There are two minimum clearance dimensions: 1) from the drip loop to the ground when it is not over the roof, and 2) drip loop to roof surface when over the roof. When the drip loop is over the ground, it must be a minimum of 10’-0” above the grade, which is the same minimum clearance as the rest of the service drop. The photo below is an example of one that is way too low, and easy to reach up and grab—which is what you don’t want.

   And when over a roof, the bottom of the drip look cannot be less than 18-inches above the roof. This only applies when the service mast is over eaves and four feet or less from the edge of the roof, and the length of the run of the service drop over the roof is six feet or less. 

    Otherwise, the drip loop at a service mast must a minimum of three feet above a roof sloped 4/12 or more, or eight feet over a roof sloped less than 4/12. 

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    Here’s links with answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about ELECTRICAL SERVICE:

• What is the minimum overhead electric service drop height/clearance to a house?

• Why is a leaning electrical service mast dangerous? 

• What is the fireman’s switch emergency disconnect requirement for residential electrical service?

• What are typical copper service entrance wire/cable sizes for the electrical service to a house? 

• What are typical aluminum service entrance wire/cable sizes for the electrical service to a house?

• What is the minimum clearance of overhead electric service drop wires above a house roof? 

• What is three phase electric service?

• What is a reliable way to tell if the electrical service is 3 phase or single phase? 

• What does it mean when I find buried yellow "CAUTION" tape when digging a hole in the yard?

• How can I find out the size of the electric service to a house?

• What is the difference between the electric service to a mobile home and a site built home? 

• What are the clearance requirements for an overhead electric service drop that is directly over or near a swimming pool?  

• What is the minimum size electric service to a mobile/manufactured home?

• Can anything else be attached to a service mast for overhead electric service besides the service cables? 

• What is the electrical "service point" of a house? 

• Why is there a 3-phase breaker in a single phase panel with only two bus bars?

• What is a service conductor?

• What is the difference between single-phase and three-phase electric service?  

     Visit our ELECTRICAL page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.