What is the minimum required clearance for an electrical service drop above a residential driveway?

In residential installations, the National Electrical Code (NEC) outlines specific requirements for the clearance of overhead electrical service drops to ensure safety and accessibility. For a residential driveway, the minimum required clearance is established to prevent accidental contact with vehicles and to provide sufficient height for larger vehicles.

A clearance of 12 feet is standard for overhead service drops above driveways, which helps safeguard against potential hazards that can arise when vehicles pass underneath. This height allows enough space for standard passenger vehicles as well as larger ones like trucks or vans, thereby ensuring that power lines are safely out of reach.

While other clearances might apply to different contexts or structures, such as 10 feet being sufficient for sidewalks where less risk exists, the requirement for 12 feet specifically caters to the added risks associated with vehicles in a driveway scenario.