What is required for the support of service conductors as per the NEC Article 230?

The requirement for the support of service conductors as outlined in NEC Article 230 emphasizes that service conductors must be properly supported to ensure safety and functionality. Proper support is necessary to maintain the integrity of the conductors, prevent damage, and ensure that they are positioned correctly to avoid hazards. This includes considerations for tension, weight, environmental factors such as wind and ice, and the potential for physical impact.

Proper support helps prevent sagging and excessive strain on the conductors and their connections. The NEC specifies clear rules for how and where service conductors must be supported to guarantee both their longevity and the safety of the electrical system they serve.

In contrast, suggesting that conductors may be suspended without support, or that support is only required in certain conditions, undermines the critical safety measures that the NEC is designed to enforce. Additionally, implying that support is optional based on local codes does not align with the NEC's standardization intentions, which aim to promote safety across various jurisdictions. Therefore, the emphasis on proper support as a necessity highlights its importance in electrical installations.