Residential properties, apartment complexes, shopping malls and others may have buried private electric lines that serve to power, among other things, yard or parking lot lighting, pool heaters or pumps. Additionally, on residential properties or farms, private lines may connect outbuildings like garages, sheds or barns to a source of power. Remember that the supplier of electricity usually only marks the power line up to the meter. If there is power in a garage or if another piece of equipment on the property runs on electricity, make sure to look for a private electric line.
Are electric lines buried around residential properties?
Although the meter set is often found on/at the home or main building, in some areas, it is set on a pole or other attachment at a nearby power line. Red marks or flags leading up to a pole but not going on to the main building or home are clear indicators that there is an electric line in the area.
Electric Lines
Several other types of private buried electric lines may be found on private property. While some may carry low-voltage electrical current, they do not serve to connect an appliance or outbuilding with electricity. These include buried lines like invisible dog fences, data communications cables, and low voltage landscape lighting. Other private facilities can include water systems, underground sprinkler systems, private phone lines that collect from outbuildings to a home or waste collection lines.
Dig Safely
To dig safely, a good excavator must also be part detective. Because of the possible existence of private buried electrical lines on almost any dig site, a careful excavator will physically inspect the jobsite before submitting their mark out requests or even bidding the job. They will take the time to talk to the property owner, see what equipment or power may serve buildings they will excavate around, and look for warning signs. They find out who installed the original underground facilities and contact them to determine if any records or maps exist. They also prepare maps of any new facilities they install, so that this problem doesn’t exist in the future.
Welcome to New Jersey One Call
If you’re digging in New Jersey and you need to know what’s below, please review the following process to ensure a safe excavation experience. Digging can be a dangerous activity. Everyone must take steps to protect underground utilities and avoid interruption of vital services, property damage and possible injury. Take the following steps every time you dig to avoid damage and prevent expensive repairs, project delays and costly fines.
New Jersey Law requires anyone digging to call at least three full business days (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to beginning work. This includes excavators as well as property and homeowners’ contractors. Contact New Jersey One Call at 811 or 800-272-1000 any time, day or night, and follow these steps: WAIT for the site to be marked with paint, flags or stakes.
- RESPECT THE MARKS
- DIG WITH CARE by hand digging within two feet on either side of any marked underground line.
Contact us
Mikulka Electricians are always professional and efficient. Insured and trained to do the job right the first time. Experts in the field of electrics with over 25 years’ experience. Prepared with up-front pricing and a lifetime guarantee. We observe all personal protective equipment and COVID 19 requirements to keep our staff and your family safe. Our team of experts will respond immediately to your call for help. Call Mikulka Electric, Inc. for a wide range of electrical services, including indoor and outdoor lighting, electrical heating, electrical repairs, and back-up generators. We service the Central New Jersey area. Address 275 RT. 79 Morganville, NJ 07751 https://mikulka-electric.com/contact-us/
Phone 855-645-8552 or 855-MIKULKA