Evaluating Electrical Service Entrance Conductors

Electricity is an essential part to modern living. Thankfully, in this day and age, most people have easy access to a source of electricity. All we have to do is pay our monthly bill to the local utility company. And voila – we have instant access to electricity at our finger tips! But have you ever wondered how electricity actually makes it into your home from your utility company? It wouldn’t be possible without the help of service entrance conductors.

What Are Service Entrance Conductors?

A service entrance conductor, or SEC, is the point at which the electrical line from the utility company meets the service line at a residence. Electrical power is channeled off of the primary power line toward a building via a “service drop” or “service lateral.”  The service drop or lateral is then spliced to the SEC, which subsequently runs to the meter and main electrical panel.

The SEC is responsible for ensuring that electricity runs into the home safely and efficiently. When properly installed, these conductors are designed to channel the necessary electrical load the building needs, preventing any potential overloads or outages.

Types of SECs

There are two primary types of SECs – Overhead (or aerial) SECs and Underground (or buried) SECs.

Overhead service entrance conductors will primarily be found in urban areas where many overhead power lines are present. They are also more common with older homes and older neighborhoods where the lines weren’t buried originally. Overhead service entrances are the more visibly accessible of the two, which means that more aspects can be evaluated by home inspectors.

On the other hand, buried lines are more commonly found in rural locations. They are also typically preferred in the modern setting, as overhead power lines can often be more unsightly. Contrary to overhead lines, underground SECs are primarily hidden, which results in a more limited inspection.

Image sourced from: https://www.finehomebuilding.com

Inspecting Service Entrance Conductors

Electricity can be extremely dangerous when improperly configured. That is why our inspectors perform a general evaluation of all accessible electrical components of the home. When examining the SEC there several aspects our inspectors will evaluate:

1. Height – When it comes to overhead service entrance conductors, the service drop clearance must be at least 12 feet above the driveway of a home; and at least 10 feet above the walkways of the home. If the inspectors note that the wiring is any lower than the required height, they will call it out for repair.
2. Wall Anchor Condition  – The inspector will make sure to take a look at where the SEC is anchored to the wall. Is it properly secured? Is it in good condition? Any signs of a loose or damaged wall anchor will be noted.
3. Wiring Condition – The wires themselves must also be free of any visible damage or fraying. They must also be properly attached to the house when entering from overhead. A guy wire is required to secure the wiring to the home in order to prevent the power line from detaching from the SEC. The photo below shows an example of a guy wire that is not connected to the service mast. This must be evaluated and corrected. 
4. Proximity of Trees – Any tree branches or vegetation in contact can eventually cause fraying and/or damage to the wiring. That is why your inspector will recommend clearing out any trees or plants near the SEC.
5. Service Size – Inspectors will also be paying attention to the amperage that is entering the home. The typical modern house needs at least 100 amps. However, some older homes may still be receiving a lower amount of amperage. An inspector can usually tell how much the home is receiving by looking at the main breaker. If more power is needed for the homeowner’s energy demands, the homeowner should consult a qualified electrician about updating the SEC and main panel.
6. Service Mast Condition – The service mast (shown below by the green arrow) is the conduit responsible for guiding the electrical wiring from overhead to the meter. It is meant to protect a very high voltage current, so it is obviously important that this device is not bent, warped or damaged.
   

   Image sourced from https://www.familyhandyman.com

7. Drip Loop – The drip loop (shown in the picture above by the blue arrow) is a crucial part of the SEC configuration. It is a loop, or dip, in the service line right before it enters the head of the service mast. This is meant to ensure that any moisture collecting on the line will not enter the service mast.
8. Meter – As the service line makes its way to the main panel, it will pass through the meter. Our inspectors check to make sure the meter is properly secured and in good condition.
9. Service Lateral Riser – When it comes to buried service lines, inspectors are unable to evaluate most of the line. However, they are able to look at the point where it comes up from the ground through the service lateral riser and into the meter. They will make sure there is no visible damage to the wiring and that all conduit is properly fitted with no gaps.
10. Conduit – Whether the line is running from the underground or from the roof, all wiring needs to be completely encased by conduit. Any openings or damaged areas must be repaired by an electrical specialist.
11. Grounding Rods – Inspectors will also take a look at the ground rods to make sure they are connected to the main panel and properly buried. Grounding rods ( shown below) are a crucial aspect of the residential electrical system, because they help to channel surplus surges of electrical current away from the home and into to the earth. 

Scott Home Services

Scott Home Services has been providing the Colorado Front Range with home inspection services for over 18 years. When inspecting your home, we provide you with a professional and comprehensive evaluation of the entire home (including its electrical components).

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It is our goal to help Colorado Families live in safe, healthy, and comfortable homes. We also strive to educate and inform with our series of blogs, like this one. If you have any home-related questions, feel free to reach out to us through our Ask Your Inspector program!

If you are in need any home inspection services, we would appreciate it if you considered Scott Home Services! Visit us online for more information, or contact us to book your home inspection today!