Which statement correctly describes support for a service mast used to support service drops?

Which statement correctly describes support for a service mast used to support service drops?

• A. Must be reinforced with a steel post
• B. Must be anchored with guy wires
• C. Must be supported by braces or guy wires
• D. Must be sealed to resist weather

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a service mast must be stabilized to handle the loads from the service drop (weight, wind, and ice) so it stays upright and keeps the conductors properly supported. Braces or guy wires provide a stable, triangulated support: braces transfer loads into the building framing, while guy wires resist horizontal forces that could push the mast outward or cause sway. This keeps the mast from bending or pulling away at the attachment point. The other ideas aren’t the primary way to ensure that stability. A steel post could be used in some setups, but for a mast that attaches to a building, the typical and appropriate method is braces or guy wires to secure it. Sealing to resist weather relates to weatherproofing, not the structural support needed to withstand service-drop loads.

The main idea is that a service mast must be stabilized to handle the loads from the service drop (weight, wind, and ice) so it stays upright and keeps the conductors properly supported. Braces or guy wires provide a stable, triangulated support: braces transfer loads into the building framing, while guy wires resist horizontal forces that could push the mast outward or cause sway. This keeps the mast from bending or pulling away at the attachment point.

The other ideas aren’t the primary way to ensure that stability. A steel post could be used in some setups, but for a mast that attaches to a building, the typical and appropriate method is braces or guy wires to secure it. Sealing to resist weather relates to weatherproofing, not the structural support needed to withstand service-drop loads.