You’ve been told you need electrical work, and suddenly you're hearing terms like “overhead vs underground service”, as if you’re supposed to know what that means. If you're feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or just plain confused, you're in the right place.
At Integra Electrical, we've been breaking down electrical jargon for homeowners for over 20 years. Our job is to make sure you understand what’s going on behind the walls and what your options mean, not just throw terms at you and expect you to nod along.
Whether you're planning a remodel, recovering from storm damage, or just trying to make sense of your home's setup, we’ve got you. In this article, we’ll cover:
- What’s the difference between overhead and underground service?
- Pros and cons of overhead service
- Pros and cons of underground service
Before you make any decisions, let’s get clear on what you’re working with, no tech dictionary required.
Overhead vs Underground service
Let’s start with the basics: when we talk about your home’s electrical service, we’re referring to how electricity gets from the power company to your house. Every home has a main service line that brings in power and connects to your electrical panel, kind of like the main artery of your home’s electrical system.
There are two main ways that electricity can reach your home: overhead or underground. They work differently and have their pros and cons (which we’ll get into next).
Overhead Electrical Service
This is the most common setup, especially in older neighborhoods or rural areas. With overhead service, your power comes from utility poles and runs through visible wires that connect to a mast on your roof or the side of your house. This setup is usually easy to spot because the wires are above ground and attached near your roofline.
You might also notice a weather head (a curved metal cap where the wires enter the conduit) and a visible power line running from the nearest utility pole to your house.
Underground Electrical Service
With underground service, everything is hidden below ground. Your power runs through insulated cables buried in a trench from the utility company’s transformer or pedestal straight to your meter or electrical panel. These systems are more common in newer subdivisions or developments where aesthetics and weather protection were part of the planning.
Since there are no visible wires overhead, it’s often a cleaner look, but it also means you won’t always know where the service lines are unless you’ve had them marked or mapped.
Is Overhead Service Still a Smart Choice? Let’s Weigh It Out
If you’ve got overhead service, you might not think about it much until something goes wrong or you're planning an upgrade. This setup has its benefits, especially when it comes to cost and accessibility, but there are also a few trade-offs to keep in mind.
Why Overhead Service Still Makes Sense For A lot of Homes
- Cheaper to install or repair - Overhead lines are more accessible, which means repairs and upgrades often cost less and take less time. There's no digging or trenching involved, so it’s typically the more budget-friendly option.
- Faster and easier to troubleshoot - Because everything is above ground and visible, it’s usually quicker for a technician to spot the issue and get it resolved, especially after a storm or sudden outage.
- Less disruption to your yard - No need to dig up flower beds, driveways, or landscaping when work is needed. Everything stays above the ground, which means less mess during repairs or service changes.
Why Some Homeowners Are Moving Away from Overhead Lines
- More vulnerable to weather damage - Strong winds, ice storms, or falling tree branches can take down power lines, sometimes leading to power outages or safety hazards.
- Exposed wires can be a safety concern - While properly installed overhead lines are safe, they can become dangerous if they’re damaged or sagging. They’re also more accessible to curious kids, tall vehicles, or overgrown trees.
- Not the prettiest setup - Some homeowners simply don’t like the look of overhead wires on or around their home. In neighborhoods where curb appeal matters, visible service lines can be a downside.
Thinking About Underground Service? Here’s What to Know
If your electrical service runs underground, you’re probably used to not seeing much at all, which can be a benefit in itself. Underground systems are common in newer neighborhoods and can offer long-term protection from the elements, but they also come with a few challenges that are worth knowing.
Why Some Homeowners Love Underground Service
- Protected from weather damage - Because the lines are buried, they're safe from wind, ice, and falling branches, making outages less likely during storms.
- Cleaner, more modern appearance - No visible wires or utility poles means a tidier look for your home and neighborhood. It’s especially appealing if curb appeal is a priority.
- Less risk of accidental contact - Since the lines are below ground, there’s less chance of kids, pets, or tree limbs coming into contact with live wires.
Less risk of accidental contact - Since the lines are below ground, there’s less chance of kids, pets, or tree limbs coming into contact with live wires.
What to Watch Out For With Underground Service
- Higher cost and more complicated repairs - Underground systems require trenching, conduit, and more labor to install or fix. That means higher upfront costs and longer repair times if something goes wrong.
- Some neighborhoods require it - In many newer developments, underground service isn’t optional; it’s required. That’s not necessarily a downside, but it can limit your choices or affect the cost of future upgrades or additions.
- Potential impact on landscaping - If repairs or upgrades are needed, your lawn, driveway, or flower beds may need to be dug up. It’s not always a simple fix.
Potential impact on landscaping - If repairs or upgrades are needed, your lawn, driveway, or flower beds may need to be dug up. It’s not always a simple fix.
Now That You Know What You’re Working With
Now that you know what type of service you need, you are probably curious about the cost. That is why we created a free resource for you. Our price guide allows you to make the right call for your home and your budget. Whether you choose to work with us or not.
Frequently Asked Questions About Overhead and Underground Electrical Service
How can I tell if I have overhead or underground service?
The easiest way is to look outside. If you see power lines running from a nearby utility pole directly to your house, usually attached near the roof or a metal mast, that’s overhead service. If you don’t see any wires and your neighborhood has no utility poles, your service is likely underground.
Is one type of service safer than the other?
Both systems are safe when installed correctly. Underground service is more protected from weather and accidental contact, while overhead service is easier to spot and repair if there’s an issue. The key is having a system that’s well-maintained and up to code, regardless of how it’s delivered.
Can I switch from overhead to underground service?
You can, but it’s not always simple. It’s like deciding to renovate your kitchen: possible, but it involves permits, inspections, coordination with your utility, and a fair bit of digging (literally). We can walk you through what to expect.
Who’s responsible if my service line is damaged?
It depends on where the damage occurs. Utility companies are typically responsible for the lines up to the connection point (like the pole or pedestal). Everything from that point into your home (including the service mast, meter socket, and panel) is usually the homeowner’s responsibility. We’re happy to help you figure out what’s yours and what’s not. (What’s yours, what’s the utility companies)
Does the type of service affect what kind of work I can do?
Sometimes, yes. Projects like panel upgrades, generator installs, or EV charger setups may be affected by how your home receives power. Knowing your service type helps your electrician plan the safest, most efficient route for new equipment or wiring.
Cheaper to install or repair - Overhead lines are more accessible, which means repairs and upgrades often cost less and take less time. There's no digging or trenching involved, so it’s typically the more budget-friendly option.
Faster and easier to troubleshoot - Because everything is above ground and visible, it’s usually quicker for a technician to spot the issue and get it resolved, especially after a storm or sudden outage.
Less disruption to your yard - No need to dig up flower beds, driveways, or landscaping when work is needed. Everything stays above the ground, which means less mess during repairs or service changes.
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