Implication of living next to an electricity substation

Felix

As per title really, are there any implications such as health from living next to or on an substation?

sarah_elton

I don't know if there are day to day.

But occasionally substations explode. That happened to our local one causing an all day black out a couple of years back. There were houses quite near it that weren't damaged, so assuming there's a legal minimum distance and it's adhered to it's not a major worry structurally. We're not talking Buncefield in scale here...

The bigger problem was actually that it took the electricity company responsible 18 months to rebuild the thing. It's located down a tiny lane, cue lorries down there most days covering it in mud etc.

A rare occurrence, so don't be too scared by this. I think one of my friends said they have coolant gases in these places and they boom when they're not properly maintained. It's a risk but a tiny one, but something to consider.

Felix

The one in question is immediately below a flat that I am interested in buying. Fire and explosion risks is something that I have thought about. Health is my biggest concern with the station being below the main bedroom and to me 8 hours a night of a magnetic field round my head isn't something I would appreciate.

mrdee0

My opinion-stay away from such close proximity. Magnetic fields do affect people. Have read of research into the use of focussed magnetic fields to control crown behaviour. What you could do I guess is find out whether people have suffered many health problems since moving close to this substation. Ask around.

Ems*Honie

I couldn't advise on the health implications, however, it is worrying you now, would you ever stop worrying?

Felix

Nope and thats why I am now steering clear which is a great shame as the property is exactly what we are after in the right area. Thanks all for your comments.

Ems*Honie

No worries Felix, we have watched an 'in need of modification' ideal investmant, bungalow in a village a few miles away. Its been up for ages because of a pylon that passes its wires straight over the roof! Health and peace of mind is a far wiser investment imo

The ideal place is out there, it just needs to be found

Spendless

There is one in the garden about 10 houses away and another 2 streets away though in its own seperate bit. I really wouldn't fancy one in my garden. I'd be worried sick about my kids trying to explore it.

silvercar

If you are not worried about the health implications for yourself, think about your potential buyers a few years down the line.

Whereas the evidence of health damage is anecdotal at the moment, if a few bad reports came out between you buying and wanting to sell then you could be storing up problems.

ts_aly2000

If you have no ultra emotional attachment to the property then don't even consider it.

You should see what electromagnetic eddies do to a metal screwdriver if you stick it in the middle of an AC coil.

Have a look at this site; http://www.electricstuff.co.uk/destructotron.html

Personally you won't even get me on a mobile phone for more than a few minutes every now and then...

MarkyMarkD

We have one adjacent to one corner of our garden and honestly it doesn't worry me at all.

Wasn't mentioned at all in the valuation when we purchased the house, or when we remortgaged (twice). It clearly doesn't worry the valuers who are not going to be happy with anything which reduces the value of the property in the minds of potential buyers.