Which of the following best describes the purpose of a service panel?

The primary purpose of a service panel, also known as a breaker panel or distribution board, is to distribute electricity and protect circuits throughout a building. It acts as the central hub where the main electrical service from the utility company enters the building and is divided into various branch circuits that lead to different areas of the home or facility.

Inside the service panel, circuit breakers or fuses serve two main functions. First, they distribute the electrical supply to various circuits, ensuring that each part of the building has access to electrical power as needed. Second, these devices provide crucial protection. They detect overcurrents caused by overloads or short circuits and interrupt the flow of electricity, thereby safeguarding the wiring and preventing potential fire hazards.

This distribution and protection aspect is vital for ensuring the safe operation of electrical systems in residential and commercial settings. While the other options touch on related concepts, they do not capture the comprehensive role of a service panel as effectively as the correct choice.