National Electrical Code

Code Q&A

Jan. 24, 2005

Q. Can service drop conductors be supported by trees? A. It all depends on who installed the conductors. If the installation is under the exclusive control of the utility, then this isn’t a violation of the NEC. However, it might be a violation of the ...

Mike Holt

Q. Can service drop conductors be supported by trees?

A. It all depends on who installed the conductors. If the installation is under the exclusive control of the utility, then this isn’t a violation of the NEC. However, it might be a violation of the National Electric Safety Code.

If the service conductors aren’t under the exclusive control of the utility, then the installation violates 230.10. In addition, trees or other vegetation can’t be used for the support of overhead conductor spans of branch circuits and feeders [225.26], including temporary installations [590.4(J)].

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About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.