Service Mast or not to Service Mast, that is the question

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#1

Originally Posted By: loconnor
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http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/more/240%20Crescent-Electrical.jpg ]

–
Larry


Western Michigan NACHI Chapter


http://www.w-michigan-nachi.org


"We confide in our strength
without boasting of it.
We respect that of others
without fearing it"
Thomas Jefferson
#2

Originally Posted By: Terry Porter
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My understanding is it depends on the local code. I know many older homes have the service drop attached directly to the house, but you said this was a newer home.


The main issue I could see is the service might night meet the NEC rules for clearance.

#3

Originally Posted By: jpope
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Quote:
I thought a service mast was required on all homes.


Not at all, consider underground service.

Overhead service requires specific clearances from the ground and structure at the service drop and the "service point." That is the where the service mast (riser) comes in.

In your picture, there appears to be a problem with the required clearances - from the ground and window - so I would say there should be some other means of creating the service point whether it be a riser or lateral (underground service).

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
#4

Originally Posted By: kmcmahon
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That’s how my house looks. Not required.

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Wisconsin Home Inspection, ABC Home Inspection LLC


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#5

Originally Posted By: Ryan Jackson
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Type SE cable is permitted for this type of installation. icon_smile.gif

–
Ryan Jackson, Salt Lake City

#6

Originally Posted By: jpope
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kmcmahon wrote:
That's how my house looks. Not required.


What is not required Kevin, a riser?


Ryan Jackson wrote:
Type SE cable is permitted for this type of installation. ![icon_smile.gif](upload://b6iczyK1ETUUqRUc4PAkX83GF2O.gif)


Are you saying that type SE cables do not require the specified clearences? Is type SE supplied by the utility company for the service drop?

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
#7

Originally Posted By: kmcmahon
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No, a service mast. Just responding to the original post. icon_wink.gif

–
Wisconsin Home Inspection, ABC Home Inspection LLC


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#8

Originally Posted By: Ryan Jackson
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Jeff: I was just stating that the SE cable can be used in lieu of a mast. It still has to meet clearances unless it is under the exclusive control of an electic utility, as per 90.2(B)

–
Ryan Jackson, Salt Lake City

#9

Originally Posted By: loconnor
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Thank you all so much for your feed back. I’ve learned something here.


Also, looking at my photo, which I attempted to resize. I can see that I distorted it somewhat and it "appears" that the line is less then 10 ft. heigth clearance. It really is above the required minimum. My only concern was the lack of the service mast.

To clarify, this is not a new house. Actually, it's almost 100 years old. But it was remodeled about 5-6 years ago with new siding, among other things.

Thanks again

--
Larry
Western Michigan NACHI Chapter
http://www.w-michigan-nachi.org

"We confide in our strength
without boasting of it.
We respect that of others
without fearing it"
Thomas Jefferson

#10

Originally Posted By: rchoreyii
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http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/more/dscn0004.JPG ]

–
Ron Chorey


LAS CRUCES Home Inspections


rchorey@comcast.net


rchoreyii@nm.nachi.org

#11

Originally Posted By: jpope
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icon_eek.gif I wonder how often that metal roof flashing is energized


Unfortunately, many utility companies will hook up to whatever the customer supplies.

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

#12

Originally Posted By: dbowers
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Larry -


As most of the guys know - in older houses the masthead was not always used. In my area of Kansas City, many houses over 30 years old, had no masthead. If this house was recently remodeled and any electrical UPGRADES were done, it makes you wonder if permits were pulled, etc.

Dan Bowers, CRI

#13

Originally Posted By: tdove
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icon_lol.gif Service mast is not required in some area depends on local codes.

#14

Originally Posted By: ssopha
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Another dump question…


Is that service drop too close to the window?

#15

Originally Posted By: jpope
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Souk’,


It's hard to tell with the distorted picture but the NEC requires 3' clearance from the sides and bottom of an openable window.

It looks too close to me.

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

#16

Originally Posted By: loconnor
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I measured at approx. 3’6". So I’m OK there.


It doesn't appear there was an actual upgrade on the electrical, but I wonder how they got the new siding on.

--
Larry
Western Michigan NACHI Chapter
http://www.w-michigan-nachi.org

"We confide in our strength
without boasting of it.
We respect that of others
without fearing it"
Thomas Jefferson

#17

Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley
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loconnor wrote:
I wonder how they got the new siding on.


Whenever I've installed it, I cut and caulk! ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)
#18

Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
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I never saw a service mast until I moved to Florida. All the houses I ever saw in Maryland were 2 story and had the drop connected to the roof line somewhere, like this picture. They tacked SE cable down the wall to the meter and into the house.