Quick Hits

QUICK HIT 05

Ground Clearance for Overhead Service Conductors

2026 NEC References: 230.24(B)–(E)

🎯 What You'll Learn

Article 230 establishes a clearance ladder for overhead service conductors based on where they're located and the voltage involved.

📏 THE CLEARANCE LADDER

From final grade, the requirements include:

10 ft

Service entrance/drip loop areas and certain pedestrian-only areas under the specified conditions.

12 ft

Residential property, driveways, and certain light-commercial areas at 300V to ground or less.

15 ft

Those same types of areas when the voltage is above 300V to ground.

18 ft

Public streets, alleys, truck-traffic areas, and nonresidential driveways.

24.5 ft

Railroad tracks.

⚠️ OTHER CLEARANCES

Building openings have additional requirements.

Pool and fountain clearances defer to Article 680.

Communication wire and cable clearances defer to Article 800.

🧠 EXAM-STYLE QUESTION

What voltage-to-ground threshold pushes the clearance over residential driveways from 12 ft to 15 ft?

Answer: Above 300 volts to ground.

📌 QUICK TAKEAWAY

Don't memorize one overhead clearance.

Learn the location + voltage → clearance relationship.

➡️ Next Quick Hit: Attachment points and service masts.

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