Electromagnetic fields near high voltage electrical power lines: a parametric analysis

The electromagnetic (EM) fields near high voltage electrical power lines are computed and analyzed using an electromagnetic field theory approach. A parametric analysis of the effects of several key variables on the electromagnetic fields is carried out. The variables include: the cross-sectional configuration of the transmission lines (T/L) and distribution lines (D/L), the voltage level of the line, the load current and the effects of unbalance, the type of static wire, the soil resistivity, and the shielding effects of nearby metallic structures such as buildings, fences and pipelines. The computation results of an extensive set of studies are summarized. They provide a means to estimate the electromagnetic fields generated by a nearby high voltage transmission or distribution line before a detailed study is performed.