In many newer subdivisions, electrical lines run underground. However, for many residents of the Sarasota area, power lines still run overhead through their neighborhood. This means you may have an electric service drop on your property.
An electric service drop is the group of electrical cables that run from the utility company’s power pole into your home. Because the power company cables run overhead, the lines that connect to your home literally drop, running from a high location to a lower spot. If you do not see this on your property, the service drop is supplied by similar underground cables.
Service Drops Provide All Electricity
A standard drop is comprised of three cables, called conductors. Two are insulated “hot” cables, each carrying 120 volts of electricity. A third cable, typically bare (uninsulated) aluminum, works as the neutral conductor and offers structural support for the entire service drop.
All power to your house comes through this arrangement. If the service drop fails, all electricity in your residence will be shut down. It may be impaired by fallen trees or heavy winds, and are extremely dangerous. If you have a service drop which is damaged on your property, immediately call the utility company – do not approach or attempt to touch it! Depending on what happened you may also need to call a Sarasota electrical services company. (see below)
Service Head and Service Point
When the drop reaches the house, it connects to an assembly called the service head. Typically, a service head (also known as a mast head) is made from a rigid steel conduit pipe that runs up through the roof or along an exterior wall. A fitting known as a weatherhead caps the pipe. The front of the weatherhead faces downward to keep rain out.
The bottom of the service mast connects to the home’s electrical service panel, or breaker box. Another set of service cables starts at the service panel (and the electric meter) and runs up through and out of the service head. These cables connect to the lines near the outside of the mast. This is called the service point, and it designates the demarcation between the utility company’s property and the homeowner’s property.
Service Drop Repairs
Homeowners are not permitted to work on any part of the service drop which belongs to the utility company. The power in the service drop cables may be shut off only by the utility company.
Homeowners also should not attempt any repairs on the lines between the service drop and the home’s electrical panel. Power in these lines is live unless the power company shuts it off, and you may be in danger of electrocution. If you have an issue with the service drop on your property, call the utility company. If you have an issue with the service head or the lines between the service point and your home’s service panel, call a Sarasota licensed electrician.
Buried Power Lines
Overhead service drops were the norm for decades, but newer residential construction typically utilize underground service lines. When the cables are buried underground, they are known as a service lateral rather than a service drop. Buried lines are the preferable design, as they are not susceptible to the weather and nature. They are also safer for homeowners who do not have to worry about friends or family members accidentally coming in contact with them, and are more aesthetically pleasing than overhead cables.
However, underground service lines are not completely without risk of damage. Construction crews, homeowners, and even other utility companies (such as those laying fiber option cables) may accidentally cut into the service lateral, and the installation and repair of buried lines is much more expensive, time consuming and labor-intensive.
Don’t Touch Those Wires!
If you have any questions regarding any portion of the service drop, don’t hesitate to call the master electricians at Promise Electric. We are committed to providing electrical services to Sarasota home and business owners – keeping them safe, operational and cool!
