What is a service drop wire?
An overhead power connection from the utility lines to the service entrance is called the Service Drop. The service drop illustrated in Figure 1 has two 120V lines and a neutral conductor. The three lines may be independent conductors or housed in a three conductor cable called a triplex cable (As shown in the figure).
How does a service drop work?
If you live or work in a neighborhood that receives electric service from overhead power lines that run between utility poles, you tap into the energy grid through a line called a “service drop.” A service drop spans from a nearby utility pole to your home or business, and routes the high-voltage electricity running …
Who is responsible for service drop?
For one thing, the service drop belongs to the utility company, not to the homeowner. For another, power in the service drop cables can be shut off only by the utility company. Homeowners also should not attempt any work on the cables between the service drop and the home’s electrical service panel.
Can you touch a service drop?
The overhead power line to your house is the the 120/240 Volts service drop and is insulated up to 600 volts. By just touching it, you will not electrocute yourself. Touching one of the phase wires on your house service, if you are grounded, can certainly electrocute and kill you outright.
What is the most common service drop cable?
In the US, common services are 120Y/208 (three 120 V circuits 120 degrees out of phase, with 208 V line-to-line), 240 V three-phase, and 480 V three-phase.
How much does an electrical service cost?
The average cost to hire an electrician to install or repair light fixtures, outlets, switches, or fans ranges from $141 to $419 with homeowners spending $280 on average….Electrical Work & Repair Costs.
| National Average Cost | $280 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cost | $90 |
| Maximum Cost | $812 |
| Average Range | $141 to $419 |
How is electricity connected to a house?
The electrical charge goes through high-voltage transmission lines that stretch across the country. It reaches a substation, where the voltage is lowered so it can be sent on smaller power lines. The electricity travels through wires inside the walls to the outlets and switches all over your house.
What does an electrician charge per hour?
Electricians usually charge between $50 and $100 per hour. Most homeowners pay a total cost between $162 and $522 for an electrician to visit their home and complete electrical repairs. Both hourly and project rates vary depending on the type of project, license and experience of the service provider.
Why are electricians so expensive?
Besides the dangers of doing electrical work, high electrical costs come from the massive costs of insurance. Due to the high risks involved, insurance companies come up with expensive premium plans. Thus, this forces them to charge very high per-hour labor costs.
What do you need to know about electrical service drop?
Questions & answers or comments about inspecting the electrical service drop: clearances to overhead electrical wires, clearances from buildings, weather head security or leak defects. . Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.
Where does the power come from for a service drop?
Because the power company lines are higher than your home, the feeder line that goes to your home literally drops: the line descends from a higher spot to a lower spot. Service drops are sometimes called overhead wires or overhead service. All electricity to your home comes through the service drop.
Where does the overhead service drop come from?
The overhead service drop, or underground service lateral, are the electrical conductors that come from the utility pole, pedestal or ground-mounted transformer to the home. Changes to the service drop will always be completed by the utility company, and the cost for most changes are the responsibility of the customer.
What are the clearances for electrical service drop wiring?
The required clearances for electrical service drop wiring are listed here: Sketches above are courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates. Readers of this article should see our detailed definitions at DEFINITIONS of ELECTRICAL TERMS and AMPS & VOLTS DETERMINATION and at ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS, SHORTS. Thank you for the question.