IMO the drip loop is to keep water from entering the weatherhead and really has no other purpose. I would not have an issue as shown as I feel it meets the intent of keeping the water out of the cable.
I disagree Jim.
Depending on the installation, water may also run back to the support connection to the home, prematurely weathering the lag screw or bolt.
The drip loop is also a visual indicator of strain relief on the wires. If the energized wires are supporting the weight, being stretched lengthwise, leveraging the top of the mast head, that would Not be Good at all.
It’s just my opinion but the NEC uses the word *loop *so there should be a loop even if it’s a small one.
If that were the case Robert I have never seen a compliant installation since there was only a low point on the conductors. As look at this similar to a drip loop for a gas line. It is just a low point, not an actual loop.
The steel carrier wire in the triplex carries the weight. The shape of the wires is a function of their length and how they were dressed during the install, not necessarily whether they are under stress. The stress should be on the anchor point.
Exactly. The drip loop acts as a strain relief. I assume you have seen when the anchor point comes loose, and how it resembles the above picture. It straightens out the loop, a visual indicator of something amiss. It puts all the stress on the weather head and wires.
If the anchor point pulls out, with a large enough drip loop, the SEC noticeably droops. With a proper loop, it is also less likely to do so.
the service head is required to be above the point of attachment for SE cables, but it looks like 230.54 allows an alternative: If a service head can’t physically be installed above, then you can install it somewhere within 24" from point of attachment.
I think who is responsible depends on why the drip loop is missing. For example, if the pole at the street is visibly tilted, then it’s the city’s responsibility. if the mast head is not well-supported and is leaning, then it’s the customer’s
A 7 year old zombie.
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