230.28 Masts as Supports.

to a service mast between a weatherhead and a coupling, if the coupling is located above the last point of securement to the building or is located above the building." />

Overhead service conductors cannot be attached to a service mast between a weatherhead and a coupling, if the coupling is located above the last point of securement to the building or is located above the building.

Code Change Summary: Language was added in 230.28 to address overhead service conductor attachment to a mast and clarify how hubs must be identified.

Previous code language required raceway fittings to be identified for use with the service mast. New code language clarifies that hubs should be identified for use with the service equipment.

If a Square D meter socket is installed, the hub on top of the meter box for connecting of the service mast should be a Square D hub.

If a GE meter socket is installed, the hub on top of the meter box for connecting of the service mast should be a GE hub.

Also, a new rule states that the overhead service conductors cannot be attached to a service mast between a weatherhead and a coupling, if the coupling is located above the last point of securement to the building or is located above the building. See image.

A similar code change also occurred in 225.17 for overhead branch circuit and feeder conductors.

Below is a preview of the NEC ® . See the actual NEC ® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).

2011 Code Language:

230.28 Masts as Supports. Where a service mast is used for the support of service-drop conductors, it shall be of adequate strength or be supported by braces or guys to withstand safely the strain imposed by the service drop. Where raceway-type service masts are used, all raceway fittings shall be identified for use with service masts. Only power service-drop conductors shall be permitted to be attached to a service mast.

2014 Code Language:

230.28 Masts as Supports. 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) .

(A) Strength. The service mast shall be of adequate strength or be supported by braces or guys to withstand safely the strain imposed by the service-drop or overhead service conductors. Hubs intended for use with a conduit that serves as a service mast shall be identified for use with service -entrance equipment.

(B) Attachment. Service-drop or overhead service conductors shall not be attached to a service mast between a weatherhead or the end of the conduit and a coupling, where the coupling is located above the last point of securement to the building or other structure or is located above the building or other structure.

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230.28 Masts as Supports.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Which of the following is required if attaching an overhead service mast to a meter socket enclosure?