Because water runs down hill, it is important that the electrical service wire from the street have a loop in it just before it attaches to the home or electrical service mast. This loop, commonly called a “drip loop” provides a place for water to drip off when water runs down the wire. Without a proper drip loop water can find its way into the mast, where it can then find its way into the meter base below or perhaps into the electrical service panel itself. Water can cause corrosion of metal components within the electrical system.
As you can see in the previous picture, the service cable restraint bracket (in the red circle) has become detached from the mast. The service wire is stretched so tight that there is no longer any drip loop present. Water can easily follow the wire into the mast.
This is a very simple fix for the electrical contractor but must be done to prevent water damage to the electrical system that might cost hundreds of dollars to fix.
By Charles Buell, Real Estate Inspections in Seattle
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