Which term best describes conductors that run from the main service to a distribution point or subpanel?

Which term best describes conductors that run from the main service to a distribution point or subpanel?

• A. Feeder
• B. Branch circuit
• C. Tap
• D. Service conductors

Answer: (A)

Feeder conductors describe the wires that carry power from the service equipment to a distribution point or subpanel. They start at the main service panel (or disconnect) and run to another panel or distribution point, delivering power further into the system. They’re sized for the expected load and protected by an overcurrent device at the source panel, making them different from the incoming service conductors (which bring utility power to the building) and from branch circuits (which run from a panel to individual loads). Taps are short, special connections to a conductor, not the main path between panels. For example, the cables from the main panel to a subpanel in a shop are feeders.

Feeder conductors describe the wires that carry power from the service equipment to a distribution point or subpanel. They start at the main service panel (or disconnect) and run to another panel or distribution point, delivering power further into the system. They’re sized for the expected load and protected by an overcurrent device at the source panel, making them different from the incoming service conductors (which bring utility power to the building) and from branch circuits (which run from a panel to individual loads). Taps are short, special connections to a conductor, not the main path between panels. For example, the cables from the main panel to a subpanel in a shop are feeders.