Under NEC Article 230, what is a "Service Lateral"?

A "Service Lateral" refers specifically to underground conductors that connect the utility's distribution system to the service point of a building or structure. This can include the section of the electrical supply that runs from the street or utility pole directly to the premises, typically routed underground to provide reliable service and protect against environmental hazards.

Choosing this option is accurate as it aligns with the definition established in NEC Article 230, which distinguishes between overhead service connections and those that are underground. Service laterals are significant because they help ensure that electrical supply is reliable and less susceptible to damage from weather or other surface conditions, reinforcing the importance of proper installation and maintenance under the NEC standards.

The other choices do not accurately describe a Service Lateral. For instance, overhead conductors connecting to the service entrance pertain to a different aspect of service delivery and do not encompass the underground aspect. A form of overcurrent protection refers to devices that prevent too much current from flowing in a circuit, which is unrelated to the physical connections of service laterals. Equipment used at the service entrance refers to the components installed at the point where the electrical utility supply enters the building but does not specifically define the underground connections involved.