Which of the following best describes a feeder in an electrical system?

• A. The main disconnect switch.
• B. A device for overcurrent protection.
• C. Conductors and equipment that distribute power from the service to subpanels or distribution points.
• D. A grounding electrode conductor.

Answer: (C)

A feeder is the run of conductors and equipment that carries power from the service equipment to distribution points, such as subpanels. It’s the pathway that distributes power onward to other panels or locations in the building, not just a single switch or device. This makes it different from a main disconnect (which is just the shutoff switch for the service) and from a simple overcurrent protection device (which protects a circuit). It’s also distinct from a grounding electrode conductor, which provides the grounding path to earth. In everyday terms, feeders move power from the main panel to the panels that actually feed the outlets and other circuits.