Is it safe to live next door to an electric sub-station?

DVardysShadow

Imp wrote: »

High voltage cables run a few feet under streets and footpaths. You're much closer to them than you imagine. The only difference between these and overhead cables or substations is that you can't see the buried cables, so you don't worry about them. You are, though, much much closer to them than you think.

2 less obvious differences between underground cables and overhead lines - the electric field is contained entirely with the sheath of an underground cable whereas it lives between the wires and the ground for overhead - and the magnetic field falls away with distance from the cable very quickly for underground, but not for overhead

zappahey

Eton_Rifle wrote: »

It may well be safe from a physical and mental health aspect (although I wouldn't risk my family) but it is certainly unwise financially.

Only if the price isn't right in the first place.

I'd be quite happy to take a cheap house because ignorant, superstitious idiots won't buy it.

Basically, if you don't break in and give the coils a cuddle the electromagnetic field is in fractions of a microTesla.

zappahey

DVardysShadow wrote: »

2 less obvious differences between underground cables and overhead lines - the electric field is contained entirely with the sheath of an underground cable

Are you sure about that?

DVardysShadow wrote: »

whereas it lives between the wires and the ground for overhead - and the magnetic field falls away with distance from the cable very quickly for underground, but not for overhead

Are you sure about that?

It's a while since I've done this but I'm not convinced those two statements are accurate. Got a source? (pardon the pun)

Imp

This appears to be a good source, with lots of graphs and references and everything.

http://www.emfs.info/

COLOURBOUNCE

withabix wrote: »

Do you have a link to the data about the 'millions of others' please?

Really don't need a link. After 38 viewings on my previous home, all but 2 said they were put off by the sub station. Ask a selection of friends and, if they had a choice between houses to buy, the honest answers will give the vast majority taking the one without the station. Unless you have a link that suggests otherwise?
This is all an unproven risk, which is why energy companies around the world are putting up large amounts to fund ongoing research.

DVardysShadow

zappahey wrote: »

Are you sure about that?



Are you sure about that?

It's a while since I've done this but I'm not convinced those two statements are accurate. Got a source? (pardon the pun)

Basic Electrical Engineering. When I needed to do it, I worked straight from laws of electrical physics, so if you want a literature source, I never used one or needed one.

In terms of electrical fields, any HV cable will have an earthed metallic sheath, which will severely constrain the potential outside the cable for an electric field.

In terms of magnetic fields, 3 phase cables carrying a balanced current will appear to carry no net current from quite close up. The exceptions are single phase conductors [which are usually run trefoil to avoid external magnetic fields] and unbalanced systems - mostly with faults which are disconnected in no more than a few seconds - the only notable exception is AC supplies for railway traction.

borkid

rev229 wrote: »

we live one house away from one and near a railway. Never notice any humming and we walk past it several times a day! In most new estate the biggist house is nearlyn always next to the sub station, well it is where we live!!!

Funny you should say that. We are buying a new build house, the largest on a small estate and there are plans for a substation next to it. By next to it there is a double garage and a driveway between the house and the substation so 30 ft or so away. It hasn't been built yet so no idea if there will be a buzz.

It doesn't worry me but we have no children at home and we plan on this being our last move.

Davesnave

We have our own sub-station, up a pole behind the neighbour's house. The power company pay us real money for the pole, and for all its cousins crossing our land.

Most country houses have their own mini sub-stations like this, stepping down the high voltage to something more suited to domestic use. It seems funny that while people argue & bicker on here, there is a demand for country properties and no one appears to give a hoot about their poles and little substations.

Let's face it, few people would relish the alternative of running their own generator! :rotfl:

Kynthia

If it's priced accordingly you will find buyers. For my brother it was the choice between affording a large flat not next to a sub-station or a small two-bed house needing a little redecoration next to a sub-station. He picked the house and he, his girlfriend and their lodger are all very happy and don't have any problems with it.

borkid

We visited the house yesterday and had a listen at the sub station. Not a buzz, once it's surrounded by shrubs I wont even notice it's there. I can sometimes hear a light bulb buzzing so if the sub station is buzzing it must be very very quiet.