Cost factors to replace an electrical meter riser and weatherhead
Several factors affect the cost to replace an electrical mast and weatherhead, including:
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Labor rates – Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour, depending on the location and the electrician's experience.
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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.
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A bracing kit adds $40 to $50+.
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Replacing the boot flashing adds $10 to $60.
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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.
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Permits – Most jurisdictions require a permit to replace an electrical meter riser. Electricians typically add the permit and inspection fees to the estimate.
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Electrical permits cost $250 to $350, depending on the location.
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A whole-house electrical inspection costs $100 to $200.
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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.
Check with the local utility company before hiring an electrician to replace the service entrance cable. In some areas, the power company handles everything from the utility pole to the meter socket.
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:
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The service mast conduit should be at least 2" wide.
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The mast should connect no wiring except the utility service drop wires.
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The service mast should extend 18" to 36" from the roof and contain roof flashing to prevent water intrusion.
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The mast must be strong enough to handle overhead strain or be supported by braces or guy wires.
Contact your local electric company or a local electrical inspector to confirm your home's service mast requirements.
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.
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