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Storm Damage to Electrical Masts

An undamaged, well-maintained electrical mast securely connected to a home.

How to protect you, your home, and your electrical system before and after a storm

What is an electrical mast?

Your electrical mast — that pipe running up from your meter to where the utility lines connect — plays a critical role in getting power to your home. If it’s damaged, you could be facing serious safety risks.

A damaged electrical mast leaning or broken after a storm, with visible wiring and structural impact.
Storms can hit hard—make sure your home’s power connection is safe and secure.

Here are some things to consider before and after a storm.

What are steps you can take to protect your electrical mast before a wind storm?

  1. Inspect the mast regularly. Check for signs of wear, rust, or loose components.
  2. Trim surrounding trees. Overhanging branches can fall on the mast, causing damage.
  3. Secure the mast. Ensure the mast is firmly anchored to your house. If it appears weak or unstable, consider having it reinforced.
  4. Hire a professional. Have an electrician inspect the mast before the storm season to ensure it’s in good condition.

So the storm has passed. What should you Check if You Think Your Electrical Mast or Wiring is Damaged?

1. Start with a Visual Inspection (But Only if It’s Safe!)

Before anything else — if there are downed power lines nearby, stay back and call WE Energies–800-662-4797–right away. Safety first!

Here’s what you can check from a distance:

  • The mast itself- See if it’s cracked, bent, leaning, or if any pieces are broken.
  • The wires- Look for any frayed, snapped, or exposed wires where they connect to the mast or the service panel.
  • Connections- Are the wires still properly attached to the mast, or do they look loose or pulled?
  • The electric meter- Any rust, melting, or discoloration on the meter is a red flag.
  • Fallen power lines- If any lines are down or resting on your house or mast — do not go near them!

2. Watch for Electrical Issues Inside the House

If your mast or wiring took a hit, you might notice some strange things happening inside.

  • Flickering or dimming lights? Could mean loose connections or damaged wiring.
  • Circuit breakers tripping? If you keep running to the panel to reset breakers, something’s not right — could be an overloaded circuit or a deeper problem.
  • Burning smells? If you catch a whiff of something burning near outlets or switches, call us immediately. That’s serious.
  • Sparks? Whether it’s from an outlet, switch, or appliance — don’t ignore it. Sparks are never normal.
  • Hot or discolored outlets/switches? If they’re warm to the touch or look burned, that’s a sign of trouble.
  • Buzzing noises? Hear buzzing from your panel or outlets? Could be a loose connection or faulty wiring.
  • Electric shocks? Even small zaps when touching appliances or switches mean something isn’t right — you could have a grounding issue.

3. What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Do Next

  • Don’t try to fix it yourself! We know DIY is big around here, but electrical work is dangerous — leave it to a pro.
  • Call WE Energies — 800-662-4797–if you see downed lines or suspect an issue on their end.
  • Call Current Electric (that’s us!) for any mast or home wiring concerns — we’ll come out, assess the situation, and get you powered up safely.
  • Stay safe and keep your distance from anything that looks damaged until we or the utility crew give the all-clear.

If you’re in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, or anywhere in Southeastern Wisconsin, and think your electrical system might’ve taken a hit — give Current Electric a call. We’ve been keeping the lights on (and folks safe) around here for years.

Stay safe and stay powered! ⚡💡