Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing electrical service, you’ll likely need to decide between an overhead electrical service entrance and an underground one. To help you understand the differences between the two, the electricians at Signals Electric explain what a service entrance is and breakdown the pros and cons of each option.
What is a Service Entrance?
A service entrance is the main power gateway for your home or business. It is the specific point where electricity from the utility company connects to your building’s internal electrical system. The electricity is brought from the pole to your panel either via overhead wires or underground lines.
Overhead Service Entrances
Electricity travels via an overhead “service drop” from a utility pole to an entry point on your home or business, often mounted on a metal or PVC conduit pipe.
Pros
- Lower Cost – Installation and initial setup are much cheaper because they require no digging or trenching.
- Easy Repairs – Technicians can quickly spot and fix line issues, downed wires or damaged components.
Cons
- Weather Risks – High winds, ice storms and falling tree branches can easily damage lines and cause power outages.
- Aesthetics – Visible poles and hanging wires change the look of your property.
Underground Service Entrances
Electricity moves through “service laterals” enclosed in buried conduit running from the pole to a meter base installed at your home or business.
Pros
- Storm Protection – Buried lines are safe from heavy wind, ice and tree limbs, leading to fewer weather outages.
- Aesthetics – Your yard and street view stay free of overhead wires and utility poles.
Cons
- High Upfront Cost – Excavation, trenching, and ground restoration make the initial installation expensive.
- Harder Repairs – Finding and fixing a buried fault takes more time and labor.
Overhead vs. Underground Service Entrances: Which is Right for You?
The right choice depends on your home or business and what is important to you. In general, overhead electrical service entrances are less maintenance because the power company is responsible from the pole to the house, so if the wires become damaged, they will replace them. On the other hand, underground electrical service entrances are protected from the elements, resulting in fewer outages and a better long-term solution.
Free Service Entrance Consultations in Saratoga, Queensbury & Lake George
If you’re unsure which option is best for your home or business, the knowledgeable and experienced electricians at Signals Electric can help you weigh the pros and cons, and provide you with personalized recommendations for your property. We perform overhead service entrance wiring and underground service entrance installs across the Southern Adirondacks, and offer free consultations and estimates.
To request a free consultation and estimate for electrical service entrance installation in Saratoga, Queensbury, Lake George and the surrounding area, give us a call at 518-217-2865 or contact us online.