Wiktor Wise
The term service in the context of electricity refers to the provision and delivery of electric power and energy for various purposes, including lighting, heating, and other applications. It involves the transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity to consumers, along with associated services such as billing, metering, and financial arrangements. Service equipment, as defined by electrical professionals, includes circuit breakers and fused switches that can disconnect ungrounded conductors from service entrance conductors. The definition of service also encompasses the conductors and equipment responsible for delivering electric energy from the utility provider to the wiring system of the premises being served.
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Service wiring
The wiring from an optional standby generator, a solar photovoltaic system, a wind generator, or a serving utility is all considered service wiring. Service wiring is subject to safety standards for design and installation, with allowable wire and cable types and sizes specified according to the circuit operating voltage and electric current capabilities. The environment in which the wires are installed, such as ambient temperature range, moisture levels, and exposure to sunlight and chemicals, also determines the type and size of wire used.
There are two main types of service entrance cables: SER and SEU. SER cables have a Style R reinforcement tape and are used to deliver power from the service drop-down to the meter base and then to the distribution panel. SEU cables, on the other hand, are unarmoured and frequently used as panel feeders in branch circuit applications. The choice between SER and SEU cables depends on the specific electrical project and its priorities.
In North America, the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard is used for wire sizes, while the international standard is the IEC 60228 standard set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Modern non-metallic sheathed cables consist of two to four wires covered in thermoplastic insulation, a wire for protective earthing/grounding, and a flexible plastic jacket. The protective earth (PE) conductor must be insulated to the same standard as the current-carrying conductors, with green/yellow insulation.
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Service equipment
In industrial facilities, service equipment is used to manage high electrical loads with specialised panels and switchgear. The main electrical panel is the central distribution point for electrical circuits in a building. Circuit breakers interrupt the flow of electricity in a circuit when an overload or short circuit occurs. Switchgear is a combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, or circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment.
Understanding where the service begins and ends is critical in the proper application of many Code rules, particularly those for grounding, bonding, and disconnecting means. Service-entrance conductors can enter an installation from overhead (service drop) or underground (service lateral).
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Service point
The service point is designated by the utility company and can vary depending on factors such as whether the electrical service is overhead or underground, the amperage of the electrical service, and the locations of the utility and customer equipment. In most cases, the service point is the electric meter, which is owned by the power company, while the meter enclosure belongs to the homeowner.
The service point is also significant in determining the responsibilities of the utility provider, installer, and customer in the event of issues with the electrical service. For example, if there is damage to customer-owned equipment, as shown in one scenario, the utility workers will notify the customer that they need to contact a licensed electrical contractor for repairs.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines for service points and related components. For instance, the NEC specifies that service equipment may consist of circuit breakers or fused switches that disconnect ungrounded conductors from service-entrance conductors. It also defines the service drop as the overhead conductors between the utility electric supply system and the service point.
Overall, the service point is a critical concept in electricity provision, delineating the responsibilities of the utility company and the customer and ensuring the safe and effective delivery of electrical power.
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Service entrance
In the context of electricity, a service refers to the "conductors and equipment for delivering electric energy from the serving utility to the wiring system of the premises served". Service entrance, therefore, refers to the point where the electrical service enters a building or structure. This typically includes service entrance conductors, grounding and bonding, and overcurrent protection.
Service equipment may include circuit breakers or fused switches that serve as a means to disconnect the ungrounded conductors from the service entrance conductors. This disconnection is essential for safety and maintenance purposes. It is worth noting that individual meter socket enclosures are not considered service equipment, according to relevant electrical standards.
The service entrance is also where the utility company's responsibility typically ends, and the customer's responsibility for the premises wiring begins. This point is known as the service point and is designated by the utility company and relevant authorities. The service point is crucial in determining the jurisdiction of electrical safety codes, such as the NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) and the NEC.
In summary, the service entrance plays a critical role in delivering electricity to a building or structure. It involves the safe and proper installation of conductors, grounding, bonding, and protection devices. Adhering to electrical standards and regulations at the service entrance is essential to ensure the reliable and safe delivery of electrical power to the premises.
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Service disconnect
The rules of installation are different for service conductors and feeder conductors. A service-rated disconnect has a neutral terminal and a means to bond the neutral to the Grounding Electrode Conductor inside the disconnect. Once that bond is made, the Grounded Conductor and the Equipment Grounding Conductor must be kept separate from that point on, requiring a 4-wire feeder.
In 2020, the NEC (National Electrical Code) removed the permission to install six switches or sets of circuit breakers acting as a service disconnect in a single enclosure. This was due to safety concerns, as it was impossible to comply with NFPA 70E Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Now, up to six switches or circuit breakers can be used as one service disconnect, but they must be installed within individual enclosures.
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Frequently asked questions
Service in electricity refers to the furnishing of electric power and energy for lighting, heating, power, or any other purpose for which electric power and energy can be used.
Service equipment may consist of circuit breakers or fused switches that can disconnect all ungrounded conductors in a building from the service entrance conductors.
Service refers to the conductors and equipment that deliver electric energy from the serving utility to the wiring system of the premises served. Wiring refers to the electrical installation within the premises that receives the electric service.
Electrical services include transmitting or distributing electricity over lines, wires, or cables. It also includes electric lights, current, or power.
