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The Code Question of the Day (CQD) is NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine’s flagship National Electrical Code (NEC®) public forum for the industry. The daily distribution of Q&A generates a lively dialogue and shares relative Code-based practical responses.
August 11, 2026
Hello CQD. I ran an EMT conduit across an expansion joint using an expansion fitting. Can I still use the conduit as an equipment grounding conductor? Thanks, Sandra P.
August 10, 2026
Good morning CQD. What is the required clearance for a service drop over a residential roof? I have seen 8 feet cited, but someone on the job is saying 3 feet applies because of the roof pitch. Who is right? Thanks, Jim B.
Good Morning Jim. The general clearance in Section 230.24 is 8 feet 6 inches above the roof surface — not 8 feet. The 3-foot exception applies where the roof slope is 4 in 12 or greater and the voltage between conductors does not exceed 300 volts. There is also an 18-inch exception for the overhanging portion only, where no more than 6 feet of conductors pass above the overhang and terminate at a through-the-roof raceway or approved support, again limited to 300 volts between conductors.