Service Equipment

Definition

Service equipment refers to the necessary equipment, usually consisting of a circuit breaker or switch and fuses and their accessories, located near the point of entrance of supply conductors to a building and intended to constitute the main control and cutoff means for the supply to the building.

Purpose

The purpose of service equipment is to safely receive, control, and distribute electrical power from the utility supply to the building's electrical system, providing protection and a means of disconnection.

Examples of Use

• In residential buildings, the main electrical panel serves as the service equipment, housing circuit breakers and fuses.
• Commercial buildings have service equipment that includes main disconnect switches, circuit breakers, and metering devices.
• Industrial facilities use service equipment to manage high electrical loads, with specialized panels and switchgear.

Related Terms

• Main Electrical Panel: The central distribution point for electrical circuits in a building.
• Circuit Breaker: A device that interrupts the flow of electricity in a circuit when an overload or short circuit occurs.
• Switchgear: A combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, or circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment.

Notes

Proper installation and maintenance of service equipment are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of a building's electrical system, complying with electrical codes and standards.