Hint: Poor choice for pole wiring
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The cables on this pole are Type NM cables. I was able to get right up close to the cables to confirm it. They are not UF cables.
Per Sec. 334.12(B)(4), NM cables are not permitted to be installed in any wet or damp locations such as on this outdoor pole. In addition, Sec. 300.6(C)(1) requires nonmetallic raceways, cables, boxes, cabinets and other nonmetallic equipment to be made of material listed as being sunlight resistant or identified as being sunlight resistant. The jacket on these NM cables is neither listed nor identified as being sunlight resistant. With prolonged exposure to sun, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, the jacket on these cables will fail. It will become brittle and cracked and will soon let moisture and water in, causing the insulation on the conductors to fail too. This will become a very serious problem when that happens.
Section 340.10(3) points out that UF cables would be allowed to be used in this wet location. Section 340.12(9) allows UF cables that are identified as being sunlight resistant to be used in this location exposed to direct sunlight. For some reason, this installer chose to use NM cables rather than a more appropriate wiring method such as UF or SE cables, which are also suitable for outdoor use.
