In electrical terminology, what is a feeder?

A feeder refers to the electrical wiring that delivers power from a main service panel to a subpanel or to various branch circuits within a building. This connection is crucial for distributing electricity throughout a facility, especially in larger structures or systems where multiple circuits are required. Feeders are typically larger conductors built to handle the total load needed by all the branch circuits they supply, ensuring adequate power is delivered to the needed areas.

In contrast, the other options describe different components of an electrical system. Wires connecting to light bulbs pertain specifically to light fixtures and their immediate connections. A power outlet is a point where electricity can be accessed for external devices but does not describe the entire circuit system. A grounding wire is specifically for safety, providing a path for electric current to safely dissipate into the ground in the event of a fault, but it does not contribute to feeding power to circuits. Thus, the term "feeder" is correctly defined by its relationship to supplying power to remote panels or devices from a central source.