Is it permissible for a one family dwelling to have one set of service entrance conductors for the main and accessory structures?

A one-family dwelling can indeed have one set of service entrance conductors serving both the main structure and any accessory structures, as long as certain conditions are met. This practice is allowable under the National Electrical Code, provided the installation adheres to specific NEC requirements.

Primarily, the service entrance conductors must be adequately sized to handle the total load of both the main dwelling and accessory structures. In many cases, accessory structures are considered part of the overall load calculation for service requirements. The structure must also be under a single ownership, with no separate billing for electricity, which is commonly the situation in one-family dwellings.

Additionally, the NEC places importance on maintaining safe and effective service configurations, ensuring that the electrical service remains reliable and meets safety regulations. For this reason, having a single set of service conductors can simplify system management, reduce costs, and consolidate the electrical infrastructure while still maintaining compliance with code requirements.