In NEC terminology, what is a feeder?

• A. Conductors that carry power from the service equipment to distribution equipment or subpanels
• B. The service disconnect
• C. A circuit that extends from the final overcurrent device to outlets
• D. Grounding electrode conductor

Answer: (A)

In NEC terms, a feeder is the set of conductors that carry power from the service equipment to distribution equipment or to a subpanel, and can also run between distribution equipment. This distinguishes feeders from service conductors (the supply conductors coming from the utility to the service disconnect) and from branch circuits (conductors that run from a final overcurrent device to outlets or loads). The grounding electrode conductor is a separate grounding path and is not a feeder. Therefore, the description of conductors that carry power from the service equipment to distribution equipment or subpanels matches the NEC definition of a feeder.