How is "electrical service" defined in NEC guidelines?

The definition of "electrical service" in the NEC guidelines specifically refers to the conductors and equipment required for delivering electric energy from the supplier to the premises wiring system. This encompasses everything from the point where electricity enters a structure to the distribution of that energy throughout the building. Such infrastructure includes the service drop or lateral, service entrance conductors, and any service equipment like transformers and meters that facilitate the transition of electricity from the utility provider directly into the facility’s internal wiring setup.

In contrast, the main distribution board is merely the central hub within a facility that organizes the distribution of electricity but does not encompass all the earlier components involved in delivering power. Similarly, the type of service provided to residences does not capture the broader context of electrical service as defined by the NEC, which includes both residential and commercial installations. Lastly, the installation of solar energy systems pertains to renewable energy solutions and is a separate topic that does not define electrical service within the context of NEC guidelines.