How do a feeder and a branch circuit differ?

How do a feeder and a branch circuit differ?

• A. A feeder carries power from service equipment to distribution equipment; a branch circuit supplies individual loads from distribution equipment
• B. Feeder is for lightning
• C. Branch circuit is used only outdoors
• D. They are the same

Answer: (A)

Power distribution in a building is described in two parts: feeders and branch circuits. Feeder conductors carry power from service equipment to distribution equipment (like a subpanel). Branch circuits carry power from distribution equipment to individual loads (such as outlets, lights, or appliances). So the feeder is the path from the service to the distribution point, and the branch circuit is the path from that distribution point to the final loads. For example, the connection from the service panel to a subpanel is a feeder, while the connection from that subpanel to a receptacle or light is a branch circuit. The other options miss the role of feeders (not specifically for lightning), or the fact that branch circuits aren’t limited to outdoor use, and they aren’t the same thing.

Power distribution in a building is described in two parts: feeders and branch circuits. Feeder conductors carry power from service equipment to distribution equipment (like a subpanel). Branch circuits carry power from distribution equipment to individual loads (such as outlets, lights, or appliances). So the feeder is the path from the service to the distribution point, and the branch circuit is the path from that distribution point to the final loads. For example, the connection from the service panel to a subpanel is a feeder, while the connection from that subpanel to a receptacle or light is a branch circuit. The other options miss the role of feeders (not specifically for lightning), or the fact that branch circuits aren’t limited to outdoor use, and they aren’t the same thing.