How does Article 230 define "Service Entrance Conductors"?

Article 230 of the National Electrical Code provides a clear definition of "Service Entrance Conductors" as the conductors that extend from the service point to the service equipment. This definition encompasses the functional role of these conductors, which is to carry electricity from the point where the utility's service connects to a building (the service point) all the way to the service equipment, such as the main panel.

Understanding this definition is crucial for ensuring the proper installation and management of electrical systems. The service entrance conductors are a critical part of the electrical infrastructure, as they are responsible for delivering power to the entire electrical system within the building. This encompasses not just the physical path for electrical flow, but also implications for sizing and protection that must align with the requirements outlined in the NEC.

Additionally, it is important to recognize the distinct roles of conductors mentioned in other contexts, as some may refer to conductors between components of the system, like from the service panel to various loads or circuits within a building, or to emergency systems, which have separate definitions and regulatory requirements. This makes it clear why the focus is specifically on the relationship between the service point and the service equipment in defining service entrance conductors.