What is the rule for conducting service drop clearances over residential driveways?

The rule stipulating a minimum clearance of 15 feet for service drops over residential driveways is rooted in safety considerations. This specific height requirement helps to ensure that vehicles, including taller ones such as trucks or vans, can pass underneath without risking contact with the overhead conductors. A clearance of 15 feet is sufficient to prevent accidental contact that could lead to electrical hazards, ensuring both the safety of vehicle occupants and the integrity of the service drop.

In settings like residential areas, where various types of vehicles frequent driveways, maintaining this clearance helps minimize the risk of electrocution or power outages caused by physical interference with the electrical lines. This regulation supports safe practices in residential areas and is consistent with the guidelines set forth in the National Electrical Code (NEC) to promote public safety.