Can you touch a service drop?

This work is extremely dangerous; we recommend you contact a professional tree-trimming company to perform this work. Never attempt to move or handle a service drop. In the event of a downed power line resulting from high winds, falling trees, etc., call DTE to have the line de-energized and safely restrung.

Can you touch the power lines coming into your house?

Power lines are not insulated and you should always avoid contact with them. It is quite possible for people to get electrocuted if you touch power lines.

Who is responsible for the 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.

What does a service drop do?

In electric power distribution, a service drop is an overhead electrical line running from a utility pole, to a customer's building or other premises. It is the point where electric utilities provide power to their customers.

Can I cut a branch that is touching a power line?

Can you trim a tree that's touching a power line? Unless you plan on getting electrocuted, you should NOT touch, let alone prune a tree that's in contact with power lines! Just touching a branch that's touching a wire can cause a fatal injury.

Electrical Service Entrance or Exterior Service Drop

What happens if tree touches powerline?

Tree limbs can conduct electricity. When trees grow near overhead electrical wires, they can contact the wires and become energized. Trees and wires are dangerous, full of electrical power that can injure or kill humans.

Who pays for tree trimming around power lines?

Trimming trees and vegetation around the utility's power line that connects a person's home to the utility pole is generally viewed as being the responsibility of the homeowner.

What is the difference between a service drop and a service lateral?

It consists of the electric meter and the service panel. A mast service drop is an overhead service drop where the service drop is connected to the mast knob. A clevis service drop is also an overhead service drop but the service drop is connected to a clevis or connector. A lateral drop is an underground service drop.

Can EMT be used as a service riser?

7. EMT or Plastic shall not be used for riser.

Who is responsible for low hanging cable lines?

Since the electric utility company is responsible for low hanging power lines, call the company that provides electricity to the area where the sagging lines are located and report the condition to them.

Who owns the meter base?

Usually the building owner. 2. has to coordinate the drop and restore of power with the electric utility. Typically the building owner supplies the meter base or "box" and the utility provides the actual meter that plugs into it. The specifics of your obligations depend on the leases and local regulations.

How much does a weather head cost?

It's the customer's responsibility.” That means repair costs are left up to the property owner and could range from $700 to $1700.

What is the most common service drop cable?

Triplex wire is commonly used for overhead, single phase service and contains three individual wires twisted around each other. The two insulated conductors are called the "hot" legs of the service while the bare (uninsulated) wire is the neutral wire of the service.

Can I touch a downed cable line?

A fallen wire is dangerous and should be kept away from you. Don't touch anyone or the line may be touching. A downed power line can cause objects to become energized. Even telephone or cable lines can become energized if you touch them.

Can a human sit on a power line?

It is never "safe", just "safer". It can't kill you to charge you up to 50,000 volts, it's not a lot of current if you don't make a path to a large conductor. You can charge yourself to thousands of volts by rubbing your feet on the carpet. So the answer is "you'll be fine".

Why can birds touch power lines but humans can t?

Birds sitting on a wire don't touch the ground (or anything in contact with the ground), so electricity stays in the power line. But, if a bird touches a power line and equipment or other metal that is grounded, it gives electricity a path to the ground, and the bird could be shocked.

Where is EMT conduit not allowed?

EMT shall not be used under the following conditions: Where subject to severe physical damage. For the support of luminaires or other equipment except conduit bodies no larger than the largest trade size of the tubing.

Can PVC conduit be used for service entrance?

Exposed — PVC conduit is permitted to be used for exposed work. PVC conduit used in an area subject to physical damage must be identified for the application [Sec. 352.10(F)]. Schedule 40 PVC conduit is permitted for exposed locations where not subject to physical damage.

Can I use IMC for service mast?

IMC is slightly stronger due to the different types of steel. However, for some reason, there are utilities that only permit the Article 344 rigid metal conduit for service masts. Generally, they will change their installation specification when they are made aware of these facts.

What is an overhead service drop?

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 type of wire is used for service drop?

Construction of Aluminum Service Drop Cables

Despite varying purpose and number of conductors, all overhead electrical service wires have similar construction. The conductors of these cables are made of 1350-H19 aluminum alloy.

What is the maximum number of service disconnects allowed for a single service?

You can have no more than six service disconnects for each service permitted by 230.2. This rule also applies to each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5 [230.71]. The rule is six disconnecting means for each service, not six service disconnecting means per building.

Can my Neighbour cut my tree without asking?

Entering someone's property, without permission, to cut a tree would undoubtedly be illegal. You may need to take matters to court. It depends which came first - the tree or your garden.

Can I cut branches overhanging my property?

Trees overhanging your property

You have the right to prune overhanging tree branches back to the boundary line of your property, even if you don't own the tree.

Is there a legal height for Neighbours trees?

In general, there is no specific limit to the height that a tree is allowed to grow, but if the trees form a vegetative screen that is limiting a neighbours usage/enjoyment then it could be a High Hedge issue which Planning Enforcement would potentially get involved with.