Leaning or loose service mast (mât électrique): what it is, how serious, what it costs

The service mast, « mât électrique » in a French report, is the metal pipe on the outside wall or through the roof where the wires from the pole arrive. It carries them to the meter, then to the house’s electrical panel. Together with the meter and its base, it makes up what reports call the “service entrance”.

The wires pull on the mast, especially in winter with ice and wind. That is why it is held by brackets fastened firmly to the wall. Reports say “leaning mast”, “missing brackets”, “rusted mast” or “no sealant around the mast”.

It depends on what is noted. Missing sealant around the mast or its screws is maintenance: water can get into the wall, with no immediate danger. A mast that leans, is bent or poorly fastened is more serious: it can eventually give way and bring down live wires.

That is why it shows up in all three lists: “Can wait” for sealant, “To check” when the inspector could not see the service entrance, “Fix first” when the mast leans or brackets are missing.

Resealing around the mast and the meter: $150 to $350. Repairing how the mast is fastened: $200 to $500. Replacing the whole mast: $1,200 to $2,500. Trimming a tree whose branches touch the wires or the mast: $350 to $900; near the wires, it is never a job to do yourself.

In Quebec, work on the mast is done by a master electrician, who arranges with Hydro-Québec when the power has to be cut.

These are ballpark figures for Quebec, to be confirmed with quotes.

1. Is the mast leaning, and do all the brackets seem to be in place?
2. Did you see rust, or an unsealed opening around the mast and the meter?
3. Do branches touch the wires between the pole and the house?

Does your report mention the service mast? Upload it: in five minutes, I tell you what comes first, what to have checked and what to ask the seller.

Generally, the wires from the pole and the meter belong to Hydro-Québec. The mast, the meter base and the rest of the installation up to the panel belong to the owner, who pays for repairs. Your electrician can confirm it for your house.

No. The wires in the mast are always live: they come in ahead of the house’s main breaker, which does not cut them. It is a job for a master electrician.