Written by

Tara Farmer

April 5, 2023

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Electrical mast replacement cost

Electrical mast replacement costs $500 to $1,700 on average. Electrical service masts or risers cost $10 to $30+ per linear foot for materials alone. The cost to replace an overhead electrical service mast on a house depends on the riser length, location, accessibility, and wiring requirements.

Cost to replace electrical mast per linear foot

The cost to replace an electrical mast is $10 to $30+ per linear foot for the mast alone. Total installation costs depend on the mast length and accessibility.

Homes with 200-amp service typically require a 2-inch-wide service mast. Electricians install a 4-inch-wide mast for larger homes with 400-amp service.

• Most electrical service masts are rigid metal conduit or an equivalent strength material for code compliance.

• Electrical masts extending through the roof require at least 18" between the roof top and the utility line drip loop—the dip the power line takes before entering the weatherhead. The drip loop allows water to run off the power lines before they enter the weatherhead.

Cost factors to replace an electrical meter riser and weatherhead

Several factors affect the cost to replace an electrical mast and weatherhead, including:

• Labor rates – Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour, depending on the location and the electrician's experience.

• Materials – Replacing an electrical meter riser and weatherhead often involves additional hardware like clamps, connectors, fittings, and a brace kit or guy wire to secure the riser to the roof.

  • A bracing kit adds $40 to $50+.

  • Replacing the boot flashing adds $10 to $60.

• Location & height –The mast height depends on the service type and the home's size. The riser conduit and weatherhead may attach to the home's siding on multiple story homes, while risers on one story homes often extend up the siding through the roof, increasing material and labor costs.

• Permits – Most jurisdictions require a permit to replace an electrical meter riser. Electricians typically add the permit and inspection fees to the estimate.

  • Electrical permits cost $50 to $350, depending on the location.

  • A whole-house electrical inspection costs $100 to $200.

Weatherhead replacement cost

Weatherhead replacement costs $200 to $600+. The part alone costs $10 to $20 on average but can cost $100+, depending on the brand and material. The weatherhead is a rounded plastic or metal cap that prevents water from running down the utility lines into the meter socket.

Replacing the weatherhead requires the power company or an authorized electrician to cut the power lines at the service drop and reconnect after installation.

Cost to replace wires and cables to the service drop

The cost to replace wires and cables to the service drop is $500 to $4,500, depending on the length and accessibility. Replacing underground cables typically costs more than overhead lines due to the added excavation time and equipment required.

For new construction, the cost to run power is $5 to $15 per linear foot for overhead service or $10 to $25 per linear foot for buried lines.

Meter box replacement

Electrical meter box replacement costs $500 to $2,100, depending on the meter size and the job complexity. The meter box—also called the meter can, meter socket, or meter base—houses the electrical meter the power company uses to measure the home's power consumption.

Electrical service mast requirements

Electrical service mast requirements vary by location, but most jurisdictions follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements at a minimum. The following are common requirements:

• The service mast conduit should be at least 2" wide.

• The mast should connect no wiring except the utility service drop wires.

• The service mast should extend 18" to 36" from the roof and contain roof flashing to prevent water intrusion.

• The mast must be strong enough to handle overhead strain or be supported by braces or guy wires.

What is an electrical riser or service mast?

An electrical riser, or service mast, is the vertical housing—typically a 2" or 4" rigid metal conduit—containing the three wires connecting the utility power lines to the home. The service mast protects the wires and ensures sufficient clearance from buildings and walkways.

"Electrical riser" also refers to the housing carrying electricity to upper floors in a building.

Who is responsible for the service drop?

The utility company is responsible for the service drop—the live wires running from the utility pole to the house—and the electrical meter.

The homeowner is typically responsible for the weatherhead where the lines connect to the home and all components after the weatherhead except for the meter.

Getting estimates from electrical mast and riser installers

Before hiring an electrician service near you to replace your electrical mast, be sure to:

• Get two to three in-person estimates to compare.

• Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Search for a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been established 5+ years.

• Avoid hiring the company with the lowest quote as quality may suffer.

• Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the work begins.

• Never pay in full before the project is complete and passes electrical inspection when required.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been in business?

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Can you provide local references with contact information?

• What experience do you have installing electrical meter risers?

• Do you handle the permits and inspection process?

• Can you provide a breakdown of everything included in the estimate?

• What additional costs might come up during installation?

• How long will the installation take?

• Do you offer a warranty? If so, what does it cover?