Overhead electric feed to detached garage

[Mike Lamb]

I cannot find anything that prohibits overhead electric feed to residential detached garages. So I am checking here.

My brother is looking to have a new garage built and the builder says the feed must be underground. Because of the landscape this would be tricky and expensive. He's in Chicago, and to the best of my knowledge, the city is using the 2017 NEC codebook.

[Jerry Simon]

1 hour ago, Mike Lamb said:

I cannot find anything that prohibits overhead electric feed to residential detached garages. So I am checking here.

My brother is looking to have a new garage built and the builder says the feed must be underground. Because of the landscape this would be tricky and expensive. He's in Chicago, and to the best of my knowledge, the city is using the 2017 NEC codebook.

Hey Mike,

Nothing definite, but like you, I've seen hundreds and hundreds of newer (Danley?) garages in Chicago, and can't ever recall finding one with an overhead feed.

[BADAIR]

Garage Electric_202106031442279869.pdf

[Mike Lamb]

6 hours ago, BADAIR said:

Garage Electric_202106031442279869.pdf 102.76 kB · 4 downloads

Thanks. I did see that in my search. It implies an underground feed.  I'm not sure if it prohibits overhead. Now I'm looking at the title which states Minimum Requirements so I guess that would be my answer, or not.

Edited August 18, 2021 by Mike Lamb

[Marc]

6 hours ago, BADAIR said:

Garage Electric_202106031442279869.pdf 102.76 kB · 5 downloads

That document doesn't say that a circuit to a detached must be buried, rather it simply gives the spec for a buried line. It does not treat aerials. JMHO

The requirements for an aerial might be such that it's near impossible to do it in a heavily populated area.

Edited August 18, 2021 by Marc

[Jim Katen]

There's nothing in the NEC that prohibits and overhead feeder to a garage. 

Can't speak for Chicago. 

Why not just drop by the building department and ask them? (I understand it's customary to bring some folding money with you . . . ) 

[Jerry Simon]

8 hours ago, Jim Katen said:

Why not just drop by the building department and ask them? (I understand it's customary to bring some folding money with you . . . ) 

I used to drop off house plans for approval downtown Chicago back in the mid-70's for my family's general contracting biz.  $20 back then.