What defines a 'feeder' according to the NEC?

A 'feeder' as defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) is specifically understood to be conductors that carry electrical energy from the service equipment—such as a transformer or main panel—to branch circuits. This definition emphasizes the role of feeders as the intermediary link in the distribution of electrical power within a facility.

Feeders are crucial in the electrical system as they are responsible for transporting electricity across varying distances from the main source of power to the areas where it is utilized. They are not intended for direct connection to end devices, which would be a characteristic of branch circuits that tap into the power delivered by feeders to supply specific loads such as outlets or lighting.

While conductors that connect multiple panels in a system are indeed an important part of electrical distribution, they do not encompass the full definition of feeders, which specifically concerns the movement of electrical energy to branch circuits. Thus, the focus on how feeders act as the supply path from the service equipment to the distribution points within the electrical system highlights their function and distinguishes them from other types of conductors.