Can overhead service conductors or service equipment be supported by hardwood trees?

Overhead service conductors or service equipment should not be supported by hardwood trees, as this practice poses several hazards and does not align with safe electrical installation standards.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) emphasizes that service conductors need to be securely and reliably supported to ensure safety and proper functionality. Trees, regardless of their composition, may be subjected to natural forces such as strong winds, ice, and decay, which can compromise their structural integrity. If service conductors are attached to trees, any movement or damage to the tree can lead to damage to the conductors, increasing the risk of electrical hazards, outages, or even fires.

In addition, if trees grow over time, this could also lead to unintentional contact with the conductor, posing a hazard to both the electrical system and the tree. For these reasons, the NEC prohibits the use of trees as supports for overhead service conductors or equipment, thus ensuring compliance with safety standards and code requirements.