Where a service mast is used for the support of service-drop conductors, it shall be of adequate strength or be supported by ___.

• A. studs
• B. braces or guy wires
• C. rigid conduit
• D. R.C. beams

Answer: (B)

When a service mast is used to support service-drop conductors, it must be strong enough to carry the weight and resist wind and ice loads. If the mast isn’t inherently able to meet those forces, it needs stabilization by braces or guy wires. Braces provide diagonal support to resist bending, while guy wires anchor the mast to a solid point away from the building to prevent tipping or swaying. The other options don’t fit because studs are part of interior framing, rigid conduit is just a raceway for conductors, and reinforced concrete beams aren’t relevant to this type of mast installation.