National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Friday, October 21, 2022

Question:

Hello Code Guru,

I performed a service upgrade on a 25-year-old house with an existing in-ground swimming pool. The overhead utility conductors for the service are currently run over the customers swimming pool and are not high enough for proper clearance. When I did the service upgrade, I relocated the service head to accommodate a new point of attachment for the overhead span, so clearance from the pool could be achieved. The inspector has red-tagged my service installation, citing the overhead conductor clearance. I cannot force the utility to move the service conductors, how is this my responsibility? Who enforces/inspects the utility?

Thanks,

Dan Large

A

Answer:

Dan, this comes up from time to time. If the overhead service conductors are owned by, and under the exclusive control of the local utility, the scope of the NEC® does not cover these installations. Local utilities will often require a service application for any electrical service work being done on a dwelling unit. That application serves as documentation to the utility, informing them of the need to move the service drop in a situation like this. Typically, local municipal electrical inspectors are credentialed to enforce the NEC® and therefore do not have jurisdiction over utility installations. Utilities are regulated and typically must follow the NESC. Each jurisdiction may handle the utility governance differently. It is always advisable to contact the local AHJ and the utility in matters related to services, especially if there is a serious safety concern like this one. 

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