Overhead Service vs. Underground Service: What’s Best for Your Home?

A Homeowner’s Guide from North Georgia Electrical Services:

When it comes to powering your home, one of the most important components of your electrical system is the service entrance — the point where the utility power connects to your home. In Georgia homes, this is done in one of two ways:

• Overhead service (with a mast pipe on the roof or side of the home)

• Underground service (power fed through buried conduit into the meter)

At North Georgia Electrical Services, we install, replace, and upgrade both overhead and underground services across Buford, Dacula, Braselton, Flowery Branch, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Hoschton, Auburn, Gainesville, and all surrounding North Georgia communities.

Both options are safe and code-compliant, but each has its own advantages depending on your home, property layout, and long-term goals.

This guide explains the differences, benefits, and when each type of service is the better choice.

What Is Overhead Electrical Service?

An overhead electrical service uses a mast pipe and weatherhead that extend above the roofline or side of the home and connects to the utility power lines running along the street.

Key Components of an Overhead Service:

• Service mast (galvanized steel or rigid metal conduit)

• Weatherhead

• Service entrance conductors

• Meter base

• Drip loops and attachment hardware

Overhead services are extremely common in older and newer homes throughout North Georgia.

What Is Underground Electrical Service?

An underground electrical service brings power from the transformer or pedestal to your home through buried conduit. This method hides all visible power lines.

Key Components of Underground Service:

• Underground conduit (schedule 80 PVC or rigid)

• Underground service conductors

• Meter base

• Service lateral from utility company

• Trenching or directional boring

Underground services are increasingly popular in new developments and high-end neighborhoods.

Benefits of Underground Service

⭐ 1. Better Aesthetics – No Visible Power Lines

All wires stay underground, making the front of the home cleaner and more modern-looking.

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⭐ 2. Less Susceptible to Storm Damage

In North Georgia, overhead lines can be affected by:

• Falling tree limbs

• High winds

• Ice storms

• Lightning exposure

Underground service is far more weather-resistant.

⭐ 3. Reduced Long-Term Maintenance

Since the conductors are inside conduit, they’re better protected and require fewer repairs.

⭐ 4. More Reliable Power in Storm-Prone Areas

If your property has heavy tree coverage or sits in a windy corridor, underground service significantly improves reliability.

Which Is Better? Overhead vs. Underground Service

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but here’s the framework NGES uses when advising customers:

Choose Overhead Service If:

• You want a more affordable upgrade

• Your home already has overhead power

• You need a fast turnaround time

• Your property layout makes trenching difficult

Choose Underground Service If:

• You want the cleanest exterior appearance

• You experience frequent storm-related power issues

• You’re replacing a roof/exterior and want a fresh look

• You’re building a new home or finishing major renovations

• You want long-term reliability and lower exposure

If you’re doing exterior upgrades — such as roofing, siding, or structure repairs — it’s the perfect time to convert to underground service or replace an old mast pipe.

When it comes to roofing, storm damage repair, repairing old overhead service pipe holes Zenith Roofing is usually who we recommend. Small, honest, family owned company cut from the same cloth.

NEC Requirements for Overhead & Underground Service

Regardless of which system your home uses, NGES ensures your installation meets current NEC code, including:

• Proper mast height & clearance

• Correct wire sizing

• Drip loop installation

• Service grounding and bonding

• Meter base mounting height

• Conduit depth and burial requirements

• Utility company specifications

• Proper disconnect & panel labeling

We work directly with the power company to ensure your service passes all inspections.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Electrical Service

Call NGES if you notice:

• Rusted mast pipes

• Loose weatherheads

• Frayed overhead conductors

• Meter base corrosion

• Water intrusion in meter or panel

• Flickering lights during storms

• Frequent outages

• Upgrading from 100A to 200A service

A failing service entrance is not something to wait on — it’s one of the most important safety components of your entire home.

North Georgia Electrical Services — Trusted Service Entrance Experts

We install, upgrade, and replace both overhead and underground service entrances across:

Buford, Braselton, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Flowery Branch, Sugar Hill, Hoschton, Dacula, Auburn, Winder, Gainesville, and all surrounding North Georgia areas.

🏆 Best of Georgia 2024
🏆 Best of Gwinnett 2024
🏆 Nominated for 2025

✔ Licensed
✔ Insured
✔ Family-Owned
✔ Residential & Commercial Specialists

📞 Call Today: 404-502-8252
🌐 www.northgeorgiaelectrical.com

Schedule Your Service Entrance Evaluation Today

Whether you need a new overhead mast pipe, a complete underground conversion, or a full service upgrade, NGES delivers code-compliant, safe, and reliable service installations built to last.

Contact North Georgia Electrical Services today to schedule your consultation.