Who owns a Service Drop?

Ownership depends on the utility service boundary and the installation. The utility commonly controls the distribution-side connection, while the property owner may maintain building-side equipment.

Can a Service Drop be underground?

No. An overhead connection is called a Service Drop. An underground connection uses different service terminology and equipment because conductors enter the property below grade.

What can affect a Service Drop during an upgrade?

The building attachment, service entrance equipment, conductor condition, and utility connection point can affect the upgrade plan. The entire path must work as one electrical service.

Glossary

What Is a Service Drop?

A Service Drop is the overhead electrical connection that carries utility power from a nearby distribution line to a building’s service equipment. It includes the conductors and their support points at the structure. The service drop connects the utility system with the customer-owned wiring that supplies the building.

Quick Facts About Service Drop

Key Takeaways About Service Drop

It is an overhead connection from utility distribution equipment.
Its conductors terminate at the building’s service equipment.
A service drop is not the same as indoor branch-circuit wiring.

How Service Drop Works

Tools and a blue glove are arranged beside cables and a sign that reads “SERVICE DROP”

A Service Drop carries electricity from an overhead utility distribution line to the connection point at a building. Conductors cross the space between the utility support and the building attachment. The conductors connect with the service equipment through components such as a weatherhead, service mast, or other approved entry arrangement.

Related glossary terms: Electrical Meter, Disconnect Switch, Load Center.

The utility usually owns the overhead conductors up to its service point, while the property owner may own equipment on the building side. Ownership boundaries can vary by utility and installation. A service upgrade may require changes to the building attachment, conductors, service entrance equipment, or related supports so the complete connection works together.

Gloved hands use pliers to tighten cable hardware beside a weathered wooden wall outdoors

From the Toledo Electrician team

When we handle an Electrical Service Upgrade, we inspect the service drop as part of the complete service path. We check the overhead conductors, building attachment, service entrance, and connection points for condition and compatibility. We also identify the utility-owned boundary before planning work on customer-owned equipment.

Service Drop in Practice: A Real-World Example

A homeowner planning an Electrical Service Upgrade may have an overhead service drop that connects an outside utility line to the building’s service equipment. The upgrade assessment considers whether the existing connection and attachment support the planned service equipment.