The term for the circuit conductors running from the last protective device to the outlets is which of the following?

• A. Feeder Circuit
• B. Distribution Run
• C. Branch Circuit
• D. Service Cable

Answer: (C)

The circuit conductors from the last protective device to the outlets are called the branch circuit. This portion of wiring carries power from the final overcurrent protection (the breaker or fuse in the panel) out to receptacles, lights, and other loads. It is sized and protected for the specific loads on that branch and terminates at the outlets or fixtures.

Feeder circuits, by contrast, run from the service equipment to distribution panels or subpanels and supply one or more branch circuits. Service cables are the conductors from the utility service point to the service disconnect. “Distribution run” isn’t the standard NEC term for this wiring.