What is a service drop?

What this means for your home project

1. For a FirstEnergy home, use your operating company’s Exhibit 1 to mark the ownership boundary in your project notes. (source)
2. For a Washington installation, request a written scope identifying the utility’s equipment-location and metering requirements before installation begins. Source: Washington State Legislature, read 2026-11-04.
3. For a Fayetteville PWC tree-removal job, put the utility’s 24-hour disconnect notice into the work schedule. Source: Fayetteville Public Works Commission, read 2026-11-04.
4. For a FirstEnergy work order, obtain the engineering team’s list of any additional documents required so you can prepare a complete submission. (source)

Where does the operating company’s ownership end and customer ownership begin?

For a FirstEnergy project (read 2026-11-04), the ownership boundary depends on the operating company and service type. Use that company’s Customer Guide Exhibit 1 to identify which equipment belongs in your repair scope. “This varies by operating company and the nature of the service.” (source) “Please refer to Customer Guide Exhibit 1 for your operating company.” (source) OSHA’s construction standard 1926.449 locates the technical boundary: “The overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support to and including the splices, if any, connecting to the service-entrance conductors at the building or other structure.” (source)

Are trees / limbs trimmed on the secondary (service drop) lines that run from the street to the customer’s house?

For Fayetteville PWC customers, routine service-drop maintenance follows a 3 to 5 year rotation. Its FAQ distinguishes ordinary tree contact from a limb pressing hard enough to rub insulation off the wire. “No – these lines are usually insulated and they do not require maintenance unless a limb is putting substantial pressure on the line and rubbing the insulation off the wire.” Source: Fayetteville Public Works Commission, read 2026-11-04. “Secondary (service drop) lines are accessed and maintained during routine maintenance on a 3 to 5 year rotation.” Source: Fayetteville Public Works Commission, read 2026-11-04.

If I need my secondary (service drop) line temporarily disconnected for tree / limb removal, what procedures do I need to follow?

Fayetteville PWC requires 24-hour notice for a temporary service-drop disconnection for tree or limb removal. Include that notice period when planning the work. “This requires a 24-hour notice.” Source: Fayetteville Public Works Commission, read 2026-11-04.

When should I submit my service-drop request, and what affects the time?

For a FirstEnergy service-drop request (read 2026-11-04), allow for customer steps, easements, storm restoration and material availability. These factors can change the schedule; request a project-specific timeline rather than treating a general lead time as a completion date. “Actual timelines may vary based on factors like completing required customer steps, obtaining easements, storm restoration work and availability of materials.” (source)

How high should the single point attachment be on my building or house, and what should I check?

FirstEnergy (read 2026-11-04) directs attachment-height questions to its state-specific Customer Guide, article 5.2 and Exhibits 2 and 7. In Washington, WAC section 296-46B-230 also requires the attachment point to permit National Electrical Code clearances; ask the electrician to identify the applicable requirements in the written scope. “National Electric Safety Code (NESC) clearances must be met for the service drop/lateral over any driveway, road, or sidewalk.” (source) “Please refer to Customer Guide Exhibit 2, and article 5.2 for more info.” (source) “Refer to Customer Guide Exhibit 7 for typical overhead service drop attachments.” (source) “The point of contact for a service drop must permit the clearances required by the NEC.” Source: Washington State Legislature, read 2026-11-04. In Washington, “Provisions for a meter and related equipment, an attachment of a service drop, or an underground service lateral must be made at a location acceptable to the serving utility.” Source: Washington State Legislature, read 2026-11-04.

What documents do I need to supply to design/engineering?

For a FirstEnergy project (read 2026-11-04), prepare site plans and electrical loading information for design and engineering. Ask whether the work order needs additional information before the service-drop design proceeds. “Site plans & electrical loading information.” (source) “Consult with Regional Engineering for any additional information that may be required after a work order has been created.” (source) For installation planning in Washington, WAC 296-46B-230 states: “The owner, the owner's agent, or the electrical contractor making the installation must consult the serving utility regarding the utility's service entrance requirements for equipment location and meter equipment requirements before installing the service and equipment.” Source: Washington State Legislature, read 2026-11-04.

Sources

• 29 CFR 1926.449 — Definitions applicable to construction electrical safety — OSHA; read 2026-11-04.
• WAC 296-46B-230 — Services — Washington State Legislature; read 2026-11-04.
• Frequently Asked Questions — Electric Service — Fayetteville Public Works Commission; read 2026-11-04.
• How to Request Electric Service — FirstEnergy; read 2026-11-04.
• Customer Guide to Electrical Service — FAQ, page 6 — FirstEnergy; read 2026-11-04.