---
title: "What Is Service lateral? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A service lateral is the underground line, sometimes run in conduit above ground, that carries utility power to a building."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-lateral
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Power and utility

# Service lateral

A service lateral is the underground line, sometimes run in conduit above ground, that carries utility power to a building.

Oncor defines a service lateral as conductors, usually underground but sometimes in a raceway above ground, that run from the utility's delivery system to the point of delivery. It is the buried counterpart of a [service drop](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-drop). The lateral reaches the building at the [service entrance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-entrance).

Buried lines are hidden, so call 811 before any digging. Damage to a lateral can cut power and create a shock risk. The utility handles its own lines, and a licensed electrician handles the owner's side. 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 drop](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-drop)
-   [Service entrance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-entrance)
-   [Meter base](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/meter-base)
-   [Conduit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/conduit)

## Sources

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

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