Clearances specified in these narratives are from the National Electric Code (NEC). Local electrical utilities may have standards that take precedence over NEC standards. You should take the time to find out what is required in the areas in which you commonly inspect. Some utilities will supply you with a copy of their Electrical Installation and Use Standards upon request (scroll down for list).
NEC Clearances
- Clearance from obstructions (trees)
- No encroachment on neighboring properties
- Clearance above ground (WARNING! CLEARANCES CAN VARY, check with your local utility)
- 10 ft. above walking surface, including deck or balcony (to bottom of drip loop);
- 12 ft. above driveway;
- 18 ft. above a roadway; and
- 22.5 ft. above a pool (surface of water). 10 ft. measured horizontally from pool wall or diving structure.
- Other types of clearances
- 8 ft. (3m)- above a roof with 4&12 pitch or less;
- 3 ft. (3.7m)- above a roof steeper than 4&12;
- 3 ft. (1m)- clearance from operable windows, doors, porches, balconies, stairs, or any other locations from which a person could touch the service conductors; and
- 12 ft. (30cm)- from communications wires/cables at any point, including the point of attachment to the structure
THE NEC lists no minimum height, but public utility companies often do.
Major Electrical Utilities
CA Pacific Gas and Electric
CA Southern California Edison
FL Florida Power & Light
IL Exelon
NY Consolidated Edison
GA Georgia Power
VA Dominion Resources
MI DTE Energy
NJ Public Service Enterprise Group
TX Energy Future Holdings
CO, MI, MN, NM, ND, TX, and WI, Xcel Energy