In electrical terminology, how is 'feeder' defined?

A feeder is defined as a conductor that carries electrical energy from the service equipment to a distribution point, such as a subpanel or a transformer. This definition emphasizes the role of feeders in the electrical distribution system, where they are responsible for transporting power over a significant distance, typically from the service entrance where the electrical supply is received to other areas within a building or a facility.

Understanding this helps clarify the purpose of feeders in the overall electrical design. Feeders differ from branch circuits, which supply power to individual loads or devices, and they are critical for managing the load distribution across various sections of a building. The other options focus on other kinds of conductors or functions, such as local distribution or interconnecting branch circuits, which do not correctly capture the specific role of feeders in the context of electrical systems.