# Service Conductors: Building Code Definition > How the IRC 2009 define service conductors, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/service-conductors/ - Last updated: 2026-09-07 - Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Defined in | IRC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IRC 2009 Electrical Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 4 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Service conductors is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “The conductors from the service point to the service disconnecting means.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Services (IRC 2009), Electrical Definitions (IRC 2009), General Requirements (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it. *Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.* ## What does this term mean? **Service Conductors** — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions: > The conductors from the service point to the service disconnecting means. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Service Conductors: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/service-conductors/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IRC 2009 define service conductors, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Service Conductors** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Electrical Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/electrical-definitions.md) chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009: > The conductors from the service point to the service disconnecting means. ## Where service conductors is used in the code The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [Services](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/services.md) | IRC 2009 | 26 | | [Electrical Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/electrical-definitions.md) | IRC 2009 | 8 | | [General Requirements](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/general-requirements.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 | | [Wiring Methods](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wiring-methods.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 | ### The term in use How the code actually writes about service conductors, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here: > This chapter covers service conductors and equipment for the control and protection of services and their installation requirements. — [IRC 2009 §E3601.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/services.md) > The minimum size of service conductors shall be as specified in Chapter 36. — [IRC 2009 §E3406.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/general-requirements.md) > Underground service conductors that are not encased in concrete and that are buried 18 inches (457 mm) or more below grade shall have their location identified by a warning ribbon that is placed in the trench not less than 12 inches (305 mm) above the underground installation. — [IRC 2009 §E3803.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wiring-methods.md) ## The terms service conductors is built out of The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what service conductors covers: - **[Disconnecting Means](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/disconnecting-means.md)** — IRC 2009: A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply. - **[Service](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/service.md)** — IRC 2009: The conductors and equipment for delivering energy from the serving utility to the wiring system of the premises served. ## Service Conductors: what to open, and in what order Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows. | Check | Where | Confirmed | | --- | --- | --- | | Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Electrical Definitions | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Services (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Electrical Definitions (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Requirements (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wiring Methods (IRC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Disconnecting Means | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Service | | | Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | | **A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply. ## Where can you explore related guidance? - [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md) - [Disconnecting Means: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/disconnecting-means.md) - [Service: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/service.md) ## Sources and method Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control. ### Source links - [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) - [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the code definition of service conductors? The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “The conductors from the service point to the service disconnecting means.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally. ### Which parts of the code depend on service conductors? In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Services in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own. ### What is the NEC code for service entrance conductors? Service Entrance is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “An entrance intended primarily for delivery of goods or services.” That is not the same as service conductors, which the IRC 2009 defines as “The conductors from the service point to the service disconnecting means.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted. ### What are considered service conductors? In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “The conductors from the service point to the service disconnecting means.” It is defined in IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fservice-conductors%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/service-conductors/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt