Service-drop clearance from final grade over areas not subject to truck traffic when voltage is 300 V to ground is at least how many feet?

Service-drop clearance from final grade over areas not subject to truck traffic when voltage is 300 V to ground is at least how many feet?

• A. 10 feet
• B. 8 feet
• C. 15 feet
• D. 12 feet

Answer: (D)

The key idea is how much clearance is required to keep people and objects safely away from energized service drops. For a service drop with a voltage to ground of 300 V, the minimum vertical clearance above final grade in areas not subject to truck traffic is 12 feet. This distance provides a safe buffer against contact, arcing, and weather-related sag, while still being appropriate for non-vehicular areas. If the area could see vehicle traffic, or if the voltage were higher, the required clearance would be greater, which is why 12 feet fits this specific scenario.

The key idea is how much clearance is required to keep people and objects safely away from energized service drops. For a service drop with a voltage to ground of 300 V, the minimum vertical clearance above final grade in areas not subject to truck traffic is 12 feet. This distance provides a safe buffer against contact, arcing, and weather-related sag, while still being appropriate for non-vehicular areas. If the area could see vehicle traffic, or if the voltage were higher, the required clearance would be greater, which is why 12 feet fits this specific scenario.