10 The Service Entrance
Objectives List the components of the service entrance. List service drop clearances specified in the NEC. List eight basic guidelines when locating a residential service entrance. Calculate the size of service entrance needed based on the power needs of the dwelling. Select proper conductors and components for the service entrance.
Objectives (cont.) Size and install conductors between the meter socket, main disconnect, and service panel. Provide proper grounding for a service entrance. Explain the purpose of a step-down transformer and indicate where it is used.
Service Entrance All conductors, devices, and fittings that carry electricity from power company’s transformer to the consumer Service entrance components: Service entrance conductors Meter socket, pan, or enclosure Service entrance panel Grounding system Fittings, fasteners, and hardware
Service Entrance Location Service drop—Overhead service entrance conductors (OSHA)
Service Entrance Location (cont.) Service lateral—Buried service entrance conductors (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Selecting Service Entrance Location Underground service conductors installed in a straight line Service conductors should be kept as short as practical to minimize voltage drop Service conductors must enter building as near as possible to the service panel Service disconnect must be at or near point of entry
Selecting Service Entrance Location (cont.) Service panel must be located in a central and accessible area Service equipment must be protected from physical damage, water, and dust Service equipment cannot be placed in bathrooms, storerooms, closets, or damp basements
Number of Services Generally, a structure can have only one service Some exceptions: To supply fire pump or emergency system To supply a large load demand Large structures Service from a generator or solar photovoltaic source Multiple voltage/phase requirements
Service Disconnects For multiple-occupancy buildings, a maximum of six disconnects can be connected to a single service drop or lateral (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Sizing Service Entrance Conductors Copyright © 2013 NFPA
Service Drop Service drop mast Insulator Service head Drip loop Meter socket Meter (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Temporary Wiring Provides electrical power during construction (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Temporary Wiring (cont.) Installation requirements: Locate in a safe place Keep conductors overhead if possible All receptacles require GFCI protection Protect wiring from physical damage Lamps require protective covers Weatherproof housings required when exposed to weather Inspect frequently
Service Disconnect Service equipment must include a disconnect that disconnects service from building’s wiring system Common types: Main disconnect switch Main circuit breaker in service panel
Service Grounding Grounded (neutral) service conductor connected to neutral bus bar in service panel Neutral bus bar is connected to grounding bus bar Grounding bus bar is connected to grounding electrode
Grounding Electrode Conductor Connects grounding bus bar in service panel to grounding electrode (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Above-Roof Clearances (OSHA)
Above-Grade Clearances (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Building Opening Clearances (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Transformers Convert voltage and current Primary winding Secondary winding (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Transformer Equations
Transformer Example Primary: 12 V, 20 A Secondary: 120 V Find secondary current
Transformer Types Step-up transformer—Voltage increases from primary to secondary Step-down transformer—Voltage decreases from primary to secondary
Phases Single-phase Two-phase Three-phase (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Single-Phase, Three-Wire System (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Three-Phase, Four-Wire Wye System (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)
Three-Phase, Four-Wire Delta System (Goodheart-Willcox Publisher)