---
title: "What Is Service entrance? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "The service entrance is where utility power enters a building, along with the conductors and equipment that bring it to the main panel."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-entrance
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Power and utility

# Service entrance

The service entrance is where utility power enters a building, along with the conductors and equipment that bring it to the main panel.

OSHA defines service conductors as the conductors from the service point to the service disconnecting means. Oncor describes service entrance conductors as the customer-side conductors that run from the customer's equipment to the point of delivery. Power reaches the point of delivery by an overhead [service drop](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-drop) or an underground [service lateral](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-lateral).

The service entrance usually includes the [meter base](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/meter-base), the main disconnect and the panel. It holds the highest energy in the building, and the utility must be involved in changes. See [panels and service upgrades](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/electrical-panels-and-service-upgrades).

[Daniel Electric can helpElectrical panel repair and replacement](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrical-panel-repair-replacement)

## Related terms

-   [Service drop](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-drop)
-   [Service lateral](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-lateral)
-   [Meter base](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/meter-base)
-   [Main breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/main-breaker)

## Sources

1.  [OSHA: 1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart](https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.399)
2.  [Oncor: Electric Service Guidelines](https://www.oncor.com/content/dam/oncorwww/documents/electric-service-guidelines/Electric%20Service%20Guidelines%202021.pdf)

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