Electricity (Wayleave and Clearances) Regulations, 2026
Part 3 of 3 · provisions 401–452
These Regulations may be cited as the Electricity (Wayleave Title and Clearances) Regulations, 2026.
AI-assisted research synopsis — verify against the official legal text below.
- Jurisdiction
- Zambia
- Instrument
- Statutory instrument
- Citation
- SI 2 of 2026
- Version
- 2 Jan 2026
- Language
- en
- Official source
- View official record ↗
- Complete work
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Statute overview
About this statute
These Regulations may be cited as the Electricity (Wayleave Title and Clearances) Regulations, 2026. This section defines key terms used in the Regulations, including clearance, competent person, developer, overhead line, wayleave, and related electricity-safety terms. These Regulations apply to certain structures, overhead lines, developers, and installations, but not to wiring of premises or scientific-study installations; excluded scientific-study installations still need supervision and safety compliance. A licensee or developer must construct, operate, and maintain an overhead line and underground electricity cable according to the Schedule. People, planning authorities, and licensees placing electricity infrastructure must meet the Schedule’s minimum overhead-line wayleave requirements.
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Provisions of Electricity (Wayleave and Clearances) Regulations, 2026
Showing 52 of 452
Part
part thereof, used for storage or handling of flammable substances defined as class 0, class I or
- 1 Verify source ↗
5 m for overhead line greater than 1kV, but not exceeding 11kV
AI-assisted research summary: The provision fragment sets a 1.5 m threshold for overhead lines over 1kV and not exceeding 11kV.
1.5 m for overhead line greater than 1kV, but not exceeding 11kV; (d) - 2 Verify source ↗
5 m for overhead line greater than 11kV, but not exceeding 33kV
AI-assisted research summary: Overhead lines above 11kV and up to 33kV must have a 2.5 m clearance.
2.5 m for overhead line greater than 11kV, but not exceeding 33kV; (e) - 3 Verify source ↗
0 m for overhead line greater than 33kV, but not exceeding 66kV
AI-assisted research summary: A 3.0 m requirement applies to overhead lines where voltage is greater than 33kV but not exceeding 66kV.
3.0 m for overhead line greater than 33kV, but not exceeding 66kV; (f) - 3 Verify source ↗
2 m for overhead line greater than 66kV, but not exceeding 88kV
AI-assisted research summary: Overhead lines with voltage greater than 66kV but not exceeding 88kV have a 3.2 m measure specified for them.
3.2 m for overhead line greater than 66kV, but not exceeding 88kV; (g - 4 Verify source ↗
2 m for overhead line greater than 88kV, but not exceeding 132kV; and
AI-assisted research summary: An overhead line must be 4.2 m for lines greater than 88kV and not exceeding 132kV.
4.2 m for overhead line greater than 88kV, but not exceeding 132kV; and (h) - 6 Verify source ↗
0 m for overhead line greater than 132kV
AI-assisted research summary: For insulated overhead lines, the project supervisor of works must verify insulation integrity with the line’s licensee before work starts.
6.0 m for overhead line greater than 132kV. For insulated overhead line, project supervisor of works shall verify insulation integrity with the licensee owning the overhead line, before any work starts. - 4 Verify source ↗
2.3 No-tip Zone
AI-assisted research summary: A tipped truck or other raised equipment must not enter a no-tip zone.
4.2.3 No-tip Zone This is a space that no part of a tipped truck or other raised equipment must enter. A no-tip zone applies to road strengthening and resurfacing works such as tarring and chipping existing roads. - 4 Verify source ↗
2.4 Crossing Point
AI-assisted research summary: A crossing point is a protected corridor under an overhead line, and it should be set up with height-restricting barriers and warning signs.
4.2.4 Crossing Point A crossing point is a defined, protected corridor that crosses under an overhead line. crossing points shall be created by installing — (a) goalpost-style height-restricting barriers; and (b) warning signs for overhead lines at entrances and exits of the crossing point. There shall be created crossing points for the purposes of — (i) limiting the location and the height of plant and machinery that can cross under an overhead line; and (ii) alerting drivers and plant operators to the hazard of the overhead line before they cross under it. Figure 4.5 in subparagraph 4.4 illustrates the acceptable crossing point. - 4
AI-assisted research summary: Plant or machinery must not enter the hazard zone.
