Proper electrical Weatherhead installation is needed to make sure that the electricity service will run smoothly without damages or wreck. Naturally, you need to consult a professional service to ensure the smooth process and running.
But it doesn’t hurt if you know about some of the basic concepts, so you understand the whole implementation.
What is Electrical Weatherhead?
As it was mentioned before, a proper and correct electrical Weatherhead installation is required – and considered crucial – when you have the overhead electrical service within the house. You should be able to see a metal pole that rises from the roof, and there is a rounded cap on top of it.
It is where the connection between the service line (from the house) and the utility service line is created and made. You probably can guess that the Weatherhead’s main function is to prevent the water from coming to the pipe. It is also responsible for the power transfer to the house from the utility.
Electrical Weatherhead Installation
Although it is common for Weatherhead to be generally mounted to a mast, some may not follow the general installation. Some of them may be anchored or attached to the wall. It is also possible to have a special clamp that will secure the entrance conductors directly connected to the Weatherhead.
If this is the case, then it doesn’t require a mast. Be sure to know some general electrical Weatherhead installation, so you know whether the construction is done to your house is correct or not. Knowing how to install a Weatherhead will also help.
For the installation masts, there are some different types and constructions to choose from. The most common one is the metal rigid electrical conduit, whether the RMC type or the intermediate IMC type. Some of the weather heads can be attached or installed with the nonmetallic pipe, generally made from PVC plastic.
These kinds of things are regulated by the building authority as well as the utility company. It may vary from one location to another.
Some Crucial Elements
When we are talking about the weather heads, we are talking about the service point and the device’s overall functionality. Because of the Weatherhead’s unique construction, it will prevent the snow and the rain from getting into the mast. So, how does it do so?
- It will cover the overall mast to keep out moisture, including snow and rain.
- Then, it routes the entrance conductor downward, allowing the so-called drip loop. It is a slight dip within the service wire. The drip loop will prevent the rain from going down the wires and then the mast.
Final Verdict
As you can see, the overall construction of the Weatherhead is pretty complicated and complex. You don’t really have to understand it – well unless you are an electrician.
But such knowledge can be handy if you have to deal with the installation. After all, making sure that the electrical Weatherhead installation is done properly can give you a slight advantage on your own.
