Who owns the electrical service entrance?

Ownership of service entrance equipment depends on the utility's rules and the equipment's location. Your utility can explain which parts belong to the property owner.

What can change the price of service entrance work?

The price of service entrance work depends on the equipment and the route for the conductors. Ask for a quote that identifies the planned work.

Can a service entrance show signs of damage?

Yes, a service entrance can show damage such as rust on equipment or a loose mast. An electrician can inspect the affected equipment and explain the repair options.

Glossary

What Is an Electrical Service Entrance?

An electrical service entrance is the assembly that brings utility power into a building and connects it to the building's electrical system. It includes service conductors and associated equipment, such as a meter socket and main disconnect. Its exact layout depends on how utility power reaches the property.

Quick Facts About Electrical Service Entrance

Category: Utility connection equipment
Used for: Supplying building power
Common confusion: The meter alone
Also called: Service Entrance
Often discussed with: Electrical Service Upgrade, Electrical Panel Upgrade

Key Takeaways About Electrical Service Entrance

Service entrances can receive power overhead or underground.
An upgrade may involve equipment beyond the electrical panel.
The meter and service entrance aren't the same thing.

How Electrical Service Entrance Works

Hands use two screwdrivers to open a gray electrical box mounted on a brick wall

The electrical service entrance carries power from the utility connection toward your building's electrical equipment. The route may run overhead through a service mast or underground through conduit. A mast is a pipe that supports overhead service wires, while conduit protects wires along their route.

Related glossary terms: Electrical Panel, Electrical Load, Load Calculation.

Power passes through a meter, which records your electricity use. A main disconnect provides a way to shut off power to the building's electrical system. Its location depends on the service layout.

From the service equipment, power travels to the electrical panel. Breakers in the panel direct power to circuits that serve outlets, lights and appliances. The panel distributes power within the building, while the entrance connects that system to the utility supply.

A person wires an open electrical service entrance box mounted on a brick wall outdoors

From the GMB Electric team

When we plan an electrical service upgrade, we look at the service entrance along with the panel. We check the existing conductor route and the space for equipment. We also coordinate the planned connection with the utility.

Electrical Service Entrance in Practice: A Real-World Example

A homeowner wants an electrical service upgrade for a new electric range. The job may involve replacing entrance conductors and the meter socket as well as upgrading the panel.