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HomePublic Utilities CodeDiv. 4Ch. 5Art. 2§ 8026 Electrical Wire Pole Clearance

§ 8026 Electrical Wire Pole Clearance

Public Utilities Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 8026 Electrical Wire Pole Clearance

Key Takeaways

  • •Electric wires on poles must stay at least 13 inches away from the center of the pole.
  • •Some wires, like signal wires or phone lines, don’t have to follow this rule if they meet certain conditions.
  • •Wires for lights or transformers on poles are also exempt from this rule.
  • •If following this rule would mess up long-distance phone calls, the phone company can ask for an exception.

Example

A power company is putting up new electric wires on poles near your house.

The wires must be at least 13 inches away from the center of the pole. If they put the wires too close, they’re breaking the law. But if the wires are for streetlights or phone lines, they might not have to follow this rule.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 8026 Electrical Wire Pole Clearance

No person shall run, place, erect, or maintain any wire or cable used to conduct electricity, on any pole, or any crossarm, bracket, or other appliance attached to such pole, within a distance of 13 inches from the center line of the pole. This section does not apply to signal wires or cables which are attached to a pole to which is attached no wire or cable other than signal wires or cables, except within the corporate limits of a city, nor shall this section apply to such wires or cables where they are placed vertically on poles, nor to bridle or jumper wires on any pole which are attached to signal wires on the same pole, nor to any aerial cable, as between such cable and any pole on which it originates or terminates. Telephone toll lines may be exempt from the provisions of this section if proper evidence introduced before the commission proves to the satisfaction of the commission, that compliance would seriously interfere with long distance telephone transmission. This section does not apply to wires run from lead wires to arc or incandescent lamps nor to transformers placed upon poles, nor to any wire or cable where it is attached to the top of a pole, as between it and the pole, nor to any aerial cable containing signal wires where the cable is attached to a pole on which no other wires or cables than wires continuing from the cable are maintained if electric light or power wires or cables are not maintained on the same side of the street or highway on which the aerial cable is placed. (Enacted by Stats. 1951, Ch. 764.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

compliancecommissionhighwaydistanceelectricityapplianceevidencesatisfaction

Related Statutes

  • § 8027 Electrical Wire Pole Clearance
  • § 1031 Passenger Stage Certificate Requirement
  • § 8030 Guy Wire Insulation Requirements
  • § 8033 High Voltage Wire Safety
  • § 8028 High Voltage Wire Clearance

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Public Utilities Code. Section 8026.
View Official Source