Are All Overhead Primary Wires on Residential Electric Poles Energized or Neutral?

In residential electric distribution, all overhead primary wires atop poles are typically energized "hot" conductors, even if only one phase is connected to a transformer and others lack hot clamp connections. The presence of insulators on all three wires indicates they are energized phases in a three-phase, four-wire Wye system, with one phase supplying the transformer and the others potentially reserved for future use. Neutral conductors are usually separate and located lower on the pole. Temporary setups, such as construction poles with meters mounted on the pole rather than the house, may show single-phase connections with unused phases still energized. Power companies maintain easements and often retain all three phases for load balancing and future expansion, making removal or consolidation of unused phase wires uncommon and potentially costly. Solutions like installing Aerial Bundled Conductors or insulating wires are possible but require utility company approval. Transitioning from temporary to permanent installations typically involves relocating meters to the house and possibly connecting additional phases. The complexity of removing unused phases depends on utility policies and infrastructure requirements.
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