Which of the following is a correct minimum safe distance for a 600 kV line?

• A. 25 feet
• B. 35 feet
• C. 45 feet
• D. 15 feet

Answer: (B)

A high-voltage line at 600 kV requires a larger clearance to prevent arcing and potential contact, even with sag, wind, and movement of equipment. The air gap needed to stop arcing grows with voltage, so the minimum safe distance is set with a generous margin to cover worst‑case conditions such as conductor sag and crane swing. About 35 feet provides a practical buffer between the crane, its load, and the energized line, reducing the risk of an arc or contact if the boom or load shifts. Distances much smaller than this (like 15 or 25 feet) don’t leave enough room for sag and movement at this voltage, while a much larger distance (like 45 feet) is typically more than necessary and can hinder operations without added safety benefits. Always verify with site-specific electrical clearance charts and follow the safety program, adjusting for equipment configuration, weather, and voltage, but 35 feet is the standard target for a 600 kV line.