FPL Overhead to Underground Electrical Service Conversion
Upgrade Your Home From Overhead to Underground Electrical Service
Looking to remove the overhead electrical wires running from the utility pole to your home? An FPL overhead-to-underground service conversion can provide a cleaner appearance, eliminate the overhead service drop, and modernize the way electrical power is delivered to your property.
At Elekron Electric, we provide professional electrical contracting services for overhead-to-underground electrical service conversions throughout Miami-Dade and surrounding South Florida areas. We coordinate the electrical portion of the project with the homeowner, FPL, and the local permitting authority to help make the conversion process as straightforward as possible.
What Is an Overhead-to-Underground Conversion?
Many older South Florida homes receive electrical power through overhead wires that run from an FPL utility pole to a weatherhead and electrical meter on the home.
With an overhead-to-underground conversion, the existing overhead service is replaced with an underground electrical service. Depending on the property and FPL's approved design, underground conduit is installed from the designated FPL connection point to the home's meter location, allowing the utility service conductors to be routed underground instead of overhead.
Every property is different. The required route, conduit size, meter equipment, trenching or boring, and other installation requirements are determined based on the existing electrical system, property conditions, FPL requirements, and applicable electrical codes.
What's Included in the Conversion Process?
Depending on the project, an overhead-to-underground electrical conversion may include:
Evaluation of the existing electrical service and meter equipment
Coordination with FPL requirements and approved service location
Electrical permit and inspection coordination
Installation of underground electrical conduit
Trenching or coordination of directional boring when required
Installation or modification of meter and service equipment
Replacement or upgrade of the meter/main equipment when necessary
Grounding and bonding upgrades when required
Removal or abandonment of the existing overhead service equipment
Coordination for final inspection and FPL connection
Restoration of electrical service once the conversion is completed and approved
The exact scope of work depends on the property and FPL's approved design.
Trenching or Directional Boring
Underground electrical service does not always require an open trench across the entire property. Depending on site conditions and FPL requirements, directional boring may be an option.
Boring can be especially useful when the underground service route must cross driveways, concrete, landscaping, or other areas where extensive excavation would be undesirable. When boring is used, underground conduit can be installed with significantly less surface disturbance than conventional open trenching.
Our team can review the proposed service route and help determine the installation method appropriate for the project and FPL's requirements.
Do I Need a New Electrical Panel?
Not necessarily.
Converting the FPL service from overhead to underground does not automatically mean the interior electrical panel must be replaced. However, modifications or upgrades may be necessary if the existing service equipment is outdated, damaged, improperly sized, incompatible with the new underground configuration, or does not meet current requirements applicable to the project.
If you're considering increasing your electrical service at the same time—for example, upgrading from 150 amps to 200 amps—the underground conversion may be a good opportunity to complete both projects together.
How Does the FPL Underground Conversion Process Work?
The process generally begins with establishing the requirements for converting the property from overhead to underground service. FPL determines the utility-side requirements and connection point, while the electrical contractor completes the customer-side electrical work required for the conversion.
Once the project requirements are established, the necessary permits can be obtained and the underground pathway, conduit, meter equipment, grounding, and related electrical work can be completed. The installation is then inspected by the applicable local authority.
After the required electrical work and inspections are completed, FPL can complete its portion of the conversion and transition the property from the existing overhead service to the new underground service.
Because each property has different conditions, the exact sequence and responsibilities can vary from project to project.
Why Convert Your Electrical Service Underground?
Homeowners choose underground electrical service for several reasons. One of the biggest benefits is appearance. Removing overhead service wires and associated equipment can create a much cleaner exterior, particularly during a major renovation or exterior remodel.
Underground service can also eliminate issues associated with the service drop running near trees, roofs, additions, pools, or other structures. For many homeowners, it is simply part of modernizing the property's electrical infrastructure.
Planning a Renovation?
An overhead-to-underground conversion is often considered during:
Major home renovations
New additions
Pool construction
Exterior remodeling
Electrical service upgrades
New meter installations
Driveway or landscaping projects
Removal of overhead utility lines from visible areas of the property
Planning the electrical conversion early can help prevent newly completed concrete, landscaping, pavers, or other finished surfaces from having to be disturbed later.
FPL Underground Service Conversion in Miami-Dade & South Florida
Converting an electrical service underground requires more than simply installing conduit. The project must be properly planned around FPL requirements, electrical permitting, inspections, existing service conditions, and the physical layout of the property.
Elekron Electric can evaluate your existing electrical service, explain the work required on your property, and provide a detailed scope of work for completing the electrical portion of your overhead-to-underground conversion.
Ready to Remove Your Overhead Electrical Service?
If you're considering converting your home's electrical service from FPL overhead to underground, contact Elekron Electric to schedule an evaluation.
We'll review your existing electrical service, discuss the proposed underground route, identify potential upgrades or modifications, and explain the next steps required to move the project forward.