4.3 Safety distances to maintain on sites where there will be no work or plant passing in or under the hazard zone. No plant or machinery shall enter the hazard zone. Therefore: - 4 Verify source ↗
3.1 Barriers shall always be erected on the work side (outside the edge of the hazard zone)
AI-assisted research summary: Barriers must always be erected on the work side, outside the edge of the hazard zone, at the correct distance from the line.
4.3.1 Barriers shall always be erected on the work side (outside the edge of the hazard zone) at the correct distance from the line, as illustrated in Figure 4.4. - 4 Verify source ↗
3.2 The barrier materials (bunting, uprights and goalposts) shall be of strong and sturdy,
AI-assisted research summary: Barrier materials must be strong and sturdy, non-conducting, and clearly visible.
4.3.2 The barrier materials (bunting, uprights and goalposts) shall be of strong and sturdy, non-conducting and clearly visible materials as illustrated in Figure 4.4. - 4 Verify source ↗
3.3 As further illustrated in Figure 4.4, standard electricity hazard warning signs shall be
AI-assisted research summary: Standard electricity hazard warning signs must be placed along the route at intervals of 20 meters or less.
4.3.3 As further illustrated in Figure 4.4, standard electricity hazard warning signs shall be put along the route at intervals of 20 meters or less. 36 Statutory Instruments 2nd January, 2026 - 4 Verify source ↗
4 Safety distances to maintain on sites
AI-assisted research summary: This section concerns safety distances that must be maintained on sites.
4.4 Safety distances to maintain on sites. - 4 Verify source ↗
5 Where plant and machinery will pass under a live overhead line
AI-assisted research summary: This provision heading indicates a rule about plant and machinery passing under a live overhead line.
4.5 Where plant and machinery will pass under a live overhead line. - 4 Verify source ↗
5.1 When there is need to move plant and machinery under a live overhead line, there shall
AI-assisted research summary: If plant and machinery need to move under a live overhead line, crossing points must be created using height-restricting goalposts.
4.5.1 When there is need to move plant and machinery under a live overhead line, there shall be created crossing points which shall be erected from height-restricting goalposts. The goalposts shall be made from rigid, non-conducting, clearly visible material at the entrance to the crossing point on each side of the line. Figure 4.5 illustrates the correct design of a crossing point. Figure 4.4: Illustration – Elevation and plan for a site where plant and machinery must not pass under overhead line. - 4 Verify source ↗
5.2 The maximum height of the crossing point outside the hazard zone and in line with
AI-assisted research summary: The crossing point outside the hazard zone and aligned with the protection barriers must not exceed 4.2 m in height, measured from the original site ground level.
4.5.2 The maximum height of the crossing point outside the hazard zone and in line with the protection barriers shall be 4.2 m, measured relative to ground level of the original site - 4 Verify source ↗
5.3 The maximum width of the crossing point outside the hazard zone and in line with the
AI-assisted research summary: The crossing point outside the hazard zone and aligned with the protection barriers must be no wider than 9.0 m.
4.5.3 The maximum width of the crossing point outside the hazard zone and in line with the protection barriers shall be 9.0 m, measured relative to ground level of the original site. 2nd January, 2026 Statutory Instruments 37 Figure 4.4: Illustration – Elevation and plan for a site where plant and machinery need to pass under overhead line. - 4 Verify source ↗
5 Safety distances to maintain on sites where work will be carried out in the hazard zone
AI-assisted research summary: Safety distances to be maintained on sites where work is carried out in the hazard zone.
4.5 Safety distances to maintain on sites where work will be carried out in the hazard zone - 4 Verify source ↗
5.1 Where work in the hazard zone of a live overhead line is permitted by the network
AI-assisted research summary: If work in the hazard zone of a live overhead line is allowed by the network operator or owner, the project supervisor of the works remains responsible for safety.
