Weatherhead

A weatherhead, also called a weathercap, service head, service entrance cap, or gooseneck (slang) is a weatherproof service drop entry point where overhead power or telephone wires enter a building, or where wires transition between overhead and underground cables. At a building the wires enter a conduit, a protective metal pipe, and the weatherhead is a waterproof cap on the end of the conduit that allows the wires to enter without letting in water. It is shaped like a hood, with the surface where the wires enter facing down at an angle of at least 45°, to shield it from precipitation. A rubberized gasket makes for a tight seal against the wires. Before they enter the weatherhead, a drip loop is left in the overhead wires, which permits rain water that collects on the wires to drip off before reaching the weatherhead.

For people with this surname, see Weatherhead (surname).
For other uses, see Weatherhead (disambiguation).
A weatherhead on a residence in Mount Vernon, Washington, US

A weatherhead termination is only used at low voltages (up to 600 volts), since higher distribution voltages require more insulation between conductors and metal enclosures. Higher-voltage connections are made through a pothead.[1]

Weatherheads are required by electrical codes or building codes. They are also used on utility poles where overhead power lines enter a conduit to pass underground.

References
  1. Anthony J. Pansini. Guide to Electrical Power Distribution Systems, The Fairmont Press, 2005. ISBN 088173506X. page 138.


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