Electric Service Requirements

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(PDF, 68KB)
DT-SS-U-1001A Installation Of PVC Riser On Wood Pole(PDF, 124KB)
DT-SS-U-1002 Underground Junction Boxes(PDF, 622KB)
DT-SS-U-1003 Underground Duct Lines – Typical Trench Section Details(PDF, 266KB)
DT-SS-C-1005 Concrete Transformer Pad(PDF, 265KB)
SR-TS-O-1006 Overhead Temporary Service(PDF, 135KB)
SR-TS-O-1007 Temporary Service Structures(PDF, 61KB)
SR-TS-U-1008 Underground Temporary Service(PDF, 56KB)
SR-CN-O-1009 Typical Overhead Service Installation(PDF, 158KB)
SR-CN-U-1010 Residential Underground Service Requirements(PDF, 171KB)
SR-CL-O-1011 Service Drop Clearance Requirements(PDF, 75KB)
SR-MT-E-1012 Required Minimum Clearances of Meter Sockets(PDF, 99KB)
SR-MT-E-1013 Clearance for Meter Cabinet Enclosures(PDF, 50KB)
SR-MT-E-1014 Diagram of Connections, Meter Sockets(PDF, 124KB)
SR-CL-O-1015 Minimum Ground Clearances for Residential Service Drops(PDF, 73KB)
SR-CL-O-1016 Ground Clearances for Commercial Service Drops(PDF, 75KB)
SR-CL-O-1017 Clearance for Service Pole for Supply Service Drop(PDF, 68KB)
SR-CL-O-1018 Clearances from Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas(PDF, 56KB)
SR-MT-M-1019 Voltage Transformer Mounting Plate(PDF, 70KB)
SR-XF-E-1020 Transition Cabinet(PDF, 2MB)
SL-SS-C-1021 Street Light Foundation - 10' to 14'(PDF, 176KB)
SL-SS-C-1022 Street Light Foundation - 20' to 25'(PDF, 192KB)
SL-SS-C-1023 Street Light Foundation - 30'(PDF, 190KB)
SL-SS-C-1024 Street Light Foundation - Pedestal Type(PDF, 57KB)
DT-SS-U-1025 Mandrel Testing(PDF, 39KB)
DT-SS-U-1026 Concrete Switch Pad Detail(PDF, 661KB)
DT-SS-C-1028 Precast Concrete Pad For LBC Cabinet(PDF, 247KB)
DT-CL-U-1031 Padmount Clearance Requirement(PDF, 950KB)
DT-SE-U-1032 Underground Service Conduit And Cable Requirements(PDF, 215KB)
SR-MT-E-1035 Meter Installation in Residential Driveway(PDF, 90KB)
DT-SS-U-1038 Concrete Collar Surrounding a Vault(PDF, 46KB)
EUSERC Acceptability Table(PDF, 91KB)
Please visit our New Connection or Upgrades to Utilities page for more information regarding your electric service.
Contact Us
For any questions about utility requirements, call (650) 566-4500.