4.5.1 Where work in the hazard zone of a live overhead line is permitted by the network operator or owner, but the responsibility for safety remains with the project supervisor of works. - 4 Verify source ↗
5.2 Before work begins, the project supervisor of works shall fulfill the following
AI-assisted research summary: Before work starts, the project supervisor of works must complete specific safety checks and prepare a site-specific risk assessment and work method statement.
4.5.2 Before work begins, the project supervisor of works shall fulfill the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) verification of the line voltage with the operator of the overhead line; determination of the hazard Zone; determination of the exclusion zone; and determination, preparation and implementation of a site and job-specific risk assessment and work method statement which shall cover the following: (i) (ii) (iii) the vertical clearance of the closest conductor of the overhead line, taking into account any possible sag; the maximum potential height that the equipment can reach, ignoring any mechanical, electronic or electromechanical height limiters that are or may be fitted to the equipment; the possible effect on the vertical clearance of overhead line as a result of changing or varying ground levels within the hazard zone due to the intended work; and (iv) the possible effect on the overhead line support structures as a result of the intended work. 38 Statutory Instruments 2nd January, 2026 - 4
AI-assisted research summary: This provision concerns keeping required safety clearances when doing road strengthening and resurfacing work near an overhead line.
4.6 Safety clearances to maintain when performing road strengthening and resurfacing works near overhead line. - 4 Verify source ↗
6.1 The project supervisor of works shall establish and maintain a no-tip zone with a
AI-assisted research summary: The project supervisor of works must set up and keep a no-tip zone with at least 3.0 meters of lateral clearance from the nearest overhead line conductor, and put warning signs at the zone entrances and exits.
4.6.1 The project supervisor of works shall establish and maintain a no-tip zone with a minimum lateral clearance of 3.0 meters from the closest conductor of overhead line. Warning signs shall be placed at the entrance and exits of the no-tip zone. - 4 Verify source ↗
6.2 Figures 4.6 to 4.8, illustrate how to place warning signs and how to determine the
AI-assisted research summary: The figures show how to place warning signs and determine the no-tip zone where a road crosses an overhead line at different angles.
4.6.2 Figures 4.6 to 4.8, illustrate how to place warning signs and how to determine the correct no-tip zone when a road crosses an overhead line at 90 degrees, at more than 45 degrees and at less than 45 degrees respectively. Figure 4.5: Illustration – Determining the No-tip Zone and safe system of work when overhead line crosses the road at 90 degrees 2nd January, 2026 Statutory Instruments 39 Figure 4.6: Illustration – Determining the no-tip zone and safe system of work when overhead line crosses the road at an angle equal to or greater than 45 degrees. 40 Statutory Instruments 2nd January, 2026 Figure 4.7: Illustration – Determining the no-tip zone and safe system of work when overhead line crosses the road at an angle equal to or less than 45 degrees. 2nd January, 2026 Statutory Instruments 41 3 MINIMUM CLEARANCES FROM UNDERGROUND ELECTRICITY CABLES UP TO 33kV - 5 Verify source ↗
1 Depth of cover for underground electric cables
AI-assisted research summary: This section concerns the depth of cover for underground electric cables.
5.1 Depth of cover for underground electric cables - 5 Verify source ↗
1.1 For open trench construction, the depth of cover shall not be less than
AI-assisted research summary: For open trench construction, the cover depth must not be below the minimum stated in the provision, but the actual value is not shown in this excerpt.
5.1.1 For open trench construction, the depth of cover shall not be less than: (a) (b) - 0 Verify source ↗
75 m below the surface of a roadway, for any cable installed under a roadway
AI-assisted research summary: A cable installed under a roadway is referenced at 0.75 m below the roadway surface.
0.75 m below the surface of a roadway, for any cable installed under a roadway; - 0 Verify source ↗
60 m below the finished ground surface, for cables installed in other locations; and
AI-assisted research summary: If the required cable burial depths cannot be met because of physical obstructions, extra mechanical protection must be provided, and the protection must be marked along its length.
0.60 m below the finished ground surface, for cables installed in other locations; and (c) Where it is not possible to achieve these depths set out in (a) and (b) due to physical obstructions, such as other utility services, additional mechanical protection shall be provided by means of a minimum cover of 100mm of 20m concrete or equivalent. The additional mechanical protection shall be marked by embossing the words ‘ELECTRIC CABLE’ or similar, along its length. - 5 Verify source ↗
1.2 For direct buried cable installation construction, the depth of cover shall not be less
AI-assisted research summary: Direct buried cable installation must have at least 0.90 m of cover below finished ground level, except for certain vertical or secured above-ground sections.
5.1.2 For direct buried cable installation construction, the depth of cover shall not be less than 0.90 m below the finished ground surface. However, this requirement does not apply to that part of an underground cable entering or leaving the ground vertically or fixed above the ground to a secure structure.
Part
part of an underground cable entering or leaving the ground vertically or fixed above the ground to
- 5 Verify source ↗
2 Minimum vertical clearances to electricity underground cables
AI-assisted research summary: This section is about minimum vertical clearances for electricity underground cables.
5.2 Minimum vertical clearances to electricity underground cables - 5 Verify source ↗
2.1 General
AI-assisted research summary: When working out minimum separation distances, the clearance from nearby underground cable installations or cable trenching to other utility service assets must not be less than the Schedule minimums.
5.2.1 General When determining the minimum separation from other underground utility services with the same route, the clearance from the centre of most adjacent direct buried underground cable installations, or if available, the most adjacent surface of electric cable trenching, to other utility service assets shall not be less than the minimum clearances set out in this Schedule. - 5 Verify source ↗
2.2 Vertical clearances to other non-electricity utilities
AI-assisted research summary: Vertical minimum clearances in Table 5.1 must be maintained when other utility service assets are installed alongside, over, or under underground electricity assets.
5.2.2 Vertical clearances to other non-electricity utilities The vertical minimum clearances specified in Table 5.1 shall be maintained where other utility service assets are required to be installed vertically parallel, crossing over or under the electricity utility underground assets. The physical arrangements are illustrated in figure 5.1. Table 5.1: Minimum vertical clearances from underground electricity cables to other utility services Service type Telecommunication services (piped) Telecommunication services (pit) Sewer Mains – Public/private (e.g., sanitary drainage pipe system) Water Service Line – Public/Private Pipe dia. (DN≤300) Pipe dia. (DN>300) Pipe dia. (DN≤65) Pipe dia. (DN>65) Parallel mechanically protected (see Note 1) Parallel (unprotected) LV earthing Parallel (protected) (see Notes 1 & 3) Parallel (unprotected) (see Note 3) Crossing (see Note 2) Storm Water – Public/Private Public Lighting Wiring-from customer ckt or metered supply point Customer underground LV mains Minimum vertical clearance to underground service of voltage, V: V ≤ 400 volts - 0 Verify source ↗
300 m
AI-assisted research summary: The notes set cable-clearance requirements for crossings near underground storm water drains and electrical cables, including minimum separations, marker tape, and approval from the cable licensee for the required clearance.
0.300 m 42 Statutory Instruments 2nd January, 2026 NOTES to Table 5.1: (1) Mechanical protection (e.g., by the concrete slabs, continuous pour, bricks designed for protecting etc) for the electrical supply cables; (2) The minimum vertical separation between any underground storm water drain crossing an underground electric distribution service cable shall — (a) (b) (c) cross at angle 90° if practicable, but not less than 45°; have a vertical separation of not less than 100mm; and be marked along its length for 1,000mm either side of the center line of the service, with marker tape, laid 150mm above the installed service; (3) The minimum horizontal separation between any underground storm water drain and an electrical distribution service cable shall be at least- (a) 100mm provided the electrical cable is indicated along its length with orange marker tape specified in the respective Zambian standard, and is mechanically protected; or (b) 600mm, where the electrical supply cable is not mechanically protected; and (4) EUA refers to requirement that approval of the actually-required clearance must be obtained from the licensee owning the underground cable. Figure 5.1: Clearances from underground electricity cables and trenching to other Utility services. 2nd January, 2026 Statutory Instruments 43 - 5 Verify source ↗
3 Minimum horizontal clearances to other non-electricity utility service lines
AI-assisted research summary: This section concerns minimum horizontal clearances to other non-electricity utility service lines.
