Who is responsible for the electrical service mast?

Determining who is responsible for the electrical service mast on a property can be confusing for homeowners. The service mast is the pipe that runs from the ground up the side of a house, bringing electrical service from the utility lines to the home’s electrical panel. While it’s located on the homeowner’s property, there are a few factors that determine whether the homeowner or the utility company is responsible for the mast.

What is an Electrical Service Mast?

The electrical service mast is a conduit that encases and protects the electrical service wires running from the utility pole to the home. It is typically made of galvanized steel or aluminum and runs vertically up the exterior wall of the house. At the top, it connects to the service drop, which are the wires coming from the utility pole. At the bottom, it connects to the service entrance wires that lead into the home’s main electrical panel.

The mast acts as a protective covering to shield the wires from weather and damage. Without it, the bare wires would be exposed. It also provides stability and structure to connect the overhead service drop wires to the house.

Key Components of the Electrical Service Mast:

• Weatherhead – This is the top fitting on the mast that connects to the service drop. It prevents moisture from entering.
• Conduit pipe – The main shaft that encases the wires. Usually galvanized rigid steel or aluminum.
• Service entrance cables – The wires inside the mast that connect to the electrical panel.
• Attachment point – The base where it mounts to the home’s exterior wall.
• Conduit straps – Brackets that secure the mast against the wall for support.

Utility Company vs Homeowner Responsibility

When it comes to the electrical mast, the utility company is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the service drop wires coming from the pole. The homeowner is responsible for the mast conduit and weatherhead connection point.

Here is a breakdown of who is responsible for what parts of the electrical service:

Component	Responsible Party
Utility pole and service drop wires	Utility company
Weatherhead/connection point	Homeowner
Conduit mast piping	Homeowner
Service entrance wires	Homeowner
Conduit straps	Homeowner
Electrical meter	Utility company
Electrical panel	Homeowner

As shown, the utility handles the external wires and meter, while the homeowner is responsible for the mast conduit and connections from the weatherhead onwards. This delineation of duties can vary slightly by region, but generally follows this split.

Homeowner Responsibilities

Since the mast conduit and entrance cables are owned by the homeowner, it is their duty to install, maintain, and repair the mast. If there are any issues with the structural integrity or function of the mast, the homeowner is responsible for correcting it. This includes:

• Replacing corroded or damaged mast piping
• Reinforcing loose conduit straps
• Sealing any leaks at the weatherhead
• Repairing damaged cables inside the mast
• Installing a new mast when building a new home
• Coordinating mast location with the utility company
• Ensuring proper mast height, size, and clearance
• Hiring a qualified electrician to conduct any mast repairs

Proper mast maintenance keeps electrical service functioning safely and reliably. It also prevents damage from moisture leaks. Any issues with the mast should be addressed promptly by the homeowner as a safety precaution.

When to Repair or Replace Your Electrical Mast:

• Rust and corrosion present
• Physical damage like dents or holes
• Detached or loose conduit straps
• Moisture leaks at weatherhead
• Wires exposed from chewed insulation
• Conduit has shifted or is no longer vertical

Utility Company Responsibilities

The utility company is responsible for the utility pole, service drop wires, and electrical meter. Their duties include:

• Installing new service drops for new construction homes
• Repairing and maintaining utility poles and service drop lines
• Replacing damaged service drop wires
• Ensuring service drops have proper clearance
• Inspecting and installing electrical meters
• Disconnecting service at the pole for mast repairs
• Coordinating with homeowners on service needs

The utility must ensure their equipment and wires are in good working order to deliver electricity safely to the home. They are also required to inspect any homeowner mast repairs to approve reconnection.

Gray Areas and Exceptions

In some unique cases, responsibility for the mast may fall into a gray area between the homeowner and utility company. Here are some examples:

• Damage from storms or falling trees – If a storm or fallen tree damages the mast, the homeowner is usually responsible for repairs. But some utilities may cover a portion if the damage resulted from their equipment.
• Upgrading for heavier service – When upgrading electrical service to 200+ amps, the new mast is typically the homeowner’s responsibility. But the utility may need to install larger service drop wires.
• Service drop clearance issues – If tree growth encroaches on the service drop minimum clearance, the homeowner trims the trees while the utility raises the drop lines.
• Old damaged equipment – For equipment failures from age rather than external factors, utilities may provide repairs as a courtesy to longtime customers.

To avoid confusion, homeowners should contact their utility company to confirm responsibilities any time there is potential mast or service drop damage. The utility will dispatch inspectors to assess the situation.

Condo and Apartment Buildings

For multi-family dwellings, building owners and property managers take on mast responsibilities. This includes:

• Installing and maintaining mast conduit for the building
• Coordinating electrical services and panel connections
• Handling any weatherhead leaks or mast damage
• Managing any necessary repairs or replacements
• Working with the utility company on service needs

Each unit will still have its own electric meter maintained by the utility. But the service mast is shared for the entire building.

Mobile Homes

With mobile homes, the mast is typically attached to the main frame. This makes the homeowner responsible for the entire mast assembly and connections.

On some properties, a separate pole is installed to connect the mobile home to utility lines. In this case, the utility would own the pole and service drop, while the homeowner handles the connections from the weatherhead down.

Importance of Following Electrical Code

All electrical service mast installations and repairs must comply with local electrical code requirements. Key guidelines include:

• Proper mast sizing based on the home’s electrical needs
• Galvanized or weatherproof conduit materials
• Secure fastening to structural wall framing
• Proper seal at the weatherhead connection
• Watertight conduit fittings
• Correct wiring sizes and insulation
• Sufficient conduit strap support
• Vertical installation for proper drainage
• Required clearance from windows and openings

Only licensed electricians should handle mast work, as improper installations can create significant safety hazards and code violations. Permits are also required for mast replacements and upgrades.

OSHA Clearance Requirements:

• 10 feet from windows, doors, porches, fire escapes
• 3 feet from vent pipes, gas meters, A/C units
• 18 inches from telephone and cable lines

Hiring an Electrical Contractor

Since mast installation and maintenance requires electrical expertise, it’s recommended to hire a licensed electrician or contractor. They can:

• Determine if mast repairs or replacement are needed
• Install a new mast to code when building or renovating
• Make weatherhead and conduit repairs
• Replace damaged cables and wiring
• Reinforce conduit support straps
• Coordinate with the utility on service connections
• Obtain required permits for the work

For overhead electrical service, replacing an old damaged mast should cost $200 – $600. New mast installation for a home can range from $400 – $1200, depending on mast height and electrical service requirements.

Mast Maintenance Tips

To keep your electrical service mast in good working order:

• Inspect it annually for any damage or leaks
• Seal any weatherhead gaps with electrical sealant
• Clear any vegetation contacting the mast
• Confirm conduit straps are tight
• Watch for rust buildup at the base
• Replace loose connections with watertight fittings
• Have an electrician address any issues immediately

Proper mast maintenance extends its lifespan and keeps electrical service to the home functioning safely and reliably.

Conclusion

Determining responsibility for the electrical service mast requires looking at which components belong to the homeowner vs. the utility company. Generally, the utility owns the service drop wires and meter, while the mast conduit and entrance cables fall under the homeowner’s responsibility.

Homeowners are required to install, maintain, and repair the mast per electrical code. The utility is responsible for the service drop and pole equipment. Any gray areas of responsibility should be discussed with the utility. With overhead electrical service, keeping the mast properly maintained is critical for safety and reliable power delivery.