SEU
Service Entrance cable (Type SE, Style U) (Unarmored).
http://www.southwire.com/ordering/glossary.htmThe SEU in the olden days was similar to the old NM, just a little more tar in the paper/fiber wrapping and a thicker coat of the silver stuff.
It was the regular thing for services from the point where the drop connected to the gable end down to the meter, then on into the house. I didn't see many masts or any kind of protection on the cable in Md. Houses are generally 2 story there so the service point was up far enough without a mast.
In Florida the typical house is 1 story, slab on grade so they need a mast.