5.3 Minimum horizontal clearances to other non-electricity utility service lines - 5 Verify source ↗
3.1 The horizontal minimum clearances specified in Table 5.2 shall be maintained where
AI-assisted research summary: A utility must keep the Table 5.2 horizontal minimum clearances when its service lines are installed underground near underground electricity cables.
5.3.1 The horizontal minimum clearances specified in Table 5.2 shall be maintained where other utility service assets are required to be installed vertically parallel, crossing over or under the electricity utility underground cables. These minimum clearances shall be observed and maintained by a Utility whenever its service lines are routed underground. Table 5.2 Minimum horizontal clearances from underground electricity cables to other utility services Service type Telecommunication services (piped) Telecommunication services (pit) Sewer Mains – Public/private (e.g., sanitary drainage pipe system) Water Service Line – Public/Private Storm Water – Public/Private Parallel mechanically protected (see Note 1) Parallel (unprotected) LV earthing Parallel (protected) (see Notes 1 & 3) Parallel (unprotected) (see Note 3) Crossing (see Note 2) For water pipe dia. ≤ 200 Other water mains Water Mains – Public/Private Public Lighting Wiring - from customer circuit or metered supply point Customer underground LV mains Road side kerb Pipe dia. (DN≤300) Pipe dia. (DN>300) Pipe dia. (DN≤65) Pipe dia. (DN>65) Minimum horizontal clearance to underground cable of Voltage, V: V ≤ 400 volts - 0 Verify source ↗
800 m
AI-assisted research summary: This note says the notes for Table 5.2 are the same as the notes for Table 5.1.
0.800 m NOTES to Table 5.2: (same as Notes to Table 5.1). - 5 Verify source ↗
4 Minimum clearance from underground electricity cables to buildings
AI-assisted research summary: This provision concerns the minimum clearance from underground electricity cables to buildings.
5.4 Minimum clearance from underground electricity cables to buildings - 5 Verify source ↗
4.1 The minimum clearances to be maintained between the foundation of a building or a
AI-assisted research summary: Maintain a minimum 2.0 m clearance between a building or structure’s foundation and underground utility electric cables.
5.4.1 The minimum clearances to be maintained between the foundation of a building or a structure and the underground utility electric cables (measured from the centre of the most adjacent cable, or if available, the most adjacent surface of the cable trench) shall be 2.0 m. This requirement is illustrated in figure 5.2. Figure 5 2 Minimum safety clearance of underground cables from building structures 44 Statutory Instruments 2nd January, 2026 - 5 Verify source ↗
5 Clearance from underground electricity cable to fire hydrants external to buildings
AI-assisted research summary: This provision is titled “Clearance from underground electricity cable to fire hydrants external to buildings.”
5.5 Clearance from underground electricity cable to fire hydrants external to buildings - 5 Verify source ↗
5.1 The minimum lateral clearance to be maintained between foundation a fire hydrant
AI-assisted research summary: Keep at least 10.0 m of lateral clearance between the specified external fire hydrant system foundation and an underground electricity cable.
5.5.1 The minimum lateral clearance to be maintained between foundation a fire hydrant system which is located external to a building and an underground electricity cable shall be 10.0 m. - 5 Verify source ↗
6 Clearance from underground utility electricity cable to tank or tank farm used for storage
AI-assisted research summary: This section concerns clearance from an underground utility electricity cable to a tank or tank farm used for storing flammable substances.
5.6 Clearance from underground utility electricity cable to tank or tank farm used for storage of flammable substances - 5 Verify source ↗
6.1 The minimum Lateral clearance from an underground Utility electricity cable (measured
AI-assisted research summary: The provision says the minimum lateral clearance from an underground utility electricity cable to a tank or tank farm foundation for certain flammable substances is specified, but the actual distances are not shown here.
