Substations, transformers, and power lines

Our electrical substations change high-voltage electricity to a lower voltage used in homes and businesses.

Always pay attention and obey the electrical substation safety signs posted by EPCOR on our electrical substations. Never enter the fenced area of a substation as there is a high risk of injury.

Transformers are the grey or green boxes found on and near front yards throughout Edmonton. Cubicles are large grey or green boxes be found near the entrance to your neighbourhood. Transformers and cubicles are sometimes referred to as utility boxes or electrical boxes. These transformers and cubicles are tied to underground distribution lines, which deliver electricity to nearby households and businesses.

This equipment can be dangerous, which is why transformers typically have warning signs with messages like "Danger High Voltage" and "Danger Keep Out".

Here are some things we can all do to ensure the safety of ourselves and others when working or playing near transformers and other electrical equipment.

Report open or damaged transformers

Contact us at our 24/7 emergency line at 780-412-4500 if you see:

• A transformer with a door that is open or damaged
• A transformer that's been hit by a vehicle

Don't play on or near transformers or cubicles

Power transformers and cubicles can contain a variety of different utility equipment. Although they have a secure and enclosed design, they can still be dangerous. Don't play on or around these transformers or cubicles, and keep others away from them too.

Call before you dig

Transformers and cubicles are connected to buried power lines, which run power into households and businesses.

It's important to call or click before you dig near this equipment so that power lines and other utilities can be marked before you start digging.

Once the utilities have been marked, ensure you hand exposing the utilities with a hydro vac or shovel. Do not use motor powered digging devices (e.g. excavator or auger) within 1 metre on either side of the locate marks. Also, make sure your digging area is at least 2 metres away from all sides of the transformer or cubicle. There is a ground grid buried around transformers and cubicles that is will not be indicated on the locate sheet, but still poses a safety risk if you dig to close to it.

Phone: 1-800-242-3447
Website: utilitysafety.ca

Provide access to electrical equipment

You should always make sure there is proper access to transformers. There should be a clear 3 metre path on all four sides of the transformer. Don't block access to the transformer with fences, shrubs, construction materials, or equipment. This ensures crews are able to quickly access the transformer, this is especially important if they are responding to an emergency outage.

Different types of power lines have different structures and voltages. Whether dealing with a high-voltage transmission line or a lower-voltage distribution line, stay at least 7 metres away from power lines, and never fly a drone or kite near them.

Distribution lines

Distribution lines are medium-voltage lines that run throughout the city. Their voltage can range between 2,400 to 25,000 volts. Distribution lines are mainly underground in newer neighbourhoods and above-ground (pole-mounted) in older urban neighbourhoods. Although they carry less voltage than transmission lines, accidental contacts with distribution lines are more frequent and still quite dangerous.

If your drone or kite contacts a power line, do not try to remove it. Call our Power Emergency line and tell them the location. 

Transmission lines

Transmission lines are high-voltage lines directly connected to power generating stations. Transmission lines can be located either underground or overhead and can carry up to 500,000 volts. This high voltage is necessary for the power to travel longer distances while minimizing electricity loss.

Report downed power lines

If you see a downed power line, keep everyone else at least 10 metres away. Call 911 or Power Trouble immediately and tell them the exact location of the line.