How to Convert Overhead Electrical Service to Underground

Converting from a overhead, or service drop, to and underground, or service lateral, moves your main supply wires below the ground. This is typically done when the utility service decides to remove the electrical poles and change the electrical configuration for your street. The wires commonly need to be buried 2 feet on regular ground and 3 feet under driveways and roads. Installing the underground wire's in conduit allows for easy future replacement if you decide to increase the service size.

Backhoe
Underground insulated three conductor wire (gauge determined by service size)
Conduit (size determined by wire gauge)
Wire fish
Electrical tape

Instructions

- 1
  Contact your local building authority to learn the rules for service laterals and obtain the necessary permits.
- 2
  Contact a underground locating service to come and identify the paths for underground wires, plumbing and gas lines.
- 3
  Contact your local electrical utility to disconnect the power at the street and arrange for the new power wires to be connected at the street. Confirm the power is off with two different amp meters.
- 4
  Remove the old electrical wire, mast and conduit that was used for the service drop. Plug the hole in to top of the electrical meter with a proper sized panel plug.
- 5
  Dig a 3-foot deep trench from the utility's power supply point to the electrical meter on your home with a backhoe.
- 6
  Lay conduit from the supply point, along the bottom of the trench to the electrical meter.
- 7
  Push the wire fish down the conduit, starting at the meter, until it comes out the other end.
- 8
  Fasten the underground insulated wire to the end of the fish with electrical tape. Pull the fish back through the conduit until the wire comes out the other end. Disconnect the fish from the wire by removing the tape.
- 9
  Have an electrician make the connections to the electrical supply at the street and the electrical meter. Contact your local building authority to inspect your installation.
- 10
  Back fill the trench with the soil removed and turn the power back on at the street.

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