Service component

Service mast

What the service mast does and how it can affect a residential service upgrade.

Verified official sourcesLast checked August 31, 2026

Short answer

The service mast supports and routes an overhead electrical service at the building. In an upgrade, height, attachment, clearances and condition can bring utility and permit requirements into the project.

Key takeaways

01The service is a connected path, not one box.

02Ownership boundaries vary by utility and jurisdiction.

03A quote should identify whether this component is inspected, reused, modified or replaced.

Role in the service path

This component supports and routes an overhead electrical service at the building. Its condition and rating need to be understood in relation to upstream and downstream equipment.

Upgrade impact

height, attachment, clearances and condition can bring utility and permit requirements into the project. The contractor and utility determine the applicable responsibilities.

Quote question

Ask the contractor to state whether the service mast is included, excluded, subject to utility review or expected to remain.

Decision table

What the evidence changes

Primary role: supports and routes an overhead electrical service at the building
Upgrade question: height, attachment, clearances and condition can bring utility and permit requirements into the project
Responsibility: Confirm for the serving utility and jurisdiction

Typical project sequence

From question to documented work

01Identify
02Assess rating and condition
03Confirm ownership
04Define scope
05Inspect and document

Sequence and responsibilities vary by jurisdiction, utility and scope.

Evidence

Sources and verification

Published by the 200AmpPanel.ca Research Team, a HAUSE specialist property. Updated 2026-08-31.

Editorial evidence policyHow 200AmpPanel.ca researches electrical informationLocal claims are added only when official jurisdictional evidence exists.

Questions

Frequently asked

Who owns the service mast?

Ownership and maintenance boundaries differ. Confirm with the contractor and serving utility for the address.

What should I do next?

Use the Capacity Check to organize what you know, then have a qualified electrical contractor complete the assessment required for the property and jurisdiction.

HAUSE Capacity Check

Start with what your home needs to support.

Get a transparent electrical-capacity pre-check before deciding whether to retain, manage or upgrade the service.

Check my capacity Request professional assessment