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Topic: 400 amp service

User: wyboy, Location: Tennessee

Asked on: Monday, January 27, 2025 at 6:25 pm EST
Answered on: Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7:52 am EST

Question: I am in a new jurisdiction and the utility brings power to the property line. The house is a couple hundred feet away. The utility sets a meter and breaker at the property line and that is the service point. My question is this: Are the conductors I pull to the house service conductors or feeders? It would seem to me they would be feeders, but others say they are service conductors since the NEC covers service disconnects and the utility’s meter and breaker is under the jurisdiction of the utility. I know this is not an uncommon install, but I have not done it before.

You're right, those conductors are feeders. Here's the breakdown and why: Service Conductors

Service conductors are defined in the NEC (National Electrical Code) as the conductors from the
service point to the service disconnecting means. The service point is typically defined as the connection of the serving agency.

Feeders

Feeders are all circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of a separately derived system, or other power supply source and the final branch-circuit overcurrent device.

In your situation


Service Point

The utility's meter and breaker at the property line is the service point. This is where the utility's responsibility ends.2.

Service Disconnecting Means

In this case, the service disconnecting means is the utility's breaker at the property line.3.

Conductors to the House

Because the utility's breaker at the property line serves as the disconnecting means, the conductors after that point, running to your house, are feeders. You will need a main disconnect in the house as well.

Why this matters



Wiring Methods

Feeders and service conductors can have different requirements for wiring methods, grounding, and overcurrent protection. Service conductors are often required to be more robust.


Overcurrent Protection

You'll need to size the feeders to handle the load of the house and provide overcurrent protection (a breaker or fuses) where the feeders originate (i.e. at the utility's breaker at the property line, but that's likely already set by the utility). You'll also need a main breaker at the house as well.

Grounding

Proper grounding is critical. You'll need to establish a grounding electrode system (ground rods, etc.) at the house. You bond this grounding electrode to the neutral conductor at the house's main panel. You will need to verify if the utility's side has a ground to neutral bond. If the utility side has a ground to neutral bond, you will need to isolate the neutral at the house (make sure the ground and neutral bars are isolated) and run a ground wire with the feeders to the house. If the utility side does not have a ground to neutral bond, you can bond it at the house.

The NEC Covers Service Disconnects, but...


You're right that the NEC covers service disconnects. However, the fact that the utility is providing a breaker (the service disconnect)
at the service point is what changes the classification of the conductors from the property line to the house. If there were no disconnect at the property line, those conductors would be service conductors.

Important Considerations and Recommendations



Local Codes and Utility Requirements

This is paramount. Always check with your local electrical inspector and the utility company. They may have specific requirements that go beyond the NEC. They will also be the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Permitting and Inspection

Get the appropriate permits for this work and have it inspected. Electrical work like this must be done to code.


Professional Consultation

If you are not fully confident in your understanding and ability to comply with all applicable codes and requirements, consult with a licensed electrician. This will ensure a safe and compliant installation.

Voltage Drop

With a 200-foot run, voltage drop calculations are crucial. Undersized conductors can lead to significant voltage drop, affecting the performance of appliances and equipment.


Conductor Size

Remember to size the conductors based on the load, ambient temperature, and derating factors. Consider aluminum conductors (they can be a cost effective choice for feeders).

Grounding and Bonding:
Ensure a proper grounding and bonding system at the house, per the NEC.In summary, while the utility's breaker is part of the "service" as a whole, it's the location of that breaker at the service point* that makes the conductors to your house feeders. Always prioritize safety, code compliance, and consult with qualified professionals when needed. Flag for review

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