What is a "multi-service" installation?

A "multi-service" installation refers to a service configuration that features multiple service entrances supplying power to a single building. This setup allows for increased flexibility in electrical distribution and can provide redundancy, which is especially important for large facilities or critical operations that cannot afford downtime due to utility failure or other issues. By incorporating multiple service entrances, a multi-service installation can handle larger loads and ensure that the building remains powered even if one service entrance experiences a fault or is undergoing maintenance.

This approach is in line with NEC regulations that aim to enhance safety and reliability in electrical service provision. In larger complexes, having multiple service entrances can also facilitate better load management and distribution, making the system more efficient.

In contrast, other choices describe different configurations that do not fit the definition of "multi-service." For instance, a single service entrance supplying multiple buildings does not involve multiple entrances at one location. Similarly, multiple buildings sharing one service transformer applies to a shared resource across different structures, while a backup system for service disruptions pertains more to contingency planning than the actual configuration of service entrances. Each of these scenarios serves different logistical and electrical distribution needs.