Professional Answer:

A conductor head, commonly known as a weatherhead or service mast head, is a critical component for overhead power line installations. It serves as a protective cap at the top of the service mast or conduit, preventing rain, snow, and other moisture from entering the electrical system and causing damage. Proper installation is crucial for safety and system longevity.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Safety First: Ensure that all power is disconnected before beginning any work. This process should only be performed by a qualified electrician or with supervision from the utility company.

2. Mount the Service Mast: The service mast, typically a galvanized rigid conduit (GRC) or intermediate metal conduit (IMC), must be securely attached to the building structure. The National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations specify minimum height and clearance requirements from the ground, roof, and windows. We offer a wide range of robust overhead tools and accessories to assist with this process, ensuring compliance and secure installation.

3. Attach the Conductor Head: The conductor head is placed on top of the service mast. It must be of the same material as the conduit to ensure a proper, watertight fit. The conductors (wires) are then run through the holes in the head, with the neutral wire typically exiting through a center hole.

4. Create the Drip Loop: A drip loop is an essential part of the installation. This is a gentle U-shaped bend in the conductors just below the weatherhead. Its purpose is to ensure that any water running down the conductors drips off at the lowest point of the loop, preventing it from entering the weatherhead and running down the mast into the electrical meter base.

5. Connect to the Service Drop: The utility company will connect the service drop (the lines coming from the utility pole) to the conductors extending from the weatherhead. The drip loop must be positioned to allow for a clean, secure connection while ensuring water sheds away from the system.

6. Final Checks and Support: Verify that the mast is plumb and the conductor head is firmly in place. Depending on the mast's height and local codes, bracing or guy wires may be required to provide additional support against the tension of the service drop cables. We provide various pole line hardware and tension stringing equipment to facilitate these final support installations.

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