5.6.1 The minimum Lateral clearance from an underground Utility electricity cable (measured from the centre of the most adjacent cable) to the closest edge of concrete bedding or foundation of a tank or tank farm used for storage of flammable substances defined as Class 0, Class I, Class II or Class III in ZS 402:2006, shall be — (a) (b) - 4 Verify source ↗
0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is 2,000 liters or less
AI-assisted research summary: A tank or tank farm with a capacity of 2,000 liters or less has a 4.0 m requirement.
4.0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is 2,000 liters or less; - 5 Verify source ↗
0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 2,000 liters, but less than or equal
AI-assisted research summary: A 5.0 m measurement applies to a tank or tank farm with capacity over 2,000 liters and up to 4,000 liters.
5.0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 2,000 liters, but less than or equal to 4,000 liters; (c) - 6 Verify source ↗
0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 4,000 liters, but less than or equal
AI-assisted research summary: This text sets a 6.0 m requirement for a tank or tank farm with capacity over 4,000 liters and up to 7,000 liters.
6.0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 4,000 liters, but less than or equal to 7,000 liters; (d) - 7 Verify source ↗
0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 7,000 liters, but less than or equal
AI-assisted research summary: A 7.0 m requirement applies to a tank or tank farm with capacity over 7,000 liters and up to 10,000 liters.
7.0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 7,000 liters, but less than or equal to 10,000 liters; (e) - 8 Verify source ↗
0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 10,000 liters, but less than or
AI-assisted research summary: For a tank or tank farm with capacity over 10,000 liters and up to 25,000 liters, the specified amount is 8.0 m.
8.0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 10,000 liters, but less than or equal to 25,000 liters; (f) - 9 Verify source ↗
0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 25,000 liters, but less than or
AI-assisted research summary: This text sets a 9.0 m requirement for a tank or tank farm with capacity over 25,000 liters and up to 50,000 liters.
9.0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 25,000 liters, but less than or equal 50,000 liters; (g) - 12 Verify source ↗
0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is more than 50,000 liters, but less or
AI-assisted research summary: A tank or tank farm with capacity over 50,000 liters and up to 200,000 liters is subject to a 12.0 m requirement.
12.0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is more than 50,000 liters, but less or equal to 200,000 liters; and (h) - 15 Verify source ↗
0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 200,000 liters
AI-assisted research summary: A 15.0 m minimum safety clearance applies for underground electricity cables near a tank or tank farm with capacity over 200,000 liters.
15.0 m for a tank or tank farm whose capacity is over 200,000 liters. Refer to figure 5.3 for illustration. 2nd January, 2026 Statutory Instruments 45 Figure 5.3: Illustration of minimum safety clearance distance of underground electricity cables from bulk flammable liquid storage tanks - 5 Verify source ↗
1 Growth limit zone of tree roots near underground electricity cables
AI-assisted research summary: Section heading on the growth limit zone for tree roots near underground electricity cables.
5.1 Growth limit zone of tree roots near underground electricity cables - 5 Verify source ↗
1.1 A Person wishing to dig the ground for the purposes of planting a tree or trees shall
AI-assisted research summary: A person digging for tree planting must know where underground cables are and must not dig holes within 4 metres of the nearest existing underground cable.
5.1.1 A Person wishing to dig the ground for the purposes of planting a tree or trees shall ensure they know exactly where all underground cables are, and shall not dig holes within 4 metres of the most adjacent existing underground cable(s). - 5 Verify source ↗
1.2 The owner of an underground cable shall maintain a growth limit zone. As illustrated in
AI-assisted research summary: The owner of an underground cable must maintain a growth limit zone.
5.1.2 The owner of an underground cable shall maintain a growth limit zone. As illustrated in figure 5.4, the growth limit zone, that is, the minimum distance which the roots of a tree must be kept away from an underground electricity cable, shall be 0.50 m. 46 Statutory Instruments 2nd January, 2026 Figure 5.4: Illustration of Growth Limit Zone near underground electric cable. LUSAKA 23rd December, 2025 (MOE/DPI.64/9/2) M. CHIKOTE, Minister of Energy
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