---
title: "What Is Service drop? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A service drop is the set of overhead wires that run from the utility's last pole to a building. Plain-English glossary from Daniel Electric in Southlake, TX."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-drop
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Power and utility

# Service drop

A service drop is the set of overhead wires that run from the utility's last pole to a building.

OSHA defines a service drop as the overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support to the splices that connect to the service-entrance conductors at the building. Oncor's guidelines set clearances for drops over roofs, driveways and pools. The drop ends at a [weatherhead](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/weatherhead) or a [service mast](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-mast).

Homes with buried power have a [service lateral](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-lateral) instead. If a service drop is down, sagging or touching a tree, stay far away and call 911 and the utility. Never touch it. See [emergency electrical help](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/emergency-electrical-help).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Service lateral](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-lateral)
-   [Service mast](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-mast)
-   [Weatherhead](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/weatherhead)
-   [Service entrance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-entrance)

## Sources

1.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)
2.  [Oncor: Electric Service Guidelines](https://www.oncor.com/content/dam/oncorwww/documents/electric-service-guidelines/Electric%20Service%20Guidelines%202021.pdf)

TECL #21005 · Family owned since 1988

## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)