.11 |
| 362.1 to 420.0 | 4.25 | 13.94 | 6.81 | 22.34 |
| 420.1 to 550.0 | 5.07 | 16.63 | 8.24 | 27.03 |
| 550.1 to 800.0 | 6.88 | 22.57 | 11.38 | 37.34 |
¹ Valid at 900 m (3,000 ft) or less; above that, multiply by the Table V-4 factor. ² The phase-to-phase distances may be used only if no insulated tool spans the gap and no large conductive object is in the gap. ³ The clear live-line tool distance must equal or exceed these values. These alternative distances are built on the Table V-8 assumed transient overvoltages; an engineering analysis of the actual system can support different distances via the Table V-2 equations. Source: 29 CFR 1926.960 Table V-6; identical to 1910.269 Table R-7.
Table V-4 (1926.960) / Table R-5 (1910.269) — Altitude correction factor (A)
| Altitude above sea level (m) | Approx. feet (converted) | Correction factor A |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 900 | 0 to 2,953 | 1.00 |
| 901 to 1,200 | 2,956 to 3,937 | 1.02 |
| 1,201 to 1,500 | 3,940 to 4,921 | 1.05 |
| 1,501 to 1,800 | 4,925 to 5,906 | 1.08 |
| 1,801 to 2,100 | 5,909 to 6,890 | 1.11 |
| 2,101 to 2,400 | 6,893 to 7,874 | 1.14 |
| 2,401 to 2,700 | 7,877 to 8,858 | 1.17 |
| 2,701 to 3,000 | 8,862 to 9,843 | 1.20 |
| 3,001 to 3,600 | 9,846 to 11,811 | 1.25 |
| 3,601 to 4,200 | 11,814 to 13,780 | 1.30 |
| 4,201 to 4,800 | 13,783 to 15,748 | 1.35 |
| 4,801 to 5,400 | 15,751 to 17,717 | 1.39 |
| 5,401 to 6,000 | 17,720 to 19,685 | 1.44 |
The regulation states altitude in meters only; the feet column is our conversion (1 m = 3.28084 ft) for convenience — the regulation itself rounds the 900 m threshold to "3,000 feet". Source: 29 CFR 1926.960 Table V-4; identical to 1910.269 Table R-5.
Worked examples
| Situation | Table / row | Altitude factor | Minimum approach distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.2 kV distribution, phase-to-ground, near sea level | V-5, 5.1 to 15.0 kV | 1.00 | 2.14 ft (0.65 m) ≈ 2 ft 2 in |
| 13.2 kV, phase-to-ground, jobsite at 7,000 ft (≈2,134 m) | V-5, 5.1 to 15.0 kV | 1.14 (2,101–2,400 m) | 2.14 × 1.14 = 2.44 ft — round up to 2 ft 6 in |
| 34.5 kV, phase-to-phase exposure, sea level | V-5, 15.1 to 36.0 kV | 1.00 | 2.92 ft (0.89 m) |
| 138 kV, phase-to-ground, jobsite at 5,500 ft (≈1,676 m) | V-6, 121.1 to 145.0 kV | 1.08 (1,501–1,800 m) | 4.27 × 1.08 = 4.61 ft |
| 480 V (277 V to ground) switchgear, qualified worker | V-5, 0.301 to 0.750 kV | 1.00 | 1.09 ft (0.33 m) unless insulated per (c)(1)(iii) |
Round the result UP when converting to a field distance. These are the minimums for qualified employees; your company procedures, the utility's rules, or an engineering analysis can require more.
Construction (1926 Subpart V) vs. general industry (1910.269) — which table number to cite
| What it is | 1926.960 (construction) | 1910.269 (general industry) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Construction of T&D lines & equipment (new, alteration, conversion, improvement) | Operation & maintenance of generation, T&D |
| MAD rule paragraph | 1926.960(c)(1) | 1910.269(l)(3) |
| AC MAD equations | Table V-2 | Table R-3 |
| Electrical component D (5.1–72.5 kV) | Table V-3 | Table R-4 |
| Altitude correction factor | Table V-4 | Table R-5 |
| Alternative MAD, ≤72.5 kV | Table V-5 | Table R-6 |
| Alternative MAD, >72.5 kV | Table V-6 | Table R-7 |
| DC live-line MAD | Table V-7 | Table R-8 |
| Assumed transient overvoltage | Table V-8 | Table R-9 |
OSHA's April 11, 2014 final rule made the two standards substantively the same; the numbers in each table pair are identical. Per the note to 1926.950(a)(1)(i), an employer complying with 1910.269 is considered in compliance with Subpart V requirements that do not reference other 1926 subparts.
Table V-3 (1926.960) / Table R-4 (1910.269) — Electrical component D of the MAD, 5.1 to 72.5 kV
| Nominal voltage (kV), phase-to-phase | Phase-to-ground exposure D (m) | Phase-to-phase exposure D (m) |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1 to 15.0 | 0.04 | 0.07 |
| 15.1 to 36.0 | 0.16 | 0.28 |
| 36.1 to 46.0 | 0.23 | 0.37 |
| 46.1 to 72.5 | 0.39 | 0.59 |
Used in the Table V-2 equation MAD = M + A×D, where M = 0.61 m (inadvertent-movement factor) for 5.1 to 72.5 kV and A = the Table V-4 altitude factor. Source: 29 CFR 1926.960 Table V-3.
Table V-7 (1926.960) / Table R-8 (1910.269) — DC live-line minimum approach distance (meters) with overvoltage factor
| Max. anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage | 250 kV | 400 kV | 500 kV | 600 kV | 750 kV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 or less | 1.12 | 1.60 | 2.06 | 2.62 | 3.61 |
| 1.6 | 1.17 | 1.69 | 2.24 | 2.86 | 3.98 |
| 1.7 | 1.23 | 1.82 | 2.42 | 3.12 | 4.37 |
| 1.8 | 1.28 | 1.95 | 2.62 | 3.39 | 4.79 |
Column headings are the maximum line-to-ground DC voltage (kV); distances are in meters. ¹ Distances are for air, bare-hand, and live-line tool conditions. Above 900 m (3,000 ft), multiply by the Table V-4 factor. Source: 29 CFR 1926.960 Table V-7; identical to 1910.269 Table R-8.
Table V-8 (1926.960) / Table R-9 (1910.269) — Assumed maximum per-unit transient overvoltage
| Voltage range (kV) | Type of current | Assumed max. per-unit transient overvoltage |
|---|---|---|
| 72.6 to 420.0 | AC | 3.5 |
| 420.1 to 550.0 | AC | 3.0 |
| 550.1 to 800.0 | AC | 2.5 |
| 250 to 750 | DC | 1.8 |
For voltages over 72.5 kV, the employer must either determine the maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage (phase-to-ground) by engineering analysis or assume the value in this table — 1926.960(c)(1)(ii). Source: 29 CFR 1926.960 Table V-8.
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How to use OSHA minimum approach distances
Minimum approach distance (MAD) is the closest a qualified employee — or any conductive object the employee is holding — may get to an exposed energized part. Under 1926.960(c)(1) the employer must establish MADs no less than those computed with Table V-2 (AC) or Table V-7 (DC). Tables V-5 and V-6 are OSHA's pre-computed "alternative" distances you can use instead of running the equations, as long as the worksite is at or below 900 m (3,000 ft) or you apply the Table V-4 altitude factor.
Reading the table: (1) find the nominal phase-to-phase system voltage — both columns are indexed by phase-to-phase voltage, even the phase-to-ground column (for single-phase systems up to 750 V, use voltage-to-ground); (2) pick the exposure — phase-to-ground when you are exposed between one phase and ground, phase-to-phase when your body or a tool could bridge two phases; (3) correct for altitude above 900 m; (4) round up and add your company's margin. You may enter the MAD only when insulated from the part (rubber gloves and sleeves under 1926.960(c)(2)), when the part is insulated from you, or during properly performed live-line barehand work.
1926.960 vs 1910.269: Subpart V of 1926 covers construction of transmission and distribution lines — new work, alterations, conversions, improvements. 1910.269 covers operation and maintenance of generation, transmission, and distribution. Since OSHA's 2014 rule, the MAD tables are identical; only the numbering differs (V-2 through V-8 in construction, R-3 through R-9 in general industry). The AC equations for over 72.5 kV use the per-unit transient overvoltage T — either from an engineering analysis or the Table V-8 default (3.5 for 72.6 to 420 kV).
These distances are for qualified line workers. For equipment and unqualified workers near overhead lines see the crane power line clearance chart (1926.1408); for premises wiring shock boundaries see the NFPA 70E approach boundaries guide. Document MAD, voltage, and exposure type in the pre-job briefing on an electrical JSA, and keep it on file with Field PM Safety.
Values verified against the current eCFR text of 29 CFR 1926.960 and 1910.269 (September 2026). OSHA regulations are the legal minimum; state-plan states, utility work rules, and engineering analysis may require more. This page is a reference, not engineering advice — verify against the current regulation before relying on it.
FAQ
What is the OSHA minimum approach distance for 13.8 kV?+
For a nominal 13.8 kV system (5.1 to 15.0 kV row of 1926.960 Table V-5 / 1910.269 Table R-6), the minimum approach distance is 0.65 m (2.14 ft) for phase-to-ground exposure and 0.68 m (2.24 ft) for phase-to-phase exposure, at elevations of 900 m (3,000 ft) or less. Above that elevation, multiply by the Table V-4 altitude correction factor.
What is the difference between 1926.960 and 1910.269 minimum approach distances?+
The numbers are the same. 1926 Subpart V (1926.960) covers construction of electric power transmission and distribution lines and equipment; 1910.269 covers operation and maintenance of generation, transmission, and distribution. After the 2014 rulemaking, 1926.960 Tables V-2 through V-8 carry the same values as 1910.269 Tables R-3 through R-9 — only the table numbers differ (for example, V-5 = R-6 and V-6 = R-7).
When do I use phase-to-ground vs phase-to-phase distances?+
Phase-to-ground applies when the exposure is between the employee (at ground or another potential) and a single energized phase — the typical case. Phase-to-phase applies when the employee or a conductive object could bridge between two phases, for example when working from an insulated aerial device positioned between phases. Under footnote 2 to Table V-6, the phase-to-phase values above 72.5 kV may be used only if no insulated tool spans the gap and no large conductive object is in the gap.
Do I have to correct minimum approach distance for altitude?+
Yes, above 900 meters (3,000 feet). The alternative tables (V-5, V-6, V-7) are only valid at or below 900 m. Above that, multiply the table distance by the Table V-4 altitude correction factor — for example 1.08 at 1,501 to 1,800 m and 1.14 at 2,101 to 2,400 m. Denver-area and mountain jobs routinely need the correction.
Can an unqualified worker use these minimum approach distances?+
No. The Subpart V and 1910.269 minimum approach distances apply to qualified employees doing live-line work. Unqualified workers and equipment near overhead lines are governed by other rules with larger clearances — for example, cranes use the 1926.1408 Table A distances (10 ft up to 50 kV) and the 20-foot planning trigger.
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