Question 1

The service drop for a residential overhead service entrance is usually installed with __________.

Accepted Answer

Triplex cable is commonly used for residential overhead service entrances, consisting of three conductors (two hot and one neutral) bundled together. This is a more cost-effective and efficient option compared to individual conductors or quadplex cable. Service entrance cable, while also used for residential overhead service entrances, is typically installed underground rather than overhead.

Question 2

A/an _________________________________ is a device used to provide a connection point for cable television, satellite TV, telephone, and any other system that requires being bonded to the house electrical power system grounding electrode.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A/an _________________________________ is a device used to...

Question 3

Explain the purpose of a weatherhead when used on either a service raceway or service entrance cable.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the purpose of a weatherhead when...

Question 4

____________________ is a wiring technique that allows electrical power from an existing electrical panel to be fed to a new panel by a short length of cable.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ____________________ is a wiring technique that allows...

Question 5

A(n) ____________________ is a surface on which a service panel or sub-panel is mounted. It is usually made of plywood and is often painted a flat black color.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A(n) ____________________ is a surface on which...

Question 6

The meter socket is usually located so the center of the kWh meter is from ____________________ to ____________________ feet above final grade.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The meter socket is usually located so...

Question 7

Conduit clamps used to support a service raceway installed on the side of a house must be installed no more than ____________________ feet from the weatherhead and meter socket.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Conduit clamps used to support a service...

Question 8

Explain the purpose of a porcelain standoff fitting.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the purpose of a porcelain standoff...

Question 9

A(n) __________ usually includes a weatherhead, a porcelain standoff fitting, a rubber weather collar, and a piece of roof flashing.

Accepted Answer

A mast kit typically includes all of these components and is used to secure and protect the electrical service entrance conductors as they enter a building. A service packet, service entrance package, or entrance kit may refer to a larger set of components that includes the mast kit as well as other components needed for electrical service installation.

Question 10

Explain what a M.L.O. panel is.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain what a M.L.O. panel is....

Question 11

A service mast is made of rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit and should be at least a __________ trade size conduit to provide adequate strength.

Accepted Answer

A service mast must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and snow loads. A 2" conduit provides the required strength for the service mast to support the weight of the service conductors and the weatherhead. Smaller conduit sizes may not provide adequate strength and may not meet local code requirements.

Question 12

If aluminum service conductors are being used, make sure a(n) ____________________ is used at each termination point to prevent oxidation of the conductors.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If aluminum service conductors are being used,...

Question 13

The working space in front of residential service equipment as stated in NEC Section 110.26 is __________ feet.

Accepted Answer

NEC Section 110.26 requires a minimum working space in front of residential service equipment to be 3 feet. This space must be clear and extend from the floor or platform to a height of 6 1/2 feet or the height of the equipment, whichever is higher. This is necessary to ensure adequate access for maintenance and to prevent electrical hazards.

Question 14

A _________________________ is installed over the service cable at the point where it goes through the hole in the side of the house to prevent water from entering the house.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A _________________________ is installed over the service...

Question 15

Outgoing electrical power is connected to the ____________________ side of electrical equipment.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Outgoing electrical power is connected to the...

Question 16

A(n) ____________________ is a type of conduit body that allows for a 90 degree change of direction in a raceway path. It is often used to allow the service raceway to run from the meter socket, through the side of the house, and continue to the service equipment enclosure.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A(n) ____________________ is a type of conduit...

Question 17

The amount of voltage that is needed to push the house electrical load current through the wires from the utility transformer, to the service panel, and back to the transformer is called __________.

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe the voltage loss that can occur when electrical current flows through conductors is called voltage drop. This loss of voltage can occur as electrical transmission lines and transformers have resistance, meaning that the wires generate heat and 'consume' a small amount of energy as current flows through them. The amount of voltage drop is proportional to the current flowing through the wires, so for a given load in a house, a higher current will result in a higher voltage drop. Therefore, the voltage needed to push the house electrical load current through the wires is equal to the voltage at the service panel plus the voltage drop along the way.

Question 18

Incoming electrical power is connected to the ____________________ side of electrical equipment.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Incoming electrical power is connected to the...

Question 19

Explain why sub-panels are often used in residential services.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why sub-panels are often used in...

Question 20

Three or four USE conductors can be combined together in a single cable assembly and used in a residential underground service installation. This type of cable is referred to as __________ cable.

Accepted Answer

Three or four USE conductors combined together in a single cable assembly for residential underground service installation is referred to as Underground Residential Distribution (URD) cable.

Quiz 8: Service Entrance Equipment and Installation