Wiktor Wise
Electric lines can be run in a hose in a variety of ways, depending on the specific requirements and local regulations. One common method is to use a service drop, where the electric utility company's power pole connects to the home's meter base through a bundle of cables or three individual wires. The height of these cables is regulated, with minimum heights above pedestrian areas, swimming pools, and public roads. Another option is to use underground service lines, which are more costly and labour-intensive to install and repair but are less likely to be impacted by extreme weather conditions. For outdoor buildings and sheds, adding an electrical circuit can be a rewarding project, but it's important to follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines for burial depth and pipe bends.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric service drop | A bundle of electrical cables that run from the electric utility company's power pole to the connection at your house |
| Overhead lines | More adaptable and less costly than underground lines |
| Underground lines | More costly and labor-intensive to install and repair than overhead lines |
| Minimum height requirements for service drop cables | 10 feet above areas accessible only to pedestrians; 22-1/2 feet above a swimming pool; 18 feet when suspended above public roads |
| Transformers | Boost voltage to 100,000 volts or more to reduce current and wasted energy |
| Transmission conductors | Usually in groups of three |
| Insulators | Made from ceramic discs to prevent electricity leakage |
| Static or shield wires | Smaller conductors running along the top of transmission lines that don't carry any current |
| Underground wiring | Used for landscape lighting, pumps for garden ponds, and electricity in carpentry workshops |
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What You'll Learn
Electric lines run from the power pole to a house
Electric lines from the power pole to a house are known as residential electrical service drops. They are attached to the side of the house and are a bundle of electrical cables (or three individual wires in older installations) that run from the electric utility company's power pole to the connection at the house. The service drop is the key element that brings electricity into a home.
The three insulated cables that run from the power pole to the house are the live, neutral, and ground cables. These cables are loosely twisted around a strain relief cable, which supports the weight of the electrical cables to relieve strain on the attachment points. The height of a residential electrical service drop must be at least 12 feet above the ground, and the minimum height above areas accessible only to pedestrians, such as porches or decks, is 10 feet.
If a homeowner wishes to install or repair electrical lines from the road to their house, they should expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000, with an average of $12,250 depending on factors such as length or run and labor. Underground electrical lines are typically more expensive, ranging from $500 to $150,000, while overhead lines cost $250 to $80,000.
It is important to note that any power lines connected to a house are the responsibility of the homeowner. If a problem occurs, the utility company will repair it, but they will charge the homeowner for the maintenance.
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The service drop connects to the service head
The service drop is the bundle of electrical cables that run from the electric utility company's power pole to the connection at your house. When the service drop reaches the house, it connects to an assembly called the service head. The service head is also known as the service mast or masthead. Typically, a service head consists of a rigid steel conduit (like a big pipe) that runs up through the roof or along an exterior wall. The open front of the weatherhead faces downward to keep out rain and snow.
The bottom end of the service mast connects to the home's meter base. An additional set of service cables starts at the service panel (and the electric meter) and runs up through and out of the service head. These cables connect to the service drop cables near the outside of the mast. This connection is called the service point and it represents the dividing line between the utility company's property and the homeowner's property. The service cables have to make a downward loop near the service point, which is known as a drip loop. This is done in order to prevent water from running down the cables and entering the service head.
The service drop is the main connection between the power pole of the electric utility company and your house. It belongs to the utility company, not the homeowner. Therefore, the power in the service drop cables can be shut off only by the utility company. If there is any problem with the service drop, you should call the utility company. If there is an issue with the service head or the cable between the service point and the main panel, you may call a licensed electrician.
The height of a residential electrical service drop must be at least 12 feet above the ground, as well as sidewalks and residential driveways. The minimum height above areas accessible only to pedestrians, such as porches or decks, is 10 feet. When service drops are suspended above public roads, the lines must be at least 18 feet high. Minimum height requirements for service drop cables are determined by local building or electrical codes, but most follow the recommendations of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
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The service head consists of a rigid steel conduit
Residential electrical service drops are the lines that run from the power pole to a house. A standard service drop includes three cables, or conductors. Two are insulated hot cables, each carrying 120 volts of electricity (240 volts across the two wires). The third cable, usually a bare (uninsulated) aluminium wire with a steel core, acts as the neutral conductor and provides structural support for the entire service drop.
The service head is a critical component of the electrical service drop. It consists of a rigid steel conduit, akin to a large pipe, that runs up through the roof or along an exterior wall. The service head is topped with a weatherhead or weather cap, a shell-like fitting that protects the electrical service from the elements. The open front of the weatherhead faces downward to prevent rain and snow from entering.
The rigid steel conduit of the service head serves as a protective pathway for the electrical cables. It is typically made of materials such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, red brass, or aluminium. The conduit must be securely fastened and supported, in compliance with local electrical codes and safety standards. The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines for the installation and securing of rigid metal conduits, such as the requirement to fasten the conduit within a certain distance of each outlet box or junction box.
Additionally, the conduit must be able to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. This is achieved through the use of expansion fittings, which are necessary to compensate for temperature-induced changes in the conduit's dimensions. The NEC also specifies the use of threadless couplings and connectors in rigid metal conduit runs. These couplings and connectors must be tight to maintain an effective ground-fault current path, ensuring the safe conduction of fault currents.
The service head's rigid steel conduit plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the electrical service. It provides a secure and protected passage for the cables, helping to prevent water ingress and ensuring that the electrical service complies with the necessary safety standards.
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The service mast connects to the meter base
The service mast is a conduit that connects the power company's live wires to the meter base of a house. The mast is typically a 2" or 4" rigid metal conduit that protects the wires and ensures sufficient clearance from buildings and walkways.
The service mast is part of the house, but the conductors passing through it belong to the power company. The power company is responsible for the service drop—the live wires running from the utility pole to the house—and the electrical meter. The homeowner is typically responsible for the weatherhead where the lines connect to the house and all components after the weatherhead except for the meter.
The weatherhead is a curved metal piece connected to the service mast that extends down to the electrical meter. It provides a safe, dry location for power to enter the home. The weatherhead is installed at least 3 feet above the roofline to provide adequate clearance for the service drop. The mast itself should extend 18" to 36" from the roof and contain roof flashing to prevent water intrusion.
To connect the service mast to the meter base, a wire or wires are run from the meter box up the mast to the weatherhead, where the power company will connect their overhead service drop. The size of the wire depends on the amperage of the service and the electrical codes in the area. For example, for a 125-amp service, the general recommendation is to use #2 AWG copper wire or #1/0 AWG aluminum wire.
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The service point divides the utility company's property and the homeowner's
Electric lines run into a house through a bundle of electrical cables, known as an electric service drop. This is a simple system that uses gravity to prevent water from running down the cables and into the service head. The cables run from the electric utility company's power pole to the connection at your house. If your home does not have a service drop, it is supplied by similar cables running underground. All electricity to your house comes through the service drop.
The service drop connects to an assembly called the service head, which consists of a rigid steel conduit that runs up through the roof or along an exterior wall. The bottom end of the service mast connects to the home's meter base. An additional set of service cables starts at the service panel and the electric meter and runs up through and out of the service head. These cables connect to the service drop cables near the outside of the mast. This connection is called the service point, which represents the dividing line between the utility company and the homeowner's property.
The service point is a crucial concept as it defines the responsibilities regarding electrical service between the utility provider and the property owner. The utility company is responsible for maintaining and repairing the infrastructure up to the service point. If there is a power outage due to problems on the utility side of the service point, the utility company will handle repairs. Any issues related to internal wiring and connections beyond the service point are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Setting up utilities in a new home is a straightforward process. You can research the various providers in your area and contact them to understand what they require before connecting services. A technician will usually visit your home to set up the basic utilities, and you may not need to be home for this. However, internet and cable installers may require access to your home. If you are a renter, your landlord can guide you on how to set up electricity and billing.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric service drops are the bundle of electrical cables that run from the electric utility company's power pole to the connection at your house. They are also known as the lines that run from the power pole to a house.
A residential electrical service drop must be at least 12 feet above the ground and the minimum height above areas accessible only to pedestrians, such as porches or decks, is 10 feet.
If the service drop goes down, all power in your home will shut off. Service drops can be taken down by catastrophic events such as downed trees, large fallen limbs, or heavy ice buildup.
When the service drop reaches the house, it connects to an assembly called the service head, also known as the service mast or masthead.
