What are the minimum clearances required for overhead electrical service in new construction?

The minimum clearances for overhead electrical service are critical for ensuring safety and compliance with electrical codes. The correct answer outlines the standard requirements that must be followed during new construction to prevent accidental contact, which could lead to electrical hazards.

For a walkway, a clearance of 10 feet ensures that individuals can pass underneath safely without risk of contact with the electrical service. A clearance of 18 feet over roadways is essential to accommodate larger vehicles, providing enough vertical space to prevent accidental strikes against the electrical lines. Additionally, a 10-foot clearance over decks protects those using the space for recreational purposes, allowing safe access below the overhead lines without the risk of electric shock.

This specific combination of clearances takes into account safety regulations designed to minimize the risk of electric shock and associated hazards from overhead electrical services in residential and commercial areas.

The other options do not meet the standard requirements for clearances established by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other local regulations, which dictate these minimum distances to ensure safe use of the space beneath electrical service lines.