Transformer Clearing

As more and more lines are being installed underground, keeping the area clear around our underground transformers and equipment has become increasingly important. Underground transformers and facilities are the large and small green boxes located on or near your property that help provide power to your home.

Access to underground transformers and other equipment is vital for maintaining and restoring power efficiently. If there’s a transformer on your property, it’s important to keep the area clear to allow for safe maintenance and repairs. Blocked access can delay restoration during outages and create unnecessary hazards for both you and our crews.

Our Underground Clearance Program Includes:

  • Vegetation Clearing: Removal of shrubs, small trees, and plants that obstruct access to underground transformers and equipment, ensuring safe and efficient maintenance and repairs.
  • Routine Inspections and Maintenance: Regular inspections to identify and clear overgrown vegetation, maintaining 10 feet of clearance in front and 6 feet on the sides of transformers.

How You Can Help:

  • Avoid Obstructions: Ensure no fences or hard landscaping block equipment access.
  • Mind the Clearance Zone: Keep shrubs and plants away from pad-mounted transformers. See below graphic.

Underground clearance management involves keeping the areas around transformers and buried electrical equipment clear of obstructions, ensuring easy access for maintenance, repairs, and emergency services. These transformers are often the green boxes located on or near properties, essential for delivering power safely to homes and businesses.

Clear access to underground equipment is critical for:

  • Quick Repairs: Allows our crews to restore service promptly during outages.
  • Safety: Prevents hazards for both members and lineworkers by reducing the chance of contact with live electrical components.
  • Maintenance: Ensures we can perform regular maintenance without delays.

Never place the following near or around underground transformers:

  • Shrubs, bushes, or fences that block access.
  • Landscaping rocks, hardscapes, or decorations that restrict clearance.
  • Outdoor furniture or storage units close to or on top of the transformer.

Keeping the area clear ensures fast response times and avoids service disruptions.

Yes, but you must follow Wake Electric’s clearance guidelines:

  • Choose low-growing plants that will not encroach on the 10-foot front clearance or the 6-foot side clearance.
  • Avoid planting any trees or large shrubs that could grow into the restricted areas.
  • If you have concerns about planting near a transformer, contact us for guidance.

Calling 811 before digging is a legal requirement and a crucial safety measure. When you call 811:

  • Underground utility lines will be marked to help you avoid damaging power lines, water pipes, or gas lines.
  • Prevents service disruptions and expensive repairs.
  • Protects you and your family from potential injury.

Always call at least 2-3 business days before starting any digging or landscaping project.

Transformers are regularly inspected and maintained as part of Wake Electric’s ongoing service efforts. If you notice any of the following issues, contact us immediately:

  • Damaged or open doors on the transformer box.
  • Noise or vibrations coming from the equipment.
  • Vegetation blocking access that could interfere with maintenance.

Yes, it’s important to avoid:

  • Pouring waste, chemicals, or oils near underground transformers, as they can damage cables or leak into the ground.
  • Blocking airflow around the transformer, which could lead to overheating and equipment failure.

We use environmentally safe practices during installation and maintenance to minimize impact on the surrounding area.