Mobile antennas, power lines and emergency zones: what is near your address?
Masts and pylons are easy to overlook at a viewing. This page explains which installations the maps show, which legal limit values apply – and how to look up what is near a specific address instead of guessing.
- 4 – 6 V/mInstallation limit, mobileat places of sensitive use
- 1 µTInstallation limit, high voltagemagnetic field, homes
- from 36 kVHigh voltage coveredlines, substations, transformer stations
- 3–5 km / 20 kmEmergency zoneszone 1 / zone 2 around nuclear plants
What the maps show, and what they don't
The suntag.ch report shows four layers: mobile phone installations, radio and TV transmitters, high-voltage installations and the emergency planning zones around nuclear plants. The maps show locations only, not field strength, and make no statement about health effects. They show what is nearby and where you can ask for more detail.
Limit values for antennas and power lines
Swiss law sets installation limit values for places of sensitive use, such as homes and schools:
| Mobile phone installations | 4 to 6 V/m |
| High-voltage lines (magnetic field) | 1 µT |
| Radio and TV transmitters | also legal installation limit values |
The installation limit values are well below the general limits, for mobile antennas about ten times stricter than the international guideline, and are checked when an installation is built or changed. The 1 µT value for lines is usually reached only within a few tens of metres of a line.
Mobile antennas and transmitters
The map of mobile installations comes from the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM). Note the nearest antenna and transmitter and check whether you would face it from a bedroom or a terrace. Field strength falls quickly with distance, but height and direction matter. Radio and TV transmitters (FM, DAB, TV) are shown separately, also by location only.
High-voltage lines and substations
The map from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy shows extra-high and high-voltage installations from 36 kV: lines, substations and transformer stations. It also shows where the grid is concentrated and where new infrastructure is likely. The Mittelland carries the main lines. Check the distance and direction of the nearest line.
| Zone 1 | reaches roughly 3 to 5 km around a nuclear plant |
| Zone 2 | reaches about 20 km |
| No colour | the address lies outside the emergency zones |
Around nuclear plants, emergency planning zones apply, in which the authorities prepare protective measures. They show where emergency planning applies, not an assessment of risk. Addresses around Gösgen, Beznau and Leibstadt may be affected, for example near Olten, Aarau or Baden.
Sensitive to electrosmog? How to look closer
For people sensitive to electromagnetic fields, this chapter is the starting point. For more detail, ask the environmental office of your canton for the site data sheet of nearby antennas, which gives the calculated field strength at neighbouring buildings, or have a measurement done.
What to check at a viewing
- Look around: where is the nearest mast, transmitter or pylon, and in which direction from the bedroom and terrace?
- Note the distance and direction and compare them with the map.
- If you are sensitive, ask the environmental office of your canton for the site data sheet of the antennas.
- Check whether the address lies inside a nuclear plant's emergency zone (zone 1 or 2).
- Keep in mind that the maps show locations only. For questions about exposure, the cantonal environmental office can help.
Look up antennas and power lines for your own address
The suntag.ch report shows, for any address in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, mobile installations, radio and TV transmitters, high-voltage installations and the emergency zones around nuclear plants. It also covers sun exposure day by day across the whole year, road, rail and aircraft noise, car and public-transport access, fibre, 5G, solar potential, zoning and natural hazards – a 31-page PDF report with 11 charts, 30 maps and 3 tables from CHF 15.
Frequently asked questions about antennas and power lines
Does the map show the strength of the radiation?
No. The maps show only the locations of the installations, not field strength, and make no statement about health effects. For information on exposure, ask the environmental office of your canton.
Which limit values apply to mobile antennas and high-voltage lines?
At places of sensitive use, such as homes and schools, installation limit values of 4 to 6 V/m apply to mobile phone installations and 1 µT to the magnetic field of high-voltage lines. They are well below the general limits and are checked when an installation is built or changed.
Where do I get precise data on a nearby antenna?
The environmental office of your canton can provide the antenna's site data sheet, which gives the calculated field strength at neighbouring buildings. A measurement can also be done.
Which high-voltage installations are on the map?
Extra-high and high-voltage installations from 36 kV: lines, substations and transformer stations. The map comes from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy.
What do the emergency zones around nuclear plants mean?
They are areas where the authorities prepare protective measures: zone 1 reaches roughly 3 to 5 km around a plant, zone 2 about 20 km. They show where emergency planning applies, not an assessment of risk. No colour means the address is outside.
See also: Property checklist for Switzerland →
See also: Sun exposure in Switzerland →
Sources and methodology: Mobile, radio and TV transmitters: Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM). High-voltage installations from 36 kV: Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). Emergency zones: Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI). Installation limit values: Ordinance on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation. The maps show locations only and do not replace a measurement or official information. More information: bafu.admin.ch, bakom.admin.ch, ensi.ch, map.geo.admin.ch.