Where does the service cable go on a power mast?
The bottom end of the service mast connects to the home's service panel, or breaker box. An additional set of service cables starts at the service panel (and the electric meter) and runs up through and out of the service head. These cables connect to the service drop cables near the outside of the mast.
What is a service mast made of?
The typical service mast consists of 2-inch rigid metal conduit. Sometimes you’ll see a through-the-roof service mast that appears to be leaning from tension in the overhead service drop conductors.
Can service conductors be attached to the service mast?
Only the electric utility conductors are permitted to be attached to the service mast. Be sure the overhead service drop conductors are free and clear of trees, limbs, debris and vegetation. Trees that grow up into service conductors can damage the conductors and attract lightning strikes, both of which cause many power outages every year.
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 do you replace an electrical mast?
1:286:24Mast Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRemove the old mast by unfastening the bolts at the bottom of the mast. And then install the newMoreRemove the old mast by unfastening the bolts at the bottom of the mast. And then install the new mast and tighten the bolts. Hang the actuator on the new mast and bolt it into.
How high does an electrical mast need to be?
Electric utilities often require the meter to be mounted 4-feet to 6-feet from the ground, which is a reasonable height for utility workers to do their job in a safe manner.
What is a mast type service entrance?
a fitting that is attached to a service entrance mast, which provides a location for the attachment of the service drop conductors in an overhead service entrance. Rain-Tight. constructed or protected so that exposure to a beating rain will not result in the entrance of water under specified test conditions.
What is the power line from pole to house called?
Service dropIn electric power distribution, a service drop is an overhead electrical line running from a utility pole, to a customer's building or other premises. It is the point where electric utilities provide power to their customers.
How do you roof around an electrical mast?
0:435:16How to Install Retrofit Roof Boot | Electrical Mast Example - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i go under work the nail loose. And then pry up the nail. Making sure i don't damage the shinglesMoreSo i go under work the nail loose. And then pry up the nail. Making sure i don't damage the shingles. It's very easy just to to pop the nail through the shingle.
How far does a mast have to be above the roof?
The minimum height of the service mast, from bottom of weatherhead to the roof, is 30 inches. The minimum trade size of the mast is 1¼ inches (good for up to 125 amp services). Masts over 36 inches in height above the roof require rigid bracing.
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 EMT be used as a service mast?
Unless the raceway is supporting the drop from the pole you can use EMT.
How many wires come 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.
Why do birds not get electrocuted?
Birds are able to sit on electrical power lines because the electrical current essentially ignores the bird's presence and continues to travel through the wire instead of through the bird's body. A bird's body is not a good conductor of electricity.
Can you touch power lines house?
Misconception #2: Power lines are insulated, so they're safe to touch. This is a common misconception that many people have about power lines. 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.
What is the small green box outside my house?
So, what's that green box in my yard? If you don't have overhead power lines, you will see a green box, called a pad-mounted transformer, in your yard or the neighbor's yard. Transformers change voltage from higher levels to a level people use in their homes for their electronics, appliances and lighting.
What is minimum clearance for a service of 240 volts above the roof?
8 feetIn general, overhead service conductors must maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet above the surface of a roof for a minimum distance of 3 feet in all directions from the edge of the roof [230.24(A)].
What is the minimum height of a service drop attachment to a building?
In general, a service drop must be at least 12 feet above the ground (grade) as well as sidewalks and residential driveways. Minimum height above areas accessible only to pedestrians, such as porches or decks, is 10 feet.
What is the minimum clearance to a residential electrical service drip loop?
10 feetCurrent code requires 10 feet minimum above grade to the bottom of the drip loop.
Can EMT be used as a service mast?
Unless the raceway is supporting the drop from the pole you can use EMT.
What does it take to repair an electrical mast or meter box?
Repairing or installing electrical masts and meter boxes can be complicated and dangerous. When you choose Damyans Electric for the job, you get peace of mind that a pro is handling your dangerous problem.
How does electricity transfer to a home?
When your local power plant generates energy, it needs to transfer it to your home. This transfer can occur on underground or aboveground wiring. With aboveground wiring (a service drop), the energy enters your home with a metal pole called an electrical mast.
What is the service head on a house?
When the service drop reaches the house, it connects to an assembly called the service head, also know as the service mast or masthead. Typically, a service head consists of a rigid steel conduit (like a big pipe) that runs up through the roof or along an exterior wall and is topped with a shell-like fitting called a weatherhead or weather cap.
How does a weatherhead work?
The bottom end of the service mast connects to the home's meter base. An additional set of service cables starts at the service panel (and the electric meter) and runs up through and out of the service head. These cables connect to the service drop cables near the outside of the mast. This connection is called the service point, and it represents the dividing line between the utility company's property and the homeowner's property (although the meter may be owned by the utility even though it is on the homeowner's side).
Can you do your own electrical work?
While homeowners in many municipalities are allowed to do their own electrical work, this applies to household projects, like replacing outlets and lights, running electrical cable, and maybe even installing new circuits. However, homeowners are not allowed to work on any part of the utility's service drop.
What is the name of the wire that goes through a mast?
The pole is called the mast or riser and it contains a large cable or individual wires known as the service entrance conductors (or service entrance cable ). These conductors exit the mast through the Weatherhead, which is shaped so that the conductors slant downward as they come out. Featured Video.
What is the service entrance?
The assembly of structural parts and wiring that connects your home to the utility power grid is known collectively as the service entrance. The service entrance starts at the transformer on the utility's power pole. The heavy insulated wires and metal cable strung overhead from the transformer to your house are called the service drop. The service drop is either anchored to a metal pole rising through the roof or attached to the exterior of the house. The pole is called the mast or riser and it contains a large cable or individual wires known as the service entrance conductors (or service entrance cable). These conductors exit the mast through the Weatherhead, which is shaped so that the conductors slant downward as they come out.
How does a weatherhead work?
First, it simply covers the mast to prevent rain and snow from falling in. Second, the way in which the service drop is anchored to the mast allows for a slight dip in the wires, known as a drip loop. Any rain that clings to the service drop wires flows downward then falls off the bottom of the drip loop, not into the service mast.
Do all weatherheads mount to masts?
But not all Weatherheads mount to masts. Some types are anchored to the wall of a building, and some have a special clamp for securing the service entrance conductors (usually a cable) directly to the Weatherhead. In this case, there is no mast at all.
