What is a service mast?
Most people would define “your” service mast as the wires that physically contact your home. Wires initially contact most homes at the roof, where they enter a plastic cover called a “ weatherhead .” From the weatherhead, wires run down the side of the home vertically until they reach the electrical meter socket.
Where does my service mast connect to my electrical system?
Your service mast’s wires connect with your home’s larger electrical system via your electrical meter. Specifically, the wires hook into the meter through a meter socket. The meter socket is located on top of the meter beneath a protective covering.
What is an electrical mast on a house?
A home electrical mast is the electrical wires and conduit that runs up the exterior of your house from the electrical meter and attaches to the overhead utility lines. Click to see full answer. Likewise, what is a mast on a house?
What are the rules and regulations about electrical service masts?
Rules and regulations regarding electrical service masts vary depending what part of the country you live in, so some of the information here may not be applicable in every situation. When in doubt, check with the local electric utility company and electrical inspector.
How much is an electrical mast?
Electrical meter risers cost an average of $15 to $40 per linear foot. The standard length of a riser is two feet, making the cost per riser about $30 to $80.Jan 11, 2022
What does a weatherhead look like?
It is shaped like a hood, with the surface where the wires enter facing down at an angle of at least 45°, to shield it from precipitation. A rubberized gasket makes for a tight seal against the wires.
What can be attached to a service mast?
Only power service drop or overhead service conductors shall be permitted to be attached to a service mast. Service masts used for the support of service-drop or overhead service conductors shall be installed in accordance with 230.28(A) and (B).
Can you touch a service drop?
Never attempt to move or handle a service drop. In the event of a downed power line resulting from high winds, falling trees, etc., call DTE to have the line de-energized and safely restrung.Apr 18, 2019
How much is a new weatherhead?
Coming down the service and into the panel the bonding, the grounding and everything belongs to the customer. It's the customer's responsibility.” That means repair costs are left up to the property owner and could range from $700 to $1700.May 31, 2017
What is the purpose of a weatherhead?
The weatherhead is designed to prevent water from running down the wires into your service box (breaker box.) The weatherhead cap on top of the pipe stops rain from entering the pipe. The looped wires called a drip loop, cause drops of water to run down to the bottom of the loop and drop off.Nov 3, 2015
How far does a mast have to be above the roof?
The service mast should not be more than 3-feet vertically above the roof line; most utilities will require bracing or guy wires for additional support of any mast that is taller than 3-feet.
What size connector would use 100 amp service cable in 100 amp panel box?
When it comes to the lines connecting master and secondary panels, where the line will carry as much as a full 100 amps, use a 2-gauge non-metallic sheathed electrical cable.
What are the 3 wires from pole to house?
The service drop leads from the utility pole lines to a home. It is made up of three conductor wires. Two of them are insulated wires that carry electricity from the transformer; the third is a bare neutral wire that connects to the grounding wire. These lines have a voltage of 120 to 240 volts.Mar 13, 2018
What is the most common service drop cable?
In the US, common services are 120Y/208 (three 120 V circuits 120 degrees out of phase, with 208 V line-to-line), 240 V three-phase, and 480 V three-phase.
Can I touch the wires coming to my house?
Power lines are not insulated and you should always avoid contact with them. It is quite possible for people to get electrocuted if you touch power lines.
Why do birds not get electrocuted on power lines?
The copper in electrical wires is a great conductor. Birds are not good conductors. That's one reason they don't get shocked when they sit on electrical wires. The energy bypasses the birds and keeps flowing along the wire instead.
How much voltage does a service mast release?
If your service mast wires are damaged or exposed, they could be releasing up to 240 volts of unfused electricity into their immediate surroundings. That much voltage could start serious electrical fires or even prove deadly if you came into contact with it.
How far away from windows should mast wires be?
Electrical code mandates that mast wires must always be more than three feet away from windows. Remember: the voltage running through those wires comes directly from the distribution line. Direct voltage is unfused, which means it’s very dangerous.
How low should a service mast be?
Too low. Electrical code also stipulates that the dangling wires connecting to a home’s service mast must never be lower than 10 feet off of the ground. Often, homeowners may inadvertently break this code when building decks or expansions to their homes.
What are those wires connecting to my house called?
They enter a small plastic cover and then descend down the side of the building until they reach the electrical meter. Those wires are called the service mast .
Why do you need a service mast?
Your service mast is crucial to the safety and effectiveness of your entire home electrical system. If it appears damaged, detached, or otherwise faulty, you should get it fixed immediately. Electricians will fix most mast problems by replacing the damaged wiring and infrastructure.
Where is the meter socket on a service mast?
Specifically, the wires hook into the meter through a meter socket. The meter socket is located on top of the meter beneath a protective covering. If this covering and/or the weatherhead at the top ...
What happens when a branch or other piece of natural debris falls on the hanging wires between the house and distribution lines
Detached or loose wires. This usually happens when a branch or other piece of natural debris falls on the hanging wires between the house and distribution lines. The weight of the falling debris pulls the service mast’s wires away from the wall of the house. The service mast should be flush with and affixed to the wall at all times.
