Overhead service entrance cables should be equipped with what component?

The correct choice for the component that should be equipped with overhead service entrance cables is the service head. A service head is a critical component of an overhead service entrance installation as it prevents water from entering the service entrance cable and helps to protect the electrical system from moisture-related damage. It is typically installed at the top of the service mast, where the overhead conductors connect to the service drop.

The service head also provides a point for the transition of the overhead conductors to the service entrance cable while providing a physically secure and weatherproof connection. This is especially important for the integrity and longevity of the electrical service system, ensuring that it operates safely and efficiently.

While the other choices may play roles in the overhead service entrance system, they do not provide the same specific water-resistant functionality that a service head does. For example, a service mast supports the overhead service but does not prevent water ingress. Drop wires are the cables that connect from the utility pole to the service head but do not themselves serve the protective function required. A utility pole is the structure that supports the overhead conductors and provides a point of attachment for them, but it is not part of the service entrance assembly itself.