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

:

  1. Clearance from obstructions (trees)
  2. No encroachment on neighboring properties
  3. Clearance above ground (WARNING! CLEARANCES CAN VARY, check with your local utility)
  4. 10 ft. above walking surface, including deck or balcony (to bottom of drip loop);
  5. 12 ft. above driveway;
  6. 18 ft. above a roadway; and
  7. 22.5 ft. above a pool (surface of water). 10 ft. measured horizontally from pool wall or diving structure.
  8. Other types of clearances
  9. 8 ft. (3m)- above a roof with 4&12 pitch or less;
  10. 3 ft. (3.7m)- above a roofsteeper than 4&12;
  11. 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. 12 ft. (30cm)- from communications wires/cables at any point, including the point of attachment to the structure

 

Major Electrical Utilities

 

CA    Pacific Gas and Electric —–  www.pge.com

CA    Southern California Edison  ——-  www.sce.com

FL     Florida Power & Light ——- www.fpl.com

IL     Commonwealth Edison   ——- www.exeloncorp.com

NY    Consolidated Edison ——-  www.coned.com

GA    Georgia Power   ——- www.georgiapower.com

VA    Dominion Resources  ——- www.dom.com

MI     DTE Energy ——-  www.dteenergy.com

NJ     Public Service Enterprise Group ——- www.pseg.com

TX    Energy Future Holdings   ——-  www.energyfutureholdings.com

CO, MI, MN, NM, ND, TX, WI,    Xcel Energy —– www.xcelenergy.com