Frank,

I would say that 230-9 is referring to both, in that it addresses the conductors without an overall covering, which would be the Conductors coming out of the Service head and the Triplex from the pole. Since they both (service drop and service conductors) extend to the point of splice, the drip loop would also have to be included.

In the 1990 NEC Handbook (sorry, I don't have a more recent one) It talks of including the drip loop in the clearance requirements. There is even a picture of the drip loops also being above the Window to meet the exception requirements.

If I can get my scanner working I will post a picture.

I hope this helps, [Linked Image]

Bill

Bill