Which statement is true about the NEC definition of a service?

• A. It only includes service conductors inside the building
• B. It includes the conductors and equipment for delivering utility electrical energy to a building, including the service disconnect
• C. It refers solely to the service disconnect
• D. It excludes the service equipment

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the service encompasses the whole path that brings utility power to the building, from the utility’s connection to the premises wiring, and it includes the service equipment used to control and protect that power, such as the service disconnect. In other words, the NEC defines a service as the conductors and equipment for delivering electrical energy to the building, up to and including the service disconnect. This means it covers both the conductors (even those outside and at the point of connection) and the equipment that serves the building, not just the disconnect itself, and not only conductors inside the building.