Terminology

• Service point: where utility conductors connect to premises wiring
• Service drop / service lateral: overhead or underground utility conductors
• Service-entrance conductors: conductors from the service point to the service disconnect
• Service disconnecting means: switch or breaker that opens all ungrounded service conductors
• Meter socket / meter base: enclosure for a self-contained meter on smaller services
• CT metering: current-transformer cabinet used for larger services
• Meter stack / meter center: grouped meters for multifamily and multi-tenant buildings
• Single-phase / three-phase: 120/240 V residential; 208Y/120 V or 480Y/277 V commercial
• Available fault current: utility short-circuit value that sets equipment ratings

Standards

Ratings

• Services sized by load calculation; common residential sizes 100, 200, and 400 A
• Equipment rated for service use and for the available fault current
• Utility service manuals set meter heights, clearances, and approved equipment

Test standards

• NFPA 70 (NEC): services, grounding, and load calculations
• UL 67 / UL 891: panelboards and switchboards used as service equipment
• Utility service and metering manuals: meter equipment and locations

Components

• Service conductors: overhead mast or underground conduit from the utility transformer
• Meter enclosure: socket or CT cabinet
• Service disconnect: main breaker, fused switch, or switchboard main
• Grounding electrode system: ground rods, building steel, concrete-encased electrode, water pipe
• Surge protective device: at service equipment where required

Detailing

• Request utility service early; utility lead times can control the schedule
• Locate meters and disconnects where accessible to the utility and fire department
• Provide clear working space in front of service equipment
• Coordinate pad-mounted utility transformer location, clearances, and truck access
• Plan for future EV, PV, and electrification loads when sizing the service

Uses

Specific uses

• Single-family and multifamily housing
• Retail and office tenant buildings
• Mixed-use buildings with multiple meters
• Campus and industrial services at medium voltage
• Buildings with PV and storage interconnection

Pros and cons

Pros

• Single point of utility connection and shutoff
• Revenue metering per tenant with meter stacks
• Larger services support electrification and EV charging

Cons

• Utility requirements vary and can delay projects
• Upsizing later is costly
• Exterior meter banks need wall space and screening

Manufacturing and cost

Construction

• Utility installs transformer and service lateral or drop; electrician installs meter base, conduit, service conductors, disconnect, and grounding
• Inspection and utility release required before energizing

Main manufacturers and suppliers

• Milbank (meter sockets)
• Schneider Electric (Square D)
• Siemens
• Landis+Gyr (meters)
• Itron (meters)

Trade associations: NFPA and NECA.

Sources

• IAEI Magazine: NEC 2026 significant code changes, https://iaeimagazine.org/standards/nec-2026-significant-code-changes/
• Interstates: NEC 2026 changes, key updates to know, https://www.interstates.com/resources/blog/nec-2026-changes-key-updates-to-know
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Division 26 master specification index (service equipment), https://www.gov.nl.ca/ti/works/masterspec/div26
• Milbank: meter sockets and metering equipment, https://www.milbankworks.com/
• Wikimedia Commons: Residential service entrance with multiple meters and a smart panel.jpg, by Rsparks3 (CC0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Residential_service_entrance_with_multiple_meters_and_a_smart_panel.jpg