Electric Service Requirements

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Electrical Service Requirements are a guide for electrical installations in the City of Palo Alto. The document is designed for utilities' customers, contractors, architects, and engineers. It provides the minimum installation requirements for all new and remodeled residential and commercial property. Observing these regulations can help reduce design costs and expedite the processing time to review and approve your plans.

The Utilities Department establishes electrical standards to provide uniform, satisfactory, and safe service to customers in the City of Palo Alto. These regulations may differ from those of PG&E and other electric companies. Please note that standards set by other utilities may not be acceptable within our jurisdiction.

These requirements are for the planning and construction phases of your electrical installation. For easy referral, each section details important procedures and specifications. A glossary, index, specification drawings, and other references are also included.

In addition to these requirements, each customer is also responsible for complying with the National Electric Code and all applicable regulations of the State of California.

Download a copy of our Electric Service Requirements(PDF, 9MB)

Standard Drawings

DT-SS-U-1001 Installation Of Steel Riser Conduit On Wood Pole 
DT-SS-U-1001A Installation Of PVC Riser On Wood Pole 
DT-SS-U-1002 Underground Junction Boxes
DT-SS-U-1003 Underground Duct Lines – Typical Trench Section Details 
DT-SS-C-1005 Concrete Transformer Pad
SR-TS-O-1006 Overhead Temporary Service 
SR-TS-O-1007 Temporary Service Structures 
SR-TS-U-1008 Underground Temporary Service 
SR-CN-O-1009 Typical Overhead Service Installation 
SR-CN-U-1010 Residential Underground Service Requirements 
SR-CL-O-1011 Service Drop Clearance Requirements
SR-MT-E-1012 Required Minimum Clearances of Meter Sockets 
SR-MT-E-1013 Clearance for Meter Cabinet Enclosures
SR-MT-E-1014 Diagram of Connections, Meter Sockets 
SR-CL-O-1015 Minimum Ground Clearances for Residential Service Drops 
SR-CL-O-1016 Ground Clearances for Commercial Service Drops 
SR-CL-O-1017 Clearance for Service Pole for Supply Service Drop 
SR-CL-O-1018 Clearances from Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas 
SR-MT-M-1019 Voltage Transformer Mounting Plate 
SR-XF-E-1020 Transition Cabinet 
SL-SS-C-1021 Street Light Foundation - 10' to 14' 
SL-SS-C-1022 Street Light Foundation - 20' to 25' 
SL-SS-C-1023 Street Light Foundation - 30' 
SL-SS-C-1024 Street Light Foundation - Pedestal Type 
DT-SS-U-1025 Mandrel Testing
DT-SS-U-1026 Concrete Switch Pad Detail 
DT-SS-C-1028 Precast Concrete Pad For LBC Cabinet 
DT-CL-U-1031 Padmount Clearance Requirement
DT-SE-U-1032 Underground Service Conduit And Cable Requirements
SR-MT-E-1035 Meter Installation in Residential Driveway
DT-SS-U-1038 Concrete Collar Surrounding a Vault 

EUSERC Acceptability Table

Please visit our New Connection or Upgrades to Utilities page for more information regarding your electric service.