Maintenance Committee: Utility Boxes

Ever wonder what is in all of those concrete and plastic boxes in the easement in front of your house? You probably know that the boxes are utility related but are unsure as to which box goes with which utility. Here’s an overview of what’s where: In general, the boxes are the places where your residential
utility service taps into the utility’s main line. Using the water utility, South Coast Water District (SCWD) as an example, a front yard concrete box, about 22 by 12 inches houses a water line meter and a shutoff valve for the branch which services each residence.
The electricity utility, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), uses a similar arrangement. Typically a large (about 32 by 24 inches) concrete or composite-plastic splice box is installed in the ground. Inside the box, wires for the residential service are spliced on to the main electrical feed. The box serves to keep the splice joint out of the dirt, facilitating maintenance.
The two telephone/internet companies, Cox and AT&T, also have similar equipment. In this case, the splice box is usually in an above ground “pedestal” about 24 inches high and 7 (AT&T) to 10 (Cox) inches in diameter. Both companies sometimes use composite-plastic buried boxes.
Although the property owner and the utility are responsible for easements, the Maintenance Committee has been in contact with these four utilities regarding boxes that may need maintenance attention. We are pleased to tell you that all four are very cooperative and that problem boxes have been and continue to be repaired and replaced.
The Maintenance Committee and NSCA Management thank South Coast Water District, San Diego Gas & Electric, SDG&E, Cox Communications and AT&T for their cooperation.
—Bob Gregg