What Is a Feeder?
Feeder is an electrical circuit that carries power from a service or distribution point to a panelboard, load center, or another distribution section. A feeder supplies multiple branch circuits or a substantial connected load. Feeder conductors, overcurrent protection, grounding, and installation methods must match the equipment and expected electrical demand.
Quick Facts About Feeder
Category
Electrical distribution circuit
Used for
Supplying panels and distribution equipment
Common confusion
Confused with a branch circuit
Also called
Feeder circuit, Feeder conductor
Often discussed with
Electrical Panel Upgrade
Key Takeaways About Feeder
- A feeder serves distribution equipment, not usually one individual outlet.
- Feeder sizing must match electrical demand and connected equipment.
- A feeder is not the same as a branch circuit.
How Feeder Works
Feeder conductors carry electrical power from service equipment or an upstream panel to downstream distribution equipment. The receiving equipment can be a load center, subpanel, or other panelboard. Feeder conductors include ungrounded conductors and a grounded or grounding path selected for the system design.
Related glossary terms: Branch Circuit, Load Center, Ampacity.
Overcurrent protection at the source helps protect the feeder conductors from excessive current. The feeder's ampacity must suit the connected load, conductor material, insulation, installation conditions, and equipment ratings. A panel upgrade may involve checking the feeder connection, conductor terminations, grounding arrangement, and available capacity before new equipment is installed. Branch circuits leave the downstream panel and supply individual outlets, lights, or appliances.
From the Chris Miller Electric team
When we work on an electrical panel upgrade, we trace the feeder from its source to the panel and inspect conductor condition, terminations, and protection. We also compare the feeder's capacity with the equipment being installed. That review helps us identify connection issues that a panel enclosure inspection alone may not reveal.
Feeder in Practice: A Real-World Example
A home panel upgrade may retain an existing feeder that supplies the panel from the service equipment. Our team checks the feeder conductors and terminations to confirm that the upgraded panel can be connected correctly.
Related Services
Related Terms
Branch Circuit
A branch circuit is the wiring path that carries power from a load center to outlets…
Load Center
A load center is an electrical panel that receives power from the service equipment and distributes…
Ampacity
Ampacity is the maximum continuous electrical current a conductor can carry under stated conditions without exceeding…
Busbar
Busbar is a conductive metal bar or strip inside an electrical panel that distributes power to…
Chris Miller Electric
Have Questions About Feeder?
Contact Chris Miller Electric for practical guidance on Feeder and related 24 hour electrician work in Fort Wayne.