Service drop clearence

[kwired]

Which is why I commented on the handbook examples as a bit misleading -- NEC 2011 exhibit 100.18 shows service drop conductors as load side transformer feeds, Which also fits within the definitions of service point -- now look at example 230.20 -( identical pole to service mast illistrations ) - now the service point is assumed to be at the transformer connection - Which also fits within the definitions of service point.
If example 230.30(which is in most instances) has a service point defined at the mast head per the utility, and the utility requires 2' clearance above all structures to their 300v or less wiring, Then from the posts within this thread - NEC would not apply and 2' clearance would be acceptable as the utility has juristiction.

I have never heard of anyplace that considers the weatherhead itself as the service point. IMO that contradicts the NEC definition. A weather head is not a 'point of connection'

I was replying to the post above, maybe I misinterpreted it, but I took it to mean the mast head (weather head) in the instance described there to be the service point in that case.

 

[mwm1752]

I have never heard of anyplace that considers the weatherhead itself as the service point. IMO that contradicts the NEC definition. A weather head is not a 'point of connection'

So when the Utility sets the service drop which they own & are resposnsible for & tie into the mast wiring in which is own by the customer you do not consider that the service point.This is the most common drop seen in rural Colorado.

"For instance if you have a home set back 1,000 from the road the utility service point might be at the road and the home owner could be responsible for the installation and upkeep of the service drop."

And you "have never heard of anyplace that considers the weatherhead itself as the service point." interesting
BTW in NEC definition IMHO the service point should in most cases be at the transformer(change of voltage to be utilized for the structure). Special situations would stray from that comment though. We do have at least 1 of the utility companies that run all secondary feeds to the meter - overhead & underground.

 

[iwire]

So when the Utility sets the service drop which they own & are resposnsible for & tie into the mast wiring in which is own by the customer you do not consider that the service point.This is the most common drop seen in rural Colorado.

In that case, I would call, and believe the NEC would say the service point is the actual crimp or splitbolt connection between the utility conductor and the customer conductor.

interesting

I have posted the NEC definition of service point, a weather head does not connect the utility wiring to the premises wiring. I cannot see how a weather head could be a service point.

I can clearly see the service point being close or near to the weatherhead.

BTW in NEC definition IMHO the service point should in most cases be at the transformer(change of voltage to be utilized for the structure).

If that were the case the conductors would have to be sized per the NEC and not the NESC.

 

[mwm1752]

In that case, I would call, and believe the NEC would say the service point is the actual crimp or splitbolt connection between the utility conductor and the customer conductor.



I have posted the NEC definition of service point, a weather head does not connect the utility wiring to the premises wiring. I cannot see how a weather head could be a service point. No one has said a weather head is a terminal and this is what you've been driving home? Truley ticky tac

I can clearly see the service point being close or near to the weatherhead. I believe that has been the point all along

If that were the case the conductors would have to be sized per the NEC and not the NESC.

Tru that

 

[kwired]

So when the Utility sets the service drop which they own & are resposnsible for & tie into the mast wiring in which is own by the customer you do not consider that the service point.This is the most common drop seen in rural Colorado.

"For instance if you have a home set back 1,000 from the road the utility service point might be at the road and the home owner could be responsible for the installation and upkeep of the service drop."

And you "have never heard of anyplace that considers the weatherhead itself as the service point." interesting
BTW in NEC definition IMHO the service point should in most cases be at the transformer(change of voltage to be utilized for the structure). Special situations would stray from that comment though. We do have at least 1 of the utility companies that run all secondary feeds to the meter - overhead & underground.

NEC made an attempt to clarify this by adding the definition "Service point" I believe 2011, but could have been 2008.

Seems they possibly don't have it clear enough for some, but it is better then it was. Utility generally sets this point, and it usually is where they stop installation and maintenance and the customer starts installation and maintenance. It could be any point but is typically at the attachment point plus and including connection devices at the load end of an overhead service drop, but can be at a particular point and customer owns and maintains any overhead conductors after that point. In that case those conductors are no longer called a service drop they are just "service conductors, overhead".

Similar with underground conductors, if they are on the supply side of the service point they are a service lateral, but since service point was added any underground conductors beyond the service point are now just called "service conductors, underground".

NEC doe not apply to service drops or service laterals, but does still recognize what